Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Season Prep

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is now behind us but it is a good time to take stock again. Last year's hurricane season showcased above-average activity with 18 names storms (defined as a storm with winds greater than 39 mph) of which 11 were hurricanes and five major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater).

As we enjoy the respite from hurricane season, residents should begin to think about next season's preparation. Consider your emergency plans, the supplies you will need and how you will stay informed throughout the season. It is worth looking back on last year's season - consider how your plans fared in the face of Hurricane Beryl, the Category 3 storm that passed just 47 miles southwest of Grand Cayman in early July.

Here are a few thinks to think about:

Hurricane dangers: Wind speed isn't all that matters. Storm surge and waves are significant threats in Cayman Islands due to low elevation.

Plan for power outages: Stock up on food, water, and a radio for hurricane aftermath. Prepare for at least a week without utilities.

Get prepared before the season: Install shutters, gather supplies, and withdraw cash. Don't wait until the last minute.

Choose your shelter: Decide whether your home is safe or in case of too powerful a storm to contend with, you would evacuate to higher ground or a shelter. Consider medical needs and pets when choosing shelter.

Hurricane Ivan approaches Grand Cayman on September 11th 2004

When is Hurricane Season in the Cayman Islands

The Atlantic hurricane season is from the 1st June to 30th November every year. The peak months typically run from August through October, according to NOAA.

Hurricane Season 2024keyboard_arrow_right

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season saw above-average activity for the ninth year running. Click here for everything you need to know about hurricanes, how they pose a risk to life and property in Cayman, storm prediction statistics, guides and tips, checklists and detailed information on what will need to know to get yourself ready.

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Hurricane Key Tips

Carefully assess your home. Start by ensuring that trees are gently pruned (if necessary), especially if they are close to power lines or water pipes. This will minimise damage to your electricity and water supply from debris and uprooted plants. Never attempt to cut branches close to power lines yourself; call CUC on Tel: (345) 949 5200 and their Customer Service Department will send a team to evaluate your property and trim any potential hazards. You should also ask your gardener or strata maintenance to remove coconuts as they become dangerous missiles in high winds and a threat to your home.

Go through the ‘Things To Do’ Checklist leading up to a storm and ensure that you turn off your main breaker and unplug appliances to prevent electrical damage from lightning and power surges. Cayman is a small, flat island so sea levels can rise during storm surge. In the event of a major hurricane (category three or above), move to at least 10ft above sea level (the storm surge during Ivan was measured at 8-10ft). If possible find higher ground to park your car and boat.

Make plans to be without power for 5–7 days, though it could be even longer. After Hurricane Ivan, it took 3–8 weeks for electricity and landline telephones and about 1–2 weeks for water supplies to be restored to most parts of Cayman. You should have an emergency supply of canned food and water that will last for at least a week. It is advised to store a gallon of water per day for each person in your house. To keep drinking water cool, store containers in dark locations. Also, having a portable radio with extra batteries on hand is very important. Radio Cayman 89.9FM (93.9FM in the Sister Islands) is a good radio station for hurricane information and updates on how the storm is progressing, although your favourite radio station will also keep you updated.

Preparation is the key – it’s too late to install hurricane shutters or a generator during the hurricane season as parts take time to order and install. When a hurricane is imminent, it is too late to measure up and try to fit plywood shutters or to buy supply kits, as other people will be doing the same and supplies may run short. It is also too late to think about saving your personal items, important documents, filling the car gas tank and water containers or withdrawing money from the bank when a hurricane is imminent, as the water and power may be turned off 12 hours before the hurricane hits! Remember that weather conditions will turn wet and windy well before the hurricane is due to hit, so your preparations will be further hampered.

Take out enough cash to last you for a few weeks, as no one will take personal cheques after a storm, ATM machines may not work and banks could ration cash withdrawals.

Decide where you are going to stay for the duration of a hurricane well ahead of time. If your home is strong, elevated and away from the coastline, then it is probably the best place to ride out a storm. Check with neighbours ahead of time and ask about the vulnerability of the surrounding area in which you live. If you decide that it is safe to stay in your home, find the safest areas in your house and potential escape routes as well. If you determine that your property is not strong enough (or if the location in which you live makes it vulnerable) then plan to evacuate. Low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding are at particular risk.

Many people are often able to take shelter at their place of work or at a friend’s house on higher ground. Hurricane shelters are certainly an option to consider and a list of locations are available on our Hurricane Shelters page or the Cayman Prepared website.

A very good hurricane information pack is available from Hazard Management. Download it here!

Storm Aftermath Tips

The aftermath of hurricane can be a stressful time, even though the worst is finally over. To remain healthy and safe after the storm, follow these helpful tips:

1. Always assume that powerlines are live and never touch low hanging lines or objects in contact with them.
2. Only turn on your main breaker once you are sure that every secondary breaker is switched off.
3. Open windows and doors to ventilate your house and dry flooded or damp areas to mitigate damage from mould.
4. Boil any water before consuming.
5. Do not turn your water back on until advised that water services have been restored in your area. Once you turn on the water, inspect your home for damaged pipes.
6. Be especially careful of pests, such as scorpions, which disperse during storms.
7. Check thoroughly for gas leakages before striking a match.
8. Try to restrict using the telephone unless it is an emergency to save battery life and keep lines open.
9. Avoid walking in settled water as there may be bacteria in it.

Last Year's Hurricane Season (2024)

There was above-average activity during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane driven by consistently above-average sea surface temperatures. The region experienced 18 named storms, eleven of which were hurricanes, with five developing into major hurricanes. This includes Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Atlantic basin Category 5 hurricane on record, which passed 47 miles southwest of Grand Cayman. Little Cayman got a battering by Hurricane Rafael when it passed just south of the island in November, downing trees and power line but thankfully no one was hurt.

Download the Cayman Islands National Emergency Notification System to receive direct alerts in the event of a disaster or emergency.