Hurricane Preparedness Guide

The Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins June 1^st until November 30^th-although some of the most devastating storms have formed after the hurricane season. This Storm and Hurricane Guide provides useful information on prevention, protection and procedures for the BAMSI community and North Andros community at large.  Students in the Institute’s dorms will also receive information pertaining to storm preparations from the Office of Student Affairs, Residence Life Associate, and/or Security who will advise of any evacuation plans.

Please visit our website at www.bamsibahamas.edu.bs or our Facebook pages, BamsiBahamas, or student WhatsApp groups for more information especially when severe weather threatens. Also please stay tuned to local news or tune into the Bahamas Meteorology Department website, www.bahamasweather.org.bs) for more information. Below are some of the definitions of terms and signals that you may be hearing during the hurricane season:

TROPICAL DEPRESSION: A weather front with sustained winds of less than 39 mph. When a Tropical Depression occurs the Met Office begins to issue a series of advisories, which include watches and warnings, based on the strength and position of an approaching storm as follows:

TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified islands within 48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified islands within 36 hours.

HURRICANE ALERT: A hurricane alert is issued when there is a threat of an approaching hurricane and residents are advised to take the necessary precautions to secure life and property. Torrential rains and destructive waves known as storm surges may create flood conditions in coastal and low lying areas.  

HURRICANE WATCH: A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher). Hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force.

HURRICANE WARNING: The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher).

General Preparation Tips

• Plan ahead, plan what you will need to do at work and at home to prepare for the storm.
• Stay calm, listen to weather and emergency radios.
• Back up computer hard drives and software, shut down computers and protect computer equipment.
• Store software and data disks in a dry place at shoulder level like the top drawer of a filing cabinet.
• Valuable items in your office should be moved and secured away from windows.
• Lock windows and close blinds.
• Make sure vehicles have adequate fuel. Fill up those with 3/4 tank or less.
• Park vehicles in a safe location away from trees and in areas not prone to flooding.
• Unplug electrical equipment such as computers, printers, clocks, radios, etc.
• Cover large valuables with plastic for protection.
• If caught in a building, stay inside, away from windows and near the centre of the building.
• Leave for your home or designated safety area well before the hurricane hits.
• Use battery operated flashlights and lanterns. Don't use any open flames (like candles and oil lamps) for lighting.

Students and Parents

• Students should contact their parents prior to the storm to advise them of their location and then again shortly after the storm to inform them of their status. It would be easier for students to contact their parents than for parents to locate students.
• All furniture, including beds, should be moved away from windows.
• Since floors can get wet, all articles such as electronic equipment, shoes, rugs, clothes, bags, suitcases, etc., should be placed on closet shelves or in dresser drawers.
• Papers, books, school supplies, etc. should be put inside desks or dressers.
• Valuables should be placed in lockable closets or drawers and secured throughout a severe storm.
• All doors should be locked when occupants are not in the room or apartment.
• All students should fill several small containers with water for drinking. Those students who live in facilities that have bathtubs should clean the tub and fill it halfway. If the hurricane is a major storm, water supply may be cut off. If this is the case, the water in the tubs will be needed for washing and flushing the toilets.
• All windows must be closed tightly.
• Disconnect all electrical equipment.

To Protect Your Property When a hurricane watch is issued for your area, the following measures can help prevent or minimize damage to your home or property:

• Protect windows, sliding glass doors, and skylights with shutters or plywood.
• Put your car in a garage or other shelter. Secure boats and trailers. Secure outdoor furniture and any other loose material outside.
• If you are leaving your home, lock and secure the premises. Take small valuables and important documents with you. It's a good idea to take copies of your home inventory and insurance policies and cards.

Do you have an Emergency Supplies Kit? A basic emergency supply kit could include the following items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery- garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Cell phone with chargers.
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

North Andros Hurricane Shelters: Listed are the approved shelters. Managers and contact information for the same will vary from season to season. BAMSI will do its best to inform you of such persons and any additional information as the time arises.  Should you have to use a shelter please do not forget to bring Water (one gallon per person); Food; Clothing and Bedding; Personal Items. First Aid Supplies and Medications; Important Papers (passports, birth certificates, etc.) and Miscellaneous items (small games, toys, battery powered radio, flashlights and batteries.) Remember Shelters cannot accept pets.