A hurricane watch issued for St. Vincent and the Grenadines indicates the possibility that our area may experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours.  This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be initiated.

A hurricane warning issued for St. Vincent and the Grenadines indicates that hurricane conditions with sustained winds of at least 74 mph or more are expected within 36 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family or business should be in the process of completing protective actions.

NOTE: This is a general guideline. Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, or any storm, you should be alert and ready at all times.

What to do during a hurricane watch

• Continue listening regularly to your local radio or television station for updated information.  Hurricanes can change direction, intensity, and speed very suddenly.  What was a minor threat several hours ago can quickly escalate to a major threat.

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and evacuate if they tell you to do so.  Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-our bridges.  Leaving an area that may be affected will help keep your family safe. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.  Following the advice of local authorities is your safest protection.  Local officials may close down certain roads, especially near the coast, when the outer effects of increasing wind and rain from a hurricane reach the coast.

• Prepare your property for high winds.  Hurricane winds can blow large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes.  Anything not secured may become a deadly or damaging projectile.  Bring lawn furniture inside, as well as outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, or anything else that can be picked up in the wind.  Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, and then strategically remove branches so that wind can blow through.  Secure building by closing and boarding up each window of your home.  Remove outside antennas.  Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place.  Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer.  Use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.

• Fill your car's gas tank.  If advised to evacuate, you may have to travel long distances or be caught in traffic, idling for long periods of time.  Gas stations along the route may be closed.

• Stock up on prescription medications.  Stores and pharmacies may be closed after the storm.

• Check your disaster supplies kit.  Some supplies may need to be replaced or restocked.

• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting.  Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.  Keeping the coldest air in will help perishables last much longer in the event of a power failure.

• Store valuables and personal papers in a safety deposit box in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home. Hurricanes leave much water damage inside homes.  Historically, it is shown that protecting valuables in this manner will provide the best security.

• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.  Authorities may ask you to turn off water or electric utilities to prevent damage to your home or within the community.  Most of the time they will tell you to leave the gas on because a professional is required to turn your gas back on, and it may be several weeks before you receive service.

• Turn off propane tanks.  Propane tanks may be damaged or dislodged by strong winds or water.  Turning them off reduces the fire potential if they are damaged by the storm.

• Unplug small appliances.  Small appliances may be affected by electrical power surges that may occur as the storm approaches.  Unplugging them reduces potential damage.

• Review evacuation plan. Make sure your planned route is the same as the currently recommended route. Sometimes roads may be closed or blocked, requiring a different route.

• Stay away from flood waters.  If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way.  When you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, if you can do so safely, get out of your vehicle and climb to higher ground.  Floods cause most hurricane-related deaths, and most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.  The depth of water is not always obvious.  The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.  Rapidly rising water may stall the engine, engulf the vehicle and its occupants, and sweep them away.  Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

What to do during a hurricane warning

• If you need to evacuate your home, lock up the home and go to the nearest shelter.Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.

• Listen constantly to a radio or television for official instructions.

• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.

• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.

• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.

• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.