Information & Terminology
Hurricane season in The Bahamas runs from June 1st through November 30th. The three categories of tropical disturbances that can threaten The Bahamas during this time are differentiated by their highest one-minute average surface wind speed.

• TROPICAL DEPRESSIONS have a maximum wind speed of less than 39 mph.

• TROPICAL STORM indicates sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph).

• HURRICANES have wind speeds of at least 64 knots (74 mph).

When storm conditions are expected a TROPICAL STORM ALERT is issued which may contain a STORM WATCH or STORM WARNING, and when hurricane conditions are expected a HURRICANE ALERT is issued which may contain a HURRICANE WATCH or HURRICANE WARNING.

An alert gives the position, intensity and expected movement of a tropical cyclone and is coordinated with the Miami Hurricane Centre. A watch or warning states the area likely to be affected and when required, precautions are placed at the beginning of the alert message.

Alert
When a tropical cyclone can possibly bring storm or hurricane conditions to some part of The Bahamas within 60 hours, an alert is issued by the Meteorological Department.

Alert plus Watch
When a tropical cyclone will possibly bring storm or hurricane conditions to some part of The Bahamas within 36 hours an alert plus watch is issued.

Alert plus Warning
When a tropical cyclone is likely to bring storm or hurricane conditions within 24 hours to some part of The Bahamas, an alert plus warning is issued.

All Clear
When the threat of tropical storm or hurricane conditions in a particular area has passed, an all clear is issued.

Dissemination of Tropical Cyclone Alerts
Tropical Cyclone messages are broadcast over the Public Radio Bahamas Network (1540,1240 & 810 KHz Freeport), ZNS TV Channel 13 and Channel 11 on Cable Bahamas, Love 97 (97.5FM), More FM (94.9FM), 100 Jamz (100.3FM), and over the marine broadcast C6N-2 (2558 KHz), VHF Channel 27 (161.95 KHz), Single Side Band (2522 KHz) on receipt and at frequent intervals thereafter.

Note: Those persons who listen to Florida radio and television broadcasts should note that, quite understandably, such broadcasts may be geared to Florida's interests and may emphasize certain risk to Florida, which may not be the same broadcast from stations in The Bahamas

Tropical Cyclone Alert messages are also prefixed to the "Weather by Phone" forecast in New Providence (dial 915) Tropical Cyclone Alert Messages are also transmitted by BATELCO to all their Family Island Operators as soon as possible after receipt.

Precautions
Before Hurricane Season:
• Learn location of Official Shelters
• Review need for and working condition of emergency equipment, i.e. flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.
• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, to properly secure your home
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed
• Determine where to move boat in an emergency
• Review your insurance policy
• Secure loose shingles and repair broken windows and doors

During a Storm / Watch Area:
• Frequently listen to radio, TV for official alert messages
• Fuel and service family vehicles
• Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs
• Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or other shielding materials
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications
• Prepare to bring lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects such as garbage cans indoors

During a Storm / Warning Area:
• Closely monitor radio, TV for official alert messages
• Complete preparation activities, such as putting up storm shutters, storing loose objects, etc.
• Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so
• If evacuating, leave early (if possible, in daylight). Stay with friends or relatives at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or go to a predestined public shelter outside a flood zone.
• Leave mobile homes in any case

During a Storm/Plan To Evacuate If:
• You live in a mobile home. They are unsafe in high winds no matter how well fastened to the ground
• You live on the coastline, an offshore island, or flood plain

During a Storm/If Staying In A Home:
Only stay in a home if you have NOT been ordered to leave. Stay inside a well constructed building. In structures such as a home, examine the building and plan in advance what you will do if winds become strong. Strong winds can produce deadly missiles and structural failure.

• Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary
• Turn utilities off if told to do so by authorities
• Turn off propane tanks
• Unplug small appliances
• Fill bathtub and large containers with water

During a Storm/If Winds Become Strong:
• Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway
• Lie on the floor under a table, desk or another sturdy object
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors
• If you are in a two-storey building and away from water, go to the first or second floor
• If you are outside, get into the open away from buildings and power lines
• If you are driving a car, stop the car but stay inside

When the eye of a hurricane passes over, the weather is normally clear and dead calm. It can take up to an hour to pass. Then winds and torrential rain will resume quite suddenly at full force from the opposite direction.

After the Storm: Check for Injuries
• Check for injuries. If anyone has stopped breathing, give mouth to mouth rescue breathing
• Stop any bleeding injury by applying direct pressure over the site of the wound
• Do not attempt to move a seriously injured person unless he/she is in immediate danger of further injury
• Cover a victim with blankets to keep him/her warm and seek medical help immediately
• Wear shoes in all areas near debris or broken glass
• Immediately clean up any spilled medicines, drugs or other potentially harmful materials such as bleach, gasoline or lye

After the Storm: Check for Safety
• Keep listening to radio or TV
• Wait until area is declared safe before entering or venturing outside
• Roads may be closed for your protection. If you come to a barricade or a flooded road, turn around
• Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads. Do not drive into flooded areas
• Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off of your feet
• Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage
• Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage. Do not use lighters/open flame appliances/electrical switches until you are certain that no gas leak exists. Sparks can ignite from a broken line. Shut off electrical power at the control box if there is any damage to your house wiring
• Do not touch loose or dangling wires of any description. Damaged electrical power lines can become entangled with wire fences or telephone lines and contact could prove fatal. Instead report loose power lines and broken sewage or water pipes immediately to the appropriate utility
• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated
• Use the telephone to report life-threatening emergencies only
• Be especially cautious if using a chainsaw to cut fallen trees

After the Storm: Check your Food Supply
• Do not eat or drink anything from open containers near shattered glass
• Check your freezer and plan meals to use up foods that will spoil quickly
• Use an outdoor grill for emergency cooking

The Bahamas Golden Pages Hurricane Checklist
Hurricanes are cyclones that develop over the warm tropical oceans and have sustained winds in excess of 64 knots (74 miles/hour). These storms are capable of producing dangerous winds, torrential rains and flooding, all of which may result in tremendous property damage and loss of life among Island populations. Knowing how best to prepare for and manage during these phenomena helps minimize the cost and inconvenience which may occur. Our recent experiences in the Bahamas underline the extent of the damage that hurricanes can cause and therefore, how essential it is to PREPARE PROMPTLY and PROPERLY.

This “BAHAMAS GOLDEN PAGES – HURRICANE CHECKLIST” is a valuable reference tool to have readily available before, during and after a hurricane.