It can be a tough call deciding whether to stay at home during a storm or make your way to a shelter.
Both have their advantages, so it’s ultimately a personal choice, unless the Governor declares a state of emergency and orders a mandatory evacuation of an area.

Shelters are available in each of the districts and there are several to choose from.

When hurricane season begins, residents should locate their nearest shelter and figure out the best route to get there, in case they have to make a last-minute dash for the shelters, most of which are in schools.
Even if you plan to stay at home, make sure you have enough water, food, bedding and any necessary medication just in case you have to suddenly head for one of the shelters.

Once a Storm Watch is initiated, people must decide if they are going to move to shelters, to another location such as an office or a friend’s house, or stay at home.

When a Storm Alert – two red flags with black centres – is posted, those who have decided to do so should start making their way to their chosen public shelter.

Deciding whether to bunk down at home or take your chances with other people in a shelter depends on a number of factors. Is your home near the sea? Is it in a flood-prone area? Will your home to too hot and uncomfortable for you without electricity and air conditioning during the storm?

If you are new to an area, it’s a good idea to talk to your neighbours and get advice on what they typically do during hurricanes. They’ve been through them before and have a good idea what to expect.

But even the best prepared residents who have taken advice and are confident they can ride out the storm at home can be caught short because hurricanes are notoriously unpredictable. A house that survived unscathed in one storm can fall victim to the next, so it’s best to take as many precautions to protect your property as possible.

Regardless of whether they go to a shelter or not, people living in areas that usually flood in heavy rains or who live near the sea should shore up their doors with sandbags and seal doors and windows with waterproof duct tape.

If there is an order to evacuate, residents should immediately leave their homes and go to the shelters, or to the homes of friends in areas that are not as threatened.

Those who stay at home should determine an escape route in the event that they have to leave suddenly.

They should let friends and family know of their decision and routes and inform them about back-up plans.
It is important to have a plan in place before hurricane season begins. According to Hazard Management Cayman Islands: “You should have a family plan, one developed with input from everyone living in your home. People with special needs should have plans that address these needs.

“If your family includes a pregnant woman or a mother with a small infant, or if a family member that is elderly, disabled or sick – a plan can ensure that their special needs are provided for.”

People should have a written plan, with a list of actions, assigning those actions to various family members, to avoid any confusion.

There should also be plans for securing your home; protecting your vehicles, boat and other property; and for taking care of pets and livestock.

If you decide to go to a shelter, make sure you have enough supplies with you. This includes food and water for three to five days, a set of clean clothes, bedding and medications. 

Evacuation procedures

 Hazard Management Cayman Islands can recommend that particular areas of any of the three Islands should be evacuated in the event of a hurricane hitting land or causing major damage.
If an area is at high risk, it will publicly notify people through the media and initiate evacuation procedures.
Emergency services personnel will drive through neighbourhoods, announcing the need to evacuate on loud speakers. At this stage, all residents in that area should leave at once and go to a designated shelter or other safe location.

 For visitors on Island, Hazard Management Cayman Islands initiates arrangements to transport them by plane off Cayman. National carrier Cayman Airways lays on additional flights and other airlines also assist to ensure tourists are not left stranded here during a hurricane. However, evacuations are voluntary and seats on flights are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

 Most hotels evacuate guests if a hurricane is nearing the island, though some will allow visitors to stay, depending on the size and direction of the storm.

 Visitors who are unable to get a flight out and who cannot stay at their hotels are housed in shelters to ride out the storm. Some hotels will allow visitors to stay on the property during the storm, depending on the size and direction of the hurricane.