Your Complete Hurricane Preparation Guide for Jamaica

The safest time to prepare for a hurricane is before Jamaica enters the forecast cone. Stores become crowded, roads slow down and repair work becomes dangerous once wind and rain begin. A useful household plan covers four things: where you will go, how you will receive information, what you need to remain safe for several days and how you will protect your home without risking injury.

Make a household plan now

Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management advises every household to know its evacuation route, nearest shelter and nearby critical facilities such as police stations and health centres. Write down those locations and decide who will help children, older relatives, people with disabilities and pets. Choose an out-of-area contact who can relay messages if local calls become difficult.

Keep important telephone numbers and addresses on paper as well as on your phone. Agree on two meeting places: one close to home and another outside the community. If anyone relies on medication, electricity-powered medical equipment or regular treatment, discuss a backup plan with their provider before a storm threatens.