Hurricanes are big storms which form only in warm air and over warm water.

2. Hurricanes are big storms which form only in warm air and over warm water. The development of a hurricane is difficult to predict, but it can be monitored or tracked. At the NHT, we use this leverage to plan and inform our response as outlined in the NHT’s Disaster Management Plan. In this communication, we remind you of the specific activities to be undertaken before, during and after a hurricane event. Floor Marshalls please be guided by your responsibility !

3. THE HURRICANE SEASON The official hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. The month in which a hurricane occurs is very important, as certain patterns are likely: See below: JUNE June hurricanes tend to be small and not of great strength. JULY July hurricanes tends to be stronger than June hurricanes SEPTEMBER September is the peak of the hurricane season when many dangerous storms occur. AUGUST August hurricane tend to be stronger than those of June and July. OCTOBER During October, hurricane activity decreases and shifts westward with most storms forming in the northwest Caribbean sea NOVEMBER November hurricane activity falls off dramatically as cold air masses. Less than 40% of these storms even become hurricanes as they usually move rapidly north-eastward into colder areas.

4. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO 72 HOURS BEFORE A HURRICANE? • All staff members should listen to the weather broadcasts monitoring the progress of the hurricane. • The Branch Manager or Manager, Facilitation ( Corporate Office), together with the Floor Marshall/Disaster Coordinator should: • Ensure that supplies of plastic bags and carton boxes are provided. • Checks should be made of the compound to identify likely hazards. • Identify material, equipment or installations that could become windborne during the hurricane. • Ensure roofing is secure and remove from the compound all loose objects which might cause damage. • Review Hurricane Defense Procedure with staff members. • Inspect and test communication system. • Select, name and advise the employees who will remain at the office throughout the hurricane. • Ensure adequate security arrangements are in place to prevent looting during the hurricane. • Inventory emergency supplies and re-stock, if necessary.

5. COUNTING DOWN FOR AN HURRICANE - 24 HOURS • Remove hanging outdoor signs. • If the building has extensive glass frontage, clear out that section of the building as much as possible and use shutters to protect the glass. • If there are no shutters, strong masking tape may be used to tape an “X” across the glass so as to prevent splinters from scattering in case the glass shatters. • Secure all documents in locked filing cabinets and drawers. • Move all records, important papers away from windows. • Records on the first floor should be placed on tables or raised off the floor becomes flooded. • Pack document which are to be taken of premises for storage in labeled boxes. • Essential employees who will remain at the facilities throughout the hurricane should be sent home so that they can secure their personal property before returning to duty. • Ensure that packed documents which are taken off premises, are taken off site. • Ensure that storm shutters are in place. • Release non-essential workers so that they can be home well before the storm begins

6. COUNTING DOWN FOR AN HURRICANE - 12 HOURS • Managing Director should initiate orderly shut down of the offices • Lock doors which are not needed for access. All windows should also be locked. • Disconnect all electrical appliances and equipment, such as computer, typewriters, copier, coffee makers, calculators to prevent being damaged due to blown transformers or excessive surge when electric power is restored. • Ensure that heavy equipment is moved to a safe location. • Ensure that all company vehicles are services, fuelled and parked in a safe place.

7. DURING THE HURRICANE All the offices should closed and designated employees who will man the facilities during the hurricane be at their posts or patrolling the building. Employees who will man the facilities during the hurricane should not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary.

8. HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS • In a Hurricane Watch situation the most important thing is to BE AWARE.  Listen to the radio, television or to a weather radio for updates and information.  • Following are some tips for being prepared for a Hurricane.  You may also want to study the safety tips for Flooding as well. • Keep your yard clear of all loose objects.  Tie down or move objects inside. • Keep a portable radio and a flashlight with extra batteries handy. • If you own a boat, make sure it is moored properly. If it is on a trailer, secure the trailer via tie downs such as used on gym sets, etc. • Store a three-day supply of drinking water (see Three-Day Emergency Kit). • Keep a well stocked first aid kit handy. • Plan an evacuation route just in case you are requested to vacate the area.  Your evacuation kit should include medications, baby items, important papers, extra clothing, blankets or sleeping bags, toys/games for children and other essential personal items. • Make sure your pets are cared for, but DO NOT take pets with you to a shelter.  • Do not enter the storm area unless you are authorized by local officials. • Keep the family vehicle gassed - top off the tank. • Follow the instruction given by local officials.  Stay tuned to local radio or television stations for information and directions on shelter locations and other safe areas.

9. HURRICANE PREPARATION AND SAFETY TIPS • Make sure that there are adequate supplies of emergency supplies (flashlight, battery powered radio etc) and first aid items (iodine, bandages). • Make sure there are adequate water storage facilities. • Service and test the buildings’ emergency power generator UNDER LOAD. The generator should be test run each wee, under load to ensure that it is in good operating condition and available for emergency use. • Inspect the office to identify vulnerable points on the structure (e.g. faulty roofs). • If you have hurricane shutters, make sure that they are organized and available. Supplies of plywood and batten board should be obtained for those glass windows not protect by shutters. • Check drains on the roof of the building to ensure that they are clear and are able to drain off the heavy rain which usually accompanies a hurricane. Clogged roof drains could cause the roof to collapse from weight of accumulated water, or cause damage to the interior of the building, if water on the roof becomes deep enough to cover vent pipes and run down inside the building.

10. AFTER THE HURRICANE Employees who are assigned to man the building should obtain assistance, where necessary in removing any injury or sick employees to the Medical Centre The Branch Manager, or the Senior Manager, Property Management should inspect building and compound for damage and record any damage sustained. Initiate Cleanup of offices (Branch Manager, Property Manager) Loose or dangling wires should not be touched. These should be reported to the Jamaica Public Service Company, or if telephone lines are down, to the nearest police station or patrol vehicle. Report broken sewer or water mains directly to the National Water Commission or the Public Works Department.

11. FOR FUTHER ASSISTANCE • Please refer to the National Housing Trust Disaster Preparedness Hand Book • Contact your nearest member of the NHT’s Disaster Preparedness Committee. • Below you will find several links to disaster preparedness web sites. • http://fiwinet • http://www.odpem.org.jm/