< PreviousEMERGENCY GUIDE 202318 Know the storm alerts Wh at is a hurricane? A hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. A tropical cyclone is a rotating low- pressure weather system that has organised thunderstorms but no fronts (a boundary separating two air masses of different densities). Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than PLOHVSHUKRXUDUHFDOOHGWURSLFDO depressions. Those with maximum VXVWDLQHGZLQGVRI PSKRUKLJKHU are called tropical storms. :KHQDVWRUP VPD[LPXPVXVWDLQHG winds reach 74mph, it is called DKXUULFDQH7KH6DIÀU6LPSVRQ KXUULFDQHZLQGVFDOHLVDWRUDWLQJ RUFDWHJRU\EDVHGRQDKXUULFDQH·V maximum sustained winds. The higher the category, the greater WKHKXUULFDQH·VSRWHQWLDOIRUSURSHUW\ damage. Hurricanes originate in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of 0H[LFRWKHHDVWHUQ1RUWK3DFLÀF Ocean and, less frequently, the central 1RUWK3DFLÀF2FHDQ A six-year rotating list of names, updated and maintained by the World Meteorological Organization, is used to identify these storms. +XUULFDQHVHDVRQEHJLQVRQ-XQH DQGHQGV1RYHPEHUDOWKRXJK hurricanes can, and have, occurred outside of this time frame. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. EMERGENCY GUIDE 202319 Small craft advisoryGale warning Storm warningHurricane warning All clear Hurricane terms: Tropical cyclone An organised low-pressure weather system of clouds and thunderstorms that develops in the tropics. Tropical wave A kink or bend in the normally VWUDLJKWÁRZRIVXUIDFHDLULQWKH tropics which forms a low-pressure trough, or pressure boundary, showers and thunderstorms. Can develop into a tropical cyclone. Tropical depression A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds near the surface RIOHVVWKDQ PSK Tropical storm A tropical cyclone with winds of WRPSK Hurricane A tropical cyclone with winds of 74 mph or greater. Eye The low-pressure centre of a tropical cyclone. Winds are normally calm and sometimes the sky clears. 7KLVOXOORIWHQVLJQLÀHVWKHVWRUP·V eye – not its end. Anyone riding out a hurricane should wait for authorities to announce that the danger has passed. Eye wall The ring of thunderstorms that VXUURXQGVDVWRUP·VH\H7KH heaviest rain, strongest winds and worst turbulence are normally in the eye wall. Storm surge Storm surge is a dome of water that is pushed ashore by the oncoming KXUULFDQH·VZLQGV6WRUPVXUJHDQG large battering waves can endanger lives, destroy buildings, erode beaches and damage roads. This ÁRRGLQJDFFRXQWVIRUWKHODUJHVW number of hurricane fatalities. Warnings will be issued by the Cayman Islands authorities when a storm is approaching. Pay careful attention to these alerts to protect property and life. Storm alerts issued by the Cayman Islands Government are disseminated on both government and private media outlets. Alert :KHQQRWLÀFDWLRQLVUHFHLYHGWKDWD hurricane or tropical storm is likely to strike the Cayman Islands within the QH[WKRXUVRUPRUH Watch :KHQQRWLÀFDWLRQLVUHFHLYHGWKDWD hurricane or tropical storm is likely to strike within the next 48 hours; your hurricane preparations should be under way. Warning :KHQQRWLÀFDWLRQLVUHFHLYHGWKDWD hurricane or tropical storm is likely to VWULNHZLWKLQWKHQH[WKRXUV \RXU hurricane preparations should be stepped up, if not already completed. All clear :KHQQRWLÀFDWLRQLVUHFHLYHGWKDWD hurricane or tropical storm has passed, or no longer poses a threat. Before, during and after a storm: Before Prepare an emergency kit and have a disaster plan in place. Make sure all your family members have an emergency plan in case you are separated from one another. Heed watches, warnings and evacuations. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. During Stay close to government channels and local news outlets, including caymancompass.com, for information and updates about the storm, and follow emergency orders closely. If advised, turn off propane tanks and other utilities. Stay inside and away from windows and doors; a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level is the best option. After Stay informed about further weather updates, especially rain, which can FDXVHÁRRGLQJ.HHSDQH\HRXWIRU downed electrical lines. If you see any, report them right away. Drive only if necessary. Stay away from ÁRRGHGWKRURXJKIDUHV,I\RXUHTXLUHD generator, do not run it from inside your home, or an enclosed space, as carbon monoxide can accumulate dangerously.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202320 The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale 7KH6DIÀU6LPSVRQ+XUULFDQH:LQG6FDOHLVDUDWLQJV\VWHPWKDWFODVVLÀHVKXUULFDQHVEDVHGRQWKHLU PD[LPXPVXVWDLQHGZLQGVSHHGDQGUDWHVWKHLUVWUHQJWKIURPWR7KLVVFDOHHVWLPDWHVSRWHQWLDO SURSHUW\GDPDJH,WGRHVQRWWDNHLQWRDFFRXQWVWRUPVXUJHUDLQIDOOÁRRGLQJHWF +XUULFDQHVUHDFKLQJ&DWHJRU\DQGKLJKHUDUHFRQVLGHUHGPDMRUKXUULFDQHVEHFDXVHRIWKHLU SRWHQWLDOIRUVLJQLÀFDQWORVVRIOLIHDQGGDPDJH&DWHJRU\DQGVWRUPVDUHVWLOOGDQJHURXV KRZHYHUDQGUHTXLUHSUHYHQWDWLYHPHDVXUHV MODERATE DAMAGE Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks. 96-110 mph 83-95 kt 154-177 km/h 74-95 mph 64-82 kt 119-153 km/h MINIMAL DAMAGE Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202321 EXTREME DAMAGE Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. 130-156 mph 113-136 kt 209-251 km/h Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE 157 mph or higher 137 kt or higher 252 km/h or higher Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE 111-129 mph 96-112 kt 178-208 km/hEMERGENCY GUIDE 202322 Atlantic storm names for 2023 T KLV\HDU·VKXUULFDQHVHDVRQZLOOVHHIRXU new names added to the storm list. 7KHUHDUHVL[OLVWVRIQDPHVZKLFK are assigned alternating male and female names in alphabetical order. The names are reused every six years, though if any hurricane is particularly devastating, its name is retired. 7KXVIRXUVWRUPVIURPGRQRWDSSHDU RQWKHOLVWEHFDXVHWKH\ZHUHUHWLUHG Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate. Those names are being replaced by Harold, Idalia, Margot and Nigel. Storm names are maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. It retired WZRVWRUPQDPHVIURPWKH$WODQWLF hurricane season – Fiona and Ian – after the destruction they caused. ,ILWLVDQDFWLYHVHDVRQZLWKPRUHWKDQ VWRUPVDVXSSOHPHQWDOOLVWRIQDPHV is used. Previously, additional names were taken from the Greek alphabet, however that SUDFWLFHZDVUHWLUHGIROORZLQJWKH Atlantic hurricane season, which was the EXVLHVWRQUHFRUGZLWKQDPHGVWRUPV – including nine storms with Greek alphabet names. The back-up list of names includes all the letters of the alphabet apart from Q, U, X, Y and Z, as is the practice with the standard OLVW7KDW VEHFDXVHWKHUHDUHQ WPDQ\ names that start with those letters. 7KH$WODQWLFKXUULFDQHVHDVRQRIÀFLDOO\ EHJLQV-XQHDQGHQGV1RY every year. Atlantic storm names 2023 Arlene Bret Cindy Don Emily Franklin Gert Harold Idalia Jose Katia Lee Margot Nigel Ophelia Philippe Rina Sean Tammy Vince Whitney Supplemental storm names 2023 Adria Braylen Caridad Deshawn Emery Foster Gemma Heath Isla Jacobus Kenzie Lucio Makayla Nolan Orlanda Pax RoninEMERGENCY GUIDE 202323 Experts predict below- average hurricane season E xpect below-average storm DFWLYLW\IRUWKH$WODQWLF hurricane season. This is according to Colorado State 8QLYHUVLW\·V &68 7URSLFDO0HWHRURORJ\ Project, which is forecasting a slightly below average hurricane season. ,WLVSUHGLFWLQJQDPHGVWRUPV² including six hurricanes – during the VHDVRQZKLFKUXQVIURP-XQHDQG 1RY Of those six hurricanes, CSU notes two ZLOOUHDFK¶PDMRU·VWUHQJWKPHDQLQJ &DWHJRU\RUKLJKHU $FFRUGLQJWRWKH\HDUFOLPDWRORJLFDO PHDQZKLFKUXQVIURP WR an average Atlantic hurricane season FRQVLVWVRIQDPHGVWRUPVVHYHQ hurricanes and three major hurricanes. &68·VIRUHFDVWLVODUJHO\LQOLQHZLWK most other predictions issued so far. However, it has cautioned there is a great deal of uncertainty with its forecasts due to a general warming of sea-surface temperatures across parts of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. “Larger-than-normal uncertainty exists ZLWKWKLVRXWORRNµ&68·VIRUHFDVW stated. “We anticipate a near-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean.” A driving force behind the uncertainty is a developing El Niño phenomenon, which refers to the warming of the sea surface along the equatorial belt. As of mid-April, most forecast models suggested an El Niño is likely to develop, possibly as soon as this summer. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Climate Prediction &HQWHUDVVLJQHGDFKDQFHWKDW an El Niño will be in place by August through October, the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season. For the latest information on storm activity in the Cayman Islands, as well as information on how to prepare for hurricane season, visit the Cayman Compass Storm Centre – caymancompass.com/storm-centre.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202324 C ommunity Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), made up of trained volunteers, increase the resilience of communities, enabling each district to be better prepared for any kind of hazard, such as a major storm or earthquake. They play an important role in identifying vulnerable people and situations and utilise community emergency response plans to help maximise resources, and minimise loss of life and property. Teams are currently operating in North Side, West Bay, Prospect, North Sound Gardens (Newlands), Savannah Meadows, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. :KDWDUHWKHVSHFLȴFUROHV" • Help prepare their community by identifying threats and risks (for H[DPSOHÁRRGSURQHDUHDV LGHQWLI\ local assets and skills that can support a community response in their area. • Give support to the frail, elderly and other vulnerable persons by providing welfare checks, assisting with transportation to shelters and relief distribution locations, putting up shutters etc. • Following an impact, the teams typically break into sub-groups and perform search-and-rescue operations and conduct an initial damage assessment of the community, which is then reported back to the National Emergency Operations Centre. This helps government identify the hardest hit areas so interventions and support can be prioritised. $VVLVWZLWKÀUVWDLGSURYLGH psychosocial support, and set up food and water stations to distribute relief supplies. • Help clear roads of downed trees to provide access in and out of the community. 7UDLQHGLQÀUHVDIHW\DQGVXSSUHVVLRQ • Continual training arranged by HMCI. • WhatsApp group to build awareness and connectedness in the community. Community Emergency Response Teams Photo: CERT teams in training. HOW TO JOIN Anyone interested in signing up as a CERT volunteer, should contact Eddie Miller at HMCI on eddie.miller@gov.ky.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202325 Cayman Islands Regiment T he Cayman Islands Regiment provides disaster relief and security in the Cayman Islands and the wider Caribbean region. ,WZDVIRUPHGLQ$XJXVW following discussions between the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands Government on border control, national security and disaster response for the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean region. The regiment receives ministerial VXSSRUWDQGÀQDQFLDOUHVRXUFLQJIURP WKH0LQLVWU\RI+RPH$IIDLUVDQGRIÀFLDO GLUHFWLYHVIURPWKH*RYHUQRU·V2IÀFH Regiment responsibilities In the three years since it was created, the regiment has established its LUUHSODFHDEOHYDOXHWRWKHLVODQGV· disaster relief and national security. Day-to-day operations for full-time regiment staff are similar to that of any organisation – administration, strategic planning, training and development and ÁHHWPDQDJHPHQW Higher level responsibilities include inter-agency discussions about opportunities for joint training and how to provide support to other services. Reservists have to be available for both physical and technical training. They also take part in state ceremonial and public duties. This included participation in the coronation procession for King Charles III in London in May. Core remit 7KHUHJLPHQW·VFRUHUHPLWLV humanitarian aid and disaster relief as well as internal security. The main role of the regiment is to assist local emergency services such as RCIPS, CICG, EMS, CIFS and HMCI. During the onset of a hurricane warning or natural disaster, the regiment is stood up and begins preparations for relief and recovery operations. This includes calling in reservists and preparing kits for deployment to one of WKHUHJLPHQW·VIRUZDUGRSHUDWLQJEDVHV Contacting the regiment The Cayman Islands Regiment headquarters can be contacted for general information by visiting ciregiment.ky. However, mobilisation can only take SODFHZKHQRIÀFLDORUGHUVDUHJLYHQ IURPWKH*RYHUQRU·V2IÀFH2WKHU emergency services are also able to contact the regiment to request assistance for their operations. Photos courtesy of Cayman Islands Regiment.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202326 W hen a storm has passed, there can be considerable debris to deal with. This is often hazardous, so heed the following precautions to stay safe while doing so. • Have the electrical service to your home inspected properly IRUGDPDJHVWRSUHYHQWWKHSRVVLELOLW\RIDQHOHFWULFDOÀUH • Get the right safety gear: - Hard hats. - Goggles. - N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level). - Heavy work gloves. - Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank). (DUSOXJVRUSURWHFWLYHKHDGSKRQHV LI\RX·UHZRUNLQJZLWK noisy equipment). 0LQLPXPRIWZRÀUHH[WLQJXLVKHUV HDFKZLWKD8/UDWLQJ of at least 10A). • If sewage is involved, make sure to wear the following during clean-up: - Rubber boots. - Rubber gloves. - Goggles. • Use teams to move heavy/bulky objects: - Have teams of at least two people work together to move heavy or bulky objects. - Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person). • Pace yourself. Cleaning up your home can be a big job. Be sure to take care of yourself: - Rest when you need to. - Decide which clean-up tasks are most important and IRFXVRQWKRVHÀUVW7KDWZD\\RX·UHOHVVOLNHO\WREH overwhelmed. 7U\WRZRUNZLWKRWKHUSHRSOHVR\RXDUHQ·WDORQH - Get support from family members, friends, counsellors, or therapists. • Take precautions when using a chainsaw: :KHQXVLQJDFKDLQVDZDOZD\VIROORZPDQXIDFWXUHU·V instructions. - Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear and be sure that bystanders are a safe distance away. $YRLGFRQWDFWZLWKSRZHUOLQHVDQGWDNHH[WUDFDUHLQ cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else. 8VHH[WUHPHFDXWLRQWRDYRLGHOHFWULFDOVKRFNZKHQXVLQJ an electric chainsaw. • Stay safe in hot weather: - In hot weather, try to remain cool by staying in air- conditioned buildings, taking breaks in shaded areas or in FRROURRPVGULQNLQJZDWHUDQGQRQDOFRKROLFÁXLGVRIWHQ DQGZHDULQJOLJKWDQGORRVHÀWWLQJFORWKLQJ - Do outdoor activities during cooler hours. Source: Cayman Islands Fire Service. After the storm - clean up safelyEMERGENCY GUIDE 202327 In times of urgency Doctors Hospital & Integra are here for your health Complete Care for your entire family doctorshospitalcayman.com/HurricanePrepared Doctors Hospital 24/7 Urgent Care (with access to an in-house lab, pharmacy and state-of-the-art imaging) An urgent care physician is in the hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Integra Heathcare Dedicated Paediatric Out-of-Hours (345) 326 4370 Access to Primary & Specialist Physicians On-Call Next >