Inspect and repair windows, blinds, shutters, latches and hooks.

Prune trees and overhanging branches.

Keep emergency equipment available to include a hammer and nails, a pair of pliers, plywood boarding (for windows), masking tape, plastic sheeting, rope, buckets (for fresh water), a first-aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, matches, an AM/FM radio (battery operated), a fire extinguisher or sand bucket, a non-electric stove and fuel.

Keep a stock of candles, hurricane lamps and torches, but avoid using them if possible, especially during high winds (fires caused by candles and kerosene lamps are a major hazard during hurricanes). If you keep your candles in the fridge they will burn slower.

Decide which is the safest room or location inside your house if a hurricane strikes.

If you have an electric stove it's worth investing in a barbeque or grill so you can cook food in the event of a long power cut.

Important numbers that can be used in case of emergency: Fire: 911; Police: 911; Ambulance: 911; Belco: 955; Telephone repairs: 903; Weather: 977; Tropical Weather: 977-3; Harbour Radio: 297-1010; Emergency Radio station FM 100.1 MHz.