HURRICANE SEASON PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
Presented by the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica W.I.
Website: www.monagis.com
Email: info@monainformatixltd.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161 / (876) 977-3162
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Preparation can make all the difference in protecting your home, family, and community. Here are key tips and checklists to help you get ready and stay safe before, during, and after a storm/hurricane. These tips apply to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. The Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) is dedicated to providing you with accurate, timely, and practical information to enhance your hurricane preparedness and resilience.
BEFORE THE STORM: PREPARE YOUR HOME AND SAFETY
- Inspect and Repair: Check your roof, hurricane shutters, hooks, and latches for damage and make repairs where needed.
- Secure Roofing: Ensure galvanized sheeting on your roof is tightly fastened.
- Reinforce Structures: Keep extra lumber, plywood, and timber on hand for battening down windows and doors.
- Trim Trees: Cut back trees that touch power lines or hang over your house or nearby buildings.
- Secure Outbuildings: Firmly latch or tie down small structures such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, doghouse or barns.
- Remove Loose Objects: Clear yards and balconies of items that could become flying debris in high winds.
PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE POWER LOSS
- Emergency Cooking: Make sure your coal stove, gas stove or other backup cooking facilities are in good condition.
- Fuel Supply: Store kerosene and coal, keeping them dry in plastic or waterproof containers.
- Lighting: Have flashlights, batteries, kerosene lamps, and matches ready.
- Power Backup: Charge devices and keep portable battery packs available.
STOCK UP ON ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
- Food & Water: Store enough non-perishable food and drinking water for at least 4–5 days.
- Emergency Kit: Keep the following items in a waterproof container:
- Important documents (birth certificate, passport, insurance, etc.)
- First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medication list, etc.)
- Flashlight, batteries, portable radio
- Sanitary items and personal hygiene supplies
- Extra prescription medication
- Whistle (to signal for help if needed)
- Refrigeration Alternatives: Keep foods that require little or no cooking, since electricity may be off during the storm.
PLAN AHEAD WITH YOUR FAMILY
- Create a Family Disaster Plan: Know how to contact each other and where to meet if separated.
- Evacuation Plan: Identify your evacuation route and nearest shelters, police stations, fire stations and health centers.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of important numbers (fire, police, hospitals, etc.).
- Support Network: Create a personal support team – people who can help you or need your help during an emergency.
KNOW YOUR RISK & STAY INFORMED
- Know Your Area: Consult your local Municipal Council or Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI) Natural Hazards Tracker (https://hazards-map.monagis.com/) to learn about flood-prone or high-risk zones in your community.
- Understand Alerts:
- Tropical Storm watch means tropical storm conditions, are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
- Tropical Storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected in a specific area within the next 24 to 36 hours.
- Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible within a specified area, typically issued 48 hours
- Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected in a specified area, typically within 36 hours
- Stay Connected:
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather updates.
- Keep a battery-powered radio for important updates during power outages. Remember, many phones also have built-in radio features, though they often require wired headphones to receive a signal.
- Keep your phone charged and have a backup battery or power bank.
IF ADVISED TO EVACUATE: DO IT IMMEDIATELY
- Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. You should already know if your area is a disaster-prone location that may require emergency evacuation.
- Plan ahead if you require help to evacuate or rely on public transportation.
- Mobile homes, trailers, and RVs are not safe during hurricanes, plan to move to a sturdy shelter.
- Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, or internet for an extended period.
- Choose the safest location:
- A designated public shelter, or
- A small, windowless room on the lowest level of a strong building that’s not prone to flooding.
PREVENTION & LONG-TERM SAFETY
- Install storm shutters or reinforce windows and doors.
- Use hurricane straps to secure your roof. Clear drains and gullies to reduce flooding.
- Clear drains and gullies to reduce flooding.
- Stay alert for post-storm hazards such as fallen power lines and contaminated water. Beware of displaced wildlife such as crocodiles.
FINAL REMINDERS
- Prepare before the storm, not when it’s already approaching.
- Stay calm, stay informed, and stay connected with official updates.
- Follow trusted local agencies, including MGI, for weather tracking, geospatial updates, and safety information throughout the hurricane season.
MAIN EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS FOR JAMAICA
| Category | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| General Emergencies | Police, Fire, Ambulance: 119 |
| Police (Non-Emergency) | Kingston & St. Andrew: (876) 927-7681-9 Other parishes: Check JCF directory |
| Medical Emergencies / Hospitals | Ambulance: 110 or (876) 926-0296 (St. John Ambulance) University Hospital of the West Indies: (876) 927-1620-9 Kingston Public Hospital: (876) 922-0210-9 |
| Fire Department | Jamaica Fire Brigade: (876) 922-0007 / 922-0027 |
| Utility Emergencies | JPS (Electricity): 888-225-5577 (888-CALL-JPS) NWC (Water): 888-225-5692 (888-CALL-NWC) NWA (Roads): (876) 754-1900 |
| Disaster Assistance | ODPEM: (876) 906-9674-5 or 888-991-4262 |
Contact MGI:
Email: info@monainformatixltd.com
Phone: (876) 977-3161 / (876) 977-3162
Web: www.monagis.com
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