Hurricane season in Barbados and the Atlantic basin runs from June 1st to November 30th. This year the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) predicts near-normal or below-normal hurricane season is likely this year. The outlook calls for a 50% chance of a below-normal season, a 40% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of an above-normal season. an active season with a 70 percent likelihood of 8 to 13 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher. The NOAA have forecasted that 3 to 6 of these storms could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher. This could include 1 to 2 major hurricanes which would be Category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher. These expected ranges are centred below the official NHC 1981-2010 seasonal averages of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes, but we still urge you to be please be prepared!
Here are a few tips to prepare you for before, during and after a storm if you’re in the Caribbean:
Before
- Store shutters and materials for boarding up windows and doors.
- Trim tree branches. Ensure to call Barbados Light & Power to have them remove any limbs that are too close to power lines.
- Clear gutters and drains of debris.
- Store important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account in a waterproof, portable container.
- Learn where the closest shelter to you is located.
- Turn refrigerator to the coldest setting in case the power goes off. To conserve the fridge temperature, pack a cooler with the items you will use the most in order to regulate how often you go in and out of the fridge.
- Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
- Store outdoor furniture in case of high winds.
- Bring animals inside.
- Stock up on batteries for all devices.
- Buy a small generator.
Click the following link for a full list of supplies you should consider stocking up with for the hurricane season: Hurricane Supplies: Be Prepared
During
- Stay indoors.
- Keep listening to the radio to keep updated on the hurricane’s activity.
- If there is a lull in storm activity, DO NOT go outside. There is generally a temporary time of calm as the eye of a hurricane, which is usually followed by high winds coming from the opposite direction.
After
- Continue listening to the radio for updates on damages caused, any roads blocked etc.
- Avoid the urge to go sight seeing until you’re given the all-clear from the officials.
- Avoid using your vehicle unless necessary. Be aware of flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- Keep away from loose or damaged power lines and report them immediately. Call 626-1800.
- Inspect your home for any damages and take pictures for building and contents insurance purposes.
- Avoid drinking or cooking with water from the tap until there is clearance that it is not contaminated.
- Use landlines and cell phones for emergency calls only.
- Use flashlights and NOT candles in the dark.
[box] Did you know?
Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms had been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center. There are six lists that are used in rotation and re-cycled every six years, i.e. the 2014 list will be used again in 2020. The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity.
The names for 2014 storms are:
Arthur
Bertha
Cristobal
Dolly
Edouard
Fay
Gonzalo
Hanna
Isaias
Josephine
Kyle
Laura
Marco
Nana
Omar
Paulette
Rene
Sally
Teddy
Vicky
Wilfred [/box]