A storm, squall, cyclone, typhoon, gale, hurricane, thunderstorm…the list could go on. There are many names out there for rainy weather. As Bermudians, we are adept at checking out the forecast and listening in on storm watches. The summer’s not the same without one or two hurricane warnings. But do we really know much about them? We use these names interchangeably but they do mean different things....
Here we go again—rummaging through your garage for your portable generator. A hurricane will be bearing down in just a matter of hours, but just when you go to fire your backup power source up… nothing! The generator won’t start. Don’t be stuck with a broken generator. Proper generator maintenance is essential if you want to avoid panicked maintenance calls and unneeded, last-minute...
Making sure you’re safe during the storm! Investing in storm protection for our homes is one of life’s necessities when living on an island. We know it can be quite expensive… but the price of NOT doing it can be far more. If you have lived in Bermuda long enough, you’ve surely experienced a storm or 2 or even the thrill of weathering out a Hurricane and know how much damage can occur. At...
Preparation is vital when dealing with the unexpected. As another hurricane season gets underway, it is important that you take the time to prepare while all is calm, so that you can limit potential damage should the wind blow. Check Your Policies The first step to being covered during a storm is to make sure your insurance policies are up to date. If you’ve purchased new outdoor furniture or completed...
Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe (see BELCO article on Page 9). Assess the rest of the property for areas of weakness; loose railings, gates and light fixtures can cause property damage during high winds. Create that perfect playlist! Sit down and organize your favorite music...
When you move into a new home, you may wonder how it will fare in a hurricane. Are you more or less likely to lose power in your new location? You might be surprised to learn that your own actions can have a very real impact on the likelihood of a power outage in your area. The simple act of trimming trees ten feet away from power lines vastly reduces the number of outages experienced year-round,...
Bermuda is no stranger to hurricanes. From the storm in 1609 that sent the Sea Venture crashing into our reefs, they have been a part of life on the Island. Hurricane Season runs from 1st June to 30th November, but recent data suggests that the chance of Bermuda being hit by a hurricane is highest in September and October. Hurricane Emily Bermuda’s worst hurricane for decades scored a direct hit on...
When we know a hurricane is a strong possibility it is important to have a plan to feed yourself and your family for a few days. Aim for 3 meals and 2-3 snacks daily for each person in your household. Most importantly make sure you have enough clean drinking water to last everyone in the household for a few days. Approximately 1 gallon per person, per day is a sensible target. If you have a special...
As a working mother, returning to work after having a baby can be overwhelming - from choosing an appropriate child care provider, parting with your baby, maintaining breastfeeding, among other things. The World Health Organization recommends exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first six months of their life, and to continue breastfeeding - along with offering complementary foods up to two years of...
In Bermuda, it feels like we have it down to a fine art and for many, a hurricane doesn’t bring up much cause for concern. But complacency could mean disaster for home owners and renters alike. It’s time to make life easier when a storm comes in raging. From powering up to planting in the right areas of your yard, knowing the process for a damage claim or simply entertaining yourself during the storm,...