The Emergency Measures Organisation met today for a planning session as hurricane season prepares to heat up.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said that through the EMO the Government was readying itself for any threat the season might present.

“Today's meeting confirms that all government agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure readiness, and I want to assure the public that we are not leaving anything to chance,” Mr Weeks said.

A government spokesman said that all EMO agencies and government departments had completed or were finalising their hurricane preparedness measures.

“The EMO also discussed the planned scenario-based tabletop exercise scheduled for June 18 to assess national response procedures,” the spokesman added.

“A follow-up EMO meeting is set for July 23, including a tabletop exercise debrief. The EMO stands ready to reconvene earlier if a developing storm requires immediate coordination.”

In its annual preseason forecast, the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that an above-average season was expected, with conditions in the Atlantic favourable for storm development.

The organisation forecast between 13 and 19 named storms, including between six and ten hurricanes, of which three to five are expected to become major hurricanes, reaching at least Category 3 strength.

An average hurricane season includes 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.

Mr Weeks said the public needed to stay informed about potential storms, stating that the Bermuda Weather Service was the official authority for forecasts and updates.

“Likewise, our Government Emergency Broadcast Station at 100.1FM is the official source of EMO updates during storms, especially during a power outage,” he said.

“Every household should have a working, battery-powered FM radio ready."

The community was urged to prepare family emergency plans, discuss with loved ones what to do during a storm and stock up on non-perishable food and water, with the storm preparedness page online at www.gov.bm/are-you-ready-hurricane-season.

“Preparedness is not just a government responsibility,” Mr Weeks added.

“It starts at home. We must all take proactive steps now to reduce our risks later.”