up to the Internet this hurricane season.

Internet Bermuda Limited (IBL) has expanded on the website it developed with the Bermuda Weather Service last year, focusing instead on what is traditionally the greatest threat facing the Island at this time of the year -- the hurricane.

"The weather page has always been popular,'' explained Glenn Mehuys, IBL's Development & Support Manager. "It was started with the Bermuda Weather Service and enhanced with graphics last year.

"One thing which stood out at the beginning of last summer was the hurricane watch season. We found that during (that) season, the page was so popular that people were hitting it all the time because they could get information there from such direct sources as the National Hurricane Centre and some universities.'' Because of that demand, Mr. Mehuys said it was decided to enhance the page as much as possible, providing even more information and a dedicated site -- /w.w.w.hurricane.bm. Such a plan was made easier through agreements established with their sources.

"It's easier for people to remember and to get to the site,'' he said. "We have agreements with the main providers of our weather information -- the National Hurricane Centre and Michigan and Purdue universities and it was their plan to enhance their graphs and make distribution of their information more complete.

"Because the process is to be automated, whenever they update the information on their site, it's automatically updated on our site. And we can pull their information into our site in Bermuda on a regular basis so that when people are accessing from Bermuda, the information is coming from a local source.

They'll also be able to access information faster than people on a dial; basically we'll make it a lot more organised and easier for people to get information and access to that Planning is important make sure that you plan your time-table so that everyone has had a bath or shower before you "settle in.'' After showering, clean and fill the bathtub with cold water enabling a ready source for washing and flushing.

If the plug has a slow leak cocer it with a piece of clear film kitchen wrap.

The water pressure will hold it in place. Do not use this water for drinking as it might be contaminated. Store drinking water in clean containers.

Unless you must stay awake, avoid foods and drinks with stimulants might keep you awake, and alcohol in any form.

Save the coffee for when you need it and the alcohol for the post-storm party.

Storm force winds can begin hours before the hurricane force winds arrive and last for many hours after the hurricane has passed. Be prepared to spend some time in your refuge room and as soon as the winds "get up'' settle in there and relax. By the time the winds have risen it is too late to do anything outside safely and you should have prepared the inside.

Close and lock all external doors. If they have a tendency to leak in strong winds put down towels. Close internal doors firmly, especially check cupboard and closet doors.

Opening a window on the side of the house is common and has its advantages and disadvantages. It will help ventilation, but be sure that it is on the side away from the wind.

Make sure it is a window you can reach to close easily and has a shutter. If the wind direction shifts, be prepared to close it and open another. If you are not sure about opening any window, don't bother, it really isn't necessary.

Lastly, as you settle down, do so dressed and wearing sensible shoes sturdy enough to walk over broken glass should if necessary.

Things happen quickly and undressed without shoes, you may find yourself unprepared.

A strike probability map taken off the Internet. Supplied by Internet Bermuda Limited Timely information can prevent misfortune HURRICANES SUPPLEMENT HUR