The hurricane season for the Caribbean lasts from June through November, with August and September being the two most active months. With the increase in technology, these systems can be monitored and reported on a regular basis. Therefore, there is no reason for persons in the region to be caught unaware. BETTER BE READY!

A hurricane begins as a tropical disturbance and becomes a tropical storm when winds are between 39 to 73 miles per hour. While not at hurricane level, tropical storms can be as dangerous as a hurricane and proper care must be exercised.

A hurricane is declared when winds reach 74 miles per hour. Hurricane are one of the most dangerous weather phenomena known to man and must be taken seriously. Every year, hurricanes result in extreme property damage and loss of life through high winds and heavy rains.

• Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter in your area. Contact your Red Cross or local public authority for location nearest you.

• Trim the trees in your yard, especially those near your home, so limbs won't fly around during a storm. Inspect your roof and fix any loose tiles. 

• If you have hurricane shutters, inspect them now and repair damaged ones. Know how to install them. And if you'll be boarding up your windows, have the wood and tools handy.

• Make sure you know the location of the main electric breaker and the gas and water valves in your home and you have a clear path to easily access them to shut them off when a hurricane approaches.

• Develop a family buddy system during the hurricane season. Makes sure that there is always someone looking out for every member of the family.

• Place your house keys in an easily accessible location to allow family members to evacuate quickly in an emergency like a hurricane.

• Make a list of items in and around your yard to bring in or tie down when a tropical storm or hurricane approaches -- like TV antenna, plants, garbage cans and yard furniture.

• Assemble a hurricane kit for your home with items like water, non-perishable foods, first aid supplies, can opener, hurricane tracking map, radio and torch with extra batteries, hurricane lantern, matches, extra set of keys, emergency money and a one month supply of prescription medicines.

• If you have a boat or vehicle, plan now where you will store it in the event of a hurricane. If you plan to move it, make sure it is in good working condition, fuelled and checked.

• Businesses should assign employees to various tasks, such as monitoring weather news, boarding up and securing the office, protection company records, backing up computer systems regularly and if you'll need to operate from a temporary site, have a plan to do so.

• Check your insurance policy for wind and flood damage, especially if you're in a low-lying area.