Bermuda Hurricane Season in Bermuda is June 1st - November 30th. 

The 3 categories of tropical disturbances which may threaten Bermuda during this period are:

Tropical Depression: Sustained winds of 33 knots (38 mph) or less.
Tropical Storm: Sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 72 mph).
Hurricane: Sustained winds of 64 knots (73 mph) or greater.

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch: Winds of force within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning: Winds of force within 24 hours.

Road Closures 

Due to the exposed nature of the roadways, Causeway & other bridges

throughout the island, it may be necessary to limit or restrict the passage of certain types of vehicles and/or pedestrians during excessively high winds.

The decision to close a major thoroughfare during a Bermuda hurricane should not be taken lightly. The considerable inconvenience that will be

caused must be weighed against the likelihood of compromising

the safety of the public if such action is not taken.

Securing your Home Before A Bermuda Hurricane

Windows & Doors: Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home. Cover all windows, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights. Plywood shutters that you make yourself, if installed properly, can offer a high level of protection from flying debris during a hurricane.

Roof & Tank: Block the gutters with clean rags or other devise to

prevent any leaves, salt other contamination from entering water tank. (see Water supply - Roof Care)

Garage Doors: These can pose a problem during Bermuda hurricanes. They can wobble at high winds and can pull out of their tracts or collapse from wind pressure. Some garage doors can be strengthened with retrofit kits. Check with your local building supplies dealer.

Outdoor Furniture & Ornaments: Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed. Remove outdoor antennas, if possible.

Indoors: Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.  Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities. 

Creating An Emergency Supply Kit

In the event of an emergency where you may need to survive on your own for three or more days, international guidelines recommend the following:

• Disaster supply kit with essential food, water and supplies for at least three days should be kept in a designated place.

• A backpack or duffle bag can be packed and be ready to 'grab and go' in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members now where the kit is kept.

• You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container ready to go in case you have to evacuate the building.

• Keep emergency numbers close to you at all times:

Emergency Broadcast Station: FM 100.1 MHz

Emergency Measures Organization: (EMO) 295-0011

Ambulance, Fire, Police: 911

Marine Rescue: 911

BELCO: 955

TELCO: 611

Works & Engineering: 295-5151

Bermuda Harbour Radio: 297-1010

During The Hurricane

• Listen to the Emergency Broadcast station on 100.1 MHz.  Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.

• Stay away from windows and doors.

• Locate a strong room in your house. If your house or apartment doesn't have a basement, seek shelter in a small room (preferably without windows) in the middle of the house.

• Stay indoors. The only time you should leave your home is if you HAVE TO evacuate.  

After the Hurricane

• If you had to evacuate your home, return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Stay turned to the Emergency Broadcast Station FM 100.1 MHz for information.

• Beware of downed or loose power lines. Report them immediately to  BELCO, Police or the Fire Services.

• If your home has been damaged, enter with caution. Do not use candles or open flames, instead use a flashlight to inspect for damage.

• Check for leaks, if you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, quickly leave the building and leave the doors open.  Call the gas company.

• Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

• Help neighbours who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly and disabled. The elderly and persons with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.

• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and also put you at risk.

• Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disister situations, and need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.

• The Emergency Assistance Organisation (EAO) may be considered as the body for coordinating and distributing resources in the recover phase of critical incidents or events.

Stay safe during the next Bermuda hurricane!

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