A Storm starts as a Tropical Depression and moves on to become a Tropical Storm before it is given a name. Once a storm is named, preparations for the possible hurricane should be well under way.
| Hurricane Names for 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ana | Grace | Nicholas |
| Bill | Henri | Odette |
| Claudette | Ida | Peter |
| Danny | Julian | Rose |
| Elsa | Kate | Sam |
| Fred | Larry | Teresa |
| Mindy | Victor | Wanda |
OUTLOOK FOR THE 2021 HURRICANE SEASON
The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season began on Tuesday, June 1, and will come to an end on November 30, 2021.
According to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), 2021 is expected to have an active Hurricane Season. So far, predictions are that there will be 13-20 tropical storms, 6-10 hurricanes or 3-5 major hurricanes.
With Jamaica being vulnerable to impacts from one or more of these systems, it is important for us to be prepared.
Named Storms
13-20
Hurricanes
6-10
Major Hurricanes
3-5
Catergory 3 & above
Below are some Hurricane Season Preparedness Tips courtesy of the ODPEM.
- Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and repair where necessary.
- Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.
- Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.
- Keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
- Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.
- Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary.
- Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.
- Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.
- Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration.
- Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.
- Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include water boots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches.
- Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.
- Have a family disaster plan.
- Know your evacuation route.
- Know the nearest shelters and other critical facilities such as police station and health centres.
