Times of the Islands Summer 2022

to the coastline. If you live near the coast on any of the
Islands, you need to look at flood maps to see what kind
of inundation would occur to your area should you try to
stay home during a hurricane.
Look at your roof, windows, yard. Think about wind
impacts—what would likely get damaged if caught by
winds. Keep your yard clear of debris. If a tropical system
is headed your way, bring in plants and anything that
could become an airborne projectile. Consider procuring
some resources well in advance that you could use to
hurricane-proof your home, such as plywood sheets for
windows.
Develop your hurricane evacuation plan. It should
include a hurricane shelter in one of your communities.
Think about food and electricity. If you are able, stock
several flashlights, non-perishable foods and bottled
water. A three to five-day supply of each is a good start!
Once you have your plan in place, tell friends and
family, as communications could be severed for days at
a time. Your plan will give friends and family a starting
point to look for you to know you are safe.
Finally, and most importantly, follow TCI’s Department
of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME). The
staff has invested a lot of time and training to be able
to provide the Islands’ citizens with excellent information
when severe weather threatens. DDME is the official
source for information during impending tropical systems
on the Islands. They have a Facebook page that is a
great resource for information. Utilize it.
For tourists, it is advisable that you monitor weather
a week or more before you travel. A couple of go-to sites
include the National Hurricane Center and Turks and
Caicos Islands Weather Info on Facebook. If you do find
yourself on island during a tropical system, take comfort
in knowing that the resorts have plans and protocols in
place for their guests to stay safe during hurricane season.
Stay in contact with the front desk. They will have
important information you need and will work as a team
to keep all of their patrons safe. Make sure you share
your flight and length of stay information with friends
that you trust. That will give them important information
if they need to look for you after a hurricane passes.
Hurricane season can be scary, however, armed with
the right information you will be prepared. You will be
able to move about your day to day plans with confidence,
knowing you are ready to weather whatever
Mother Nature sends our way. a
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