1. Create a Family Emergency Plan
Every household in Jamaica should start with a detailed emergency plan long before hurricane season peaks. Choose two meeting points — one close by in case of quick evacuation, and another inland or in a neighboring parish if roads are blocked. Assign an emergency contact living overseas or in another parish for coordination when communication lines go down. Each family member should know how to send a text message, since SMS often works even when calls fail. Assign roles for everyone — one person in charge of pets, another for gathering important documents, and another for food and supplies — so no time is wasted when a storm warning is issued.
2. Plan Evacuation Routes and Shelter Options
Coastal towns like Montego Bay, Portmore, Ocho Rios, and Savanna-la-Mar face extreme risks from storm surges and flooding. Learn your parish’s designated evacuation routes and the location of official ODPEM shelters. If you have pets, identify shelters or hotels that accept them, or arrange for a safe inland stay ahead of time. Keep your car’s gas tank full and store a small container of emergency fuel. Families with elderly or disabled members should register early with parish disaster offices for evacuation support. If possible, plan to stay in a safer inland area such as Mandeville, Brown’s Town, or Christiana, where wind impact and flooding tend to be less severe.
3. Fortify and Secure the Home
In the 48 to 72 hours before landfall, focus on strengthening your home’s defenses. Secure windows with storm shutters or marine-grade plywood, and reinforce doors, especially garage doors that are prone to collapse under pressure. Inspect your roof and fasten hurricane straps or metal clips to prevent uplift. Clear gutters, drains, and yard debris so water can flow freely. Trim trees and remove loose branches that can become deadly projectiles. Anchor or store outdoor furniture, barrels, and tools indoors. Before leaving or sheltering, turn off gas, electricity, and water mains to prevent fire, electrical surges, and flooding during the storm.
4. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Every household should keep a hurricane kit ready for at least seven days of self-sufficiency. Store one gallon of water per person per day in sealed containers or large plastic drums. Stock non-perishable food like canned meats, crackers, dry cereal, and tinned fruits. Include a manual can opener, plastic utensils, and disposable plates. Pack flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered or solar radio to monitor updates from ODPEM or the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. A well-equipped first aid kit should include pain relievers, antiseptics, bandages, and prescription medications. Important documents — passports, property titles, IDs, and insurance papers — should be sealed in waterproof bags. Portable phone chargers or solar power banks are extremely useful when the power grid is down.
5. Stay Safe During the Storm
Once the winds begin, remain indoors and away from all windows and glass doors. Choose an interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or hallway, and keep a mattress or thick blanket nearby for protection from debris. Avoid going outside during the calm “eye” of the hurricane — this is temporary, and winds will return violently from the opposite direction. Keep shoes on in case you need to move through debris, and unplug all electronics to prevent electrical surges. Never use candles during power outages — use battery or solar lights instead. If flooding begins inside, move to a higher level but avoid sealed attics without ventilation or exits.
6. Take Precautions After the Storm
Even when the winds stop, danger may still be present. Wait for official “all clear” messages from ODPEM or local parish councils before venturing outside. Floodwaters often hide live wires, broken glass, or sewage contamination. Photograph all damage before cleaning up to support insurance or disaster relief claims. Use bottled or boiled water for drinking until the National Water Commission confirms it is safe. Dispose of spoiled food and disinfect all surfaces to prevent illness. Never operate generators indoors or in garages — carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. If possible, check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those living alone.
