As Bermuda battens down for the weekend, locals are being advised to run through a checklist of hurricane preparations.

The Emergency Measures Organisation posts updates at www.emobermuda.com and over the government emergency broadcast station at FM 100.1. Weather updates are given by phone at 977 and at the Bermuda Weather Service's website, www.weather.bm.

For emergencies, ambulance, fire, police and marine rescue can be reached at 911, Works & Engineering at 295 5151 and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital at 236 2345.

In advance of the hurricane, the EMO advises Bermudians to secure loose object outdoors such as garden furniture, barbecues, garbage containers and plants. Bikes should be moved indoors and shutters put in place on windows. During the hurricane, it is recommended to open one window a couple of inches on the leeward side of the building, to reduce the build up of air pressure indoors.

However, if the eye of the hurricane passes overhead — which is possible in the case of Hurricane Igor — winds will return from the opposite direction.

As a storm approaches, any electronics without surge protection should be unplugged. It is also recommended that cable TV be unhooked from televisions. One light should be left on to monitor electricity. Belco should not be called for power outages during a storm, but the number to call for downed power lines is 955.

Do not approach downed wires or attempt to remove fallen branches from wires. A Belco advisory on generators recommended that users ensure devices are compatible with their 110 volt appliances, which should be plugged directly into the generator without overloading.

Do not connect the generator into household lines, and make sure the generator is earthed. Generators should also be operated outdoors in good ventilation with shelter from rain.

They should never be refuelled while running, or while hot, and the generator output cord should be unplugged before the device is started.

Gas tanks for cars and bikes should be filled, while gas cylinders for cooking should be switched off. In areas where seawater contamination is likely, pipes leading from the roof to the tank should be closed off.

In addition, both the EMO and Belco advised stocking up on the following items:

• Flashlights, candles and matches

• Non-perishable foods, fresh water, powdered milk, toilet paper

• Bleach to purify water (four drops per gallon)

• Batteries, buckets, rope and wire

• Battery-operated AM/FM radio, clock and fan

• Portable stove and fuel, generator, chainsaw

• Plastic sheets, tape, hammer, nails, garbage bags

• Water jugs, plywood, tarpaulin, work gloves

• Fire extinguisher, sand bucket, first aid kits

• Coolers and ice packs

• Household bleach to purify water (one drop per litre or four drops per gallon)