HEAT, HURRICANES AND HORNETS The Bahamas Reporter: Do not experience a hurricane!
Summertime – Bahamas second home owners worry about the properties – every year! And Bahamas holiday makers have to change their flights if the islands of the Bahamas are under a Hurricane Warning (airlines do have a hurricane policy – at least they used to). Second home owners have to worry will the airline fly or not? The question: should I go on the plane or not – knowing that the Hurricane is supposed to pass the area you want to go to. You don´t want to ever see a hurricane anything stronger than level two.
Bahamas Consult wonder that American tourists want to know how Bahamians have prepared for hurricanes in the past and how they make sure that a hurricane does not ruin the vacation? Best advice is to stay out of the region. Tourists should NOT want to be on the Islands of The Bahamas during a hurricane. Season starts at June til November. Better to be safe then sorry. And beat the heat anyhow because Doctor´s will tell you that excess exposure to the sun produce dry skin which means premature wrnikles, premature aging and high risk for chronic sun damage which leaves you susceptible to skin cancer. If you have darker skin pigmentation you should know that you are the an who need the most sunsreen. Do not make the mistake to use fade creams, which will damage your skin even more in warmer temperatures, as such creams stripe the skin and leave it vulnerable to skin cancer.
Nobody should give anyone false hope that one believe that there is a 50% chance that a hurricane will deviate east or west and strike the islands only with a glancing blow instead of a head-on path. Better to cancel a trip to the Bahamas...even if a island only gets a glancing blow it's just not going to be much fun on vacation...the watersports companies will have all taken their boats out of the water so no watersports will happen until at least some days after a hurricane passed. Bahamas Consult advices to book last minute during summer or travel in October/November! Even if you are lucky and a hurricane will change last minute the direction you won´t have fun. Maybe it hepls also to imagine what the situation might be after the storm passed: Hurricanes can produce abnormal and extremly dangerous ridal waves. Do you really want to experience a hurricane in the Bahamas? Unleasing winds that snap off palm trees and kock out power. Phone service are dowm and hospitals rely on generator. Heavy rain and storm can tore off roofs and can even produce structural damage and wide spread flooding. One might need weeks for the process of major cleanup and restoring electricity. Harald Fuhrmann, managing director of Bahamas Consult fears that a hurricane warning already has a negative impact on the Bahamas real estate sector for several years and a investment warning on the new Moon Bahamas project as well which is supposed to be a man-made island with 12,000 suites and 22,000 condominiums and planned off the northern coast of Grand Bahama. A Category 3 or 4 hurricane has already the potential to do a lot of damage. The Bahamas Reporter Harald Fuhrmann
Hurricane Frances affected all 700 islands Swells generated by Frances affected all 700 islands of The Bahamas and caused dangerous surf and rip currents. Hurricane Frances a Category 4 Storm was potentially one of the most ferocious storms ever! A hurricane warning was in effect for all of the Bahamas. Frances struck the Bahamas causing widespread flooding and power outages across the island chain.
The sky was very cloudy in Nassau - the sea dark and it begun heavy rain when San Salvador experienced already the worst.
Still some hours before the storm hammering was going around. Everybody was taking it very seriously.
People prepared, water, food, flashlight, radio, extra batteries, candles, camera, gas in the truck, and handy first aid kit!
The foodstores, hardware stores and water producers all had big long line-ups inside and outside before the storm arrivived. Bottled gas, charcoal and kerosene have been in great demand so that in the event of the power being out for a while there were some means of cooking and lighting .
People placed their storm shutters ( It's like living in a cave ). Some people have been waiting until the last minute because 24 hours before it was 100 degrees outside.
Plywood was going for $44 a sheet..
Stress was growing up. Hotels have been fully booked. ZNS TV station reported that a lot of the Lyford Cay residents were jumping at the Cable Beach / Atlantis resorts, where it might be a lot safer than staying in front of the beach.
Some island have been a ghost town.
A concern however for a lot of Bahamians and Haitians living in wooden houses downtown. Many refused to move to public shelters, as they habe been afraid of looters, and having their homes destroyed.
On the long path Frances was strengthening, with winds observed at 145 mph.
Bahamasair announced cancellations.
Warning number 34 from the Naval Atlantic Meteorology and Oceanography Center: You can see that the path did change.
Also check these links to stay tuned:
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/float-vis-loop.html
http://www.goes.noaa.gov/HURRLOOPS/huirloop.html
http://www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/tropical.html
And a great source of information + public shelters in Nassau
http://nassau.usembassy.gov/bahamas_hurricane.php
A slower-than-expected movement meant a long ordeal for Bahamians. Roaring winds blew down trees and toppled power lines, knocking out electricity. Buildings trembled, palms bent in violent gusts and street signs flew off poles.
For rebuild and home-repair contractors will doubtless be in short supply for months. Consider also that Floridians need also a lot a building material. Bahamas Consult warns, the desire of homeowners to return quickly to normal can lead them to make hasty decisions - a perfect situation for deception. Consumers have to do also their homework before choosing a contractor or various craftsmen. Harald
Fuhrmann of Bahamas Consult says there are many indicators consumers should
keep in mind to identify possibly fraudulent contractors:
Nassau: In the middle of the night
NASSAU, Bahamas: Hurricane Frances battered the main tourist hub in the Bahamas on a Friday when normally the most tourists are in town, unleashing deadly winds that shattered windows in skyscrapers, toppled trees and set off scattered looting. Water and sewerage is in conservation mode. Another report came from the airport: the roof and front part of the office of Bahamasair at the airpor blow off due to lots of wind and rain. One man was electrocuted in the storm in the aerea of Nassau Village. Streets were almost deserted in Nassau, the capital on New Providence Island, which is home to more than two-thirds of the island nation's 300,000 people. Many boarded up their homes and hunkered down inside to ride out the expansive storm that was headed toward Florida. Fallen trees, debris and downed satellite dishes littered roads and power was knocked out in many parts of the city. At least three boats were destroyed. There were scattered reports of looting. The hurricane's maximum sustained winds had dropped from 145 mph to 115 mph. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau evacuated about 200 non-emergency employees and their families. Tourists at the 2,300-room Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, outside Nassau, were moved into a conference room as a precaution. Guests of other hotels had to evacuate their rooms too. In the Radisson Hotel at Cable Beach for instance hotel guests have been adviced to move in the ballroomin the middle of the night, as a measure of precaution. Trees down, flooded streets! Executives of the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, meantime, had also identified an in-house evacuation Centre and equipment that was needed. The Wyndham suffered both interior and exterior structural damage during Hurricane Michelle, incurring expenses in excess $300,000. Does anybody remember the damage at Sharaton Grand on Paradise Island which is in the meantime sold to the RIU group? Princess Margaret Hospital officials were urging the public to donate blood – namely ‘O´ positive and negative – to make sure that the blood bank is stocked up.
Freeport: We have to admit we are officially worried! Storm surge flooding of 6 to 14 feet above normal tide levels, along with large and dangerous battering waves, near the eye of Frances on the west side of Eleuthera Island and on the north side of Grand Bahama Island. Freeport, the country's second largest commercial center, has fewer high-rises than Nassau and its building are generally better built. Surging seawater flooded at neighborhoods in the Freeport area on Grand Bahama Island. Authorities had urged those in low-lying areas to evacuate, but some decided to stay put. Flooding has expanded to downtown including the Ruby Swiss. They had to evacuate everyone from the new Freeport Airport terminal because of flooding and damage being done to the walls of the buildi. The wind mesureing equipment had blown off the roof when the wind speeds were hitting about 86 m/h. Apparently also evacuating people from North Bahamia and parts of South Bahamia. One of the shelters had to be evacuated due to flooding as well... They had to shut down the weather station at the airport. Roaring winds blew down trees and toppled power lines, knocking out electricity. Buildings trembled, palms bent in violent gusts and street signs flew off poles. About 1,100 people on Grand Bahama Island rode out the storm in shelters set up in churches and schools. The storm was forecast to make a direct hit on Freeport later Friday or early Saturday. Unlike Nassau, Freeport has fewer skyscrapers and its buildings are better built. Officials, however, warned of potential damage to wooden homes and coastal areas. But the wind speed was extremely high and dangerous so people could not leave the houses. The surge tide due to the tail of the receding Frances was high but the sea didn't come over the sea wall. Houses did suffer damage mostly to the roofs: even ridge tiles were blown off (heavy tiles well built houses) allowing the torrential rain to enter the house and damage the upper floors. One person said: “Frances has taken GBI hostage. Where are the troops when you need them?”
Abaco: Plywood were early sold out Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Eleuthera reported westerly winds of near 60 mph and a minimum pressure of 958 mb, 28.30 inches. Little Harbor in the Abacos reported a wind gust of 115 mph. Telephones lines on the island of Abaco were lost. The Hardware stores in Marsh Harbour were early sold out of plywood especially since people noticed the similarities in the path and projections of Floyd in 1999
Eleuthera: no electricity and no phones Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 85 miles from the center, and tropical storm forced winds extend outward up to 185 miles. Eleuthera reported westerly winds of near 60 mph and a minimum pressure of 958 mb, 28.30 inches. Little Harbor in the Abacos reported a wind gust of 115 mph. In Eleuthera no electricity and no phones and trees were down due to over 100 miles wind. Harbour Island had an extremely high tide, water, roof damage, damage also to the clinic. In Rock Sound some homes have major damage because of high surges. Eleuthera has two sea's, the "north side" (it's actually west!), is the raging Atlantic, and the "Caribbean side". Unfortunately the eye of this storm was quite large and the island isn't all that big, 110 miles long and not very wide, 5 miles possibly at the largest section and maybe, 30 feet at the narrowest, (Glass Window Bridge). People who have beach front houses had early barred up for higher grounds. Many loaded up even all of their furniture. Lucky was who was able to sit on a battery powered radio by candle light in order to listen to ZNS radio. People improvised a way to make a "stove" out of a pizza pan sitting atop of 3 cans with candles under it for a heat source. The eye lasted 90 min in Governers Harbour. Governers reported worse winds after eye. Some roofs on Harbour are damaged, many trees down.
Long Island: Sky was cloudy – sea was dark
Electricity and phone services were down on Long Island, which has about 3,000 residents. Emergency officials said the roof of a high school on Long Island had been ripped off and residents were reporting severe damage to crops.
Other Outer Island U.S. Coast Guard searched for a Fort Lauderdale-bound pleasure boat that made a distress call 12 miles west of Bimini in the Bahamas. Three people were reported aboard when the boat ran into 9-foot swells. Andros did not catch real heavy rain. 70mph winds so major structural damage. Much more heavy rain in Cat Island:a church roof was gone Telephones lines on the southern islands of Mayaguana and Acklins were lost. Fifteen-foot waves and winds of 120 mph were reported on San Salvador Island, which is home to more than 900 people.
Preparing your home for a hurricane
Prepare an emergency plan and supply kit. Develop a family emergency plan and make sureyou've stocked your disaster supply kit. Do you know your evacuation routes? Do you have everything you might need if cash machines go down and the power is out for days? Do you have enough gas in your car should you have to evacuate? Do you have extra house and car keys? Gather essential documentation. Don't forget the filing cabinet when you're preparing for the storm. If you have to evacuate, take copies of your insurance policies, as well as an inventory of your valuable goods. Bring a list of important telephone numbers, credit card and bank account numbers, contracts, stocks and bonds, etc. You should also gather up passports, social security cards, immunization records and family documents such as birth and marriage certificates. Read more about documents you should take with you. Clean your yard. Experts recommend removing anything that could become flying debris, including dead tree limbs and broken fencing. If the storm gets closer, bring lawn furniture and garbage cans inside. "Batten down the hatches," says Charlie Reese, communications expert at the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), an organization that helps home and business owners protect their property. "It's old advice, but it's still good advice." Plan for flooding. Flooding is as real a risk as wind damage when a hurricane moves ashore. Clear out basements and garages, and pack up the valuables you would want to take with you if you have to evacuate. Prepare your pets. Be ready to evacuate with your pet. You should have a secure carrier for each pet, with your name and contact information clearly marked on the outside. Bring a arness and leash for each pet and food and water bowls, as well as food and water. You'll also want to have a current photo of your pet, should you become separated, and current health records, so the pet can be boarded, if necessary. Keep the generator outside. When a hurricane strikes, many may be ready to fire up alternative power sources when power lines go down. But experts warn that using generators can have tragic consequences if used inside. Fumes produced by a generator can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to operate your alternative power source in a well-ventilated location outside the home to prevent accidental death. As an added safety precaution, get a battery-operated CO alarm that will alert you to deadly air. Stay informed. Check Tropical Update at weather.com and watch The Weather Channel forthe latest coordinates, projected path, and expert analysis of the current storm. Consider activating Nofify! by The Weather Channel to get the latest weather alerts delivered to your phone or computer. Get your priorities straight. "Obviously, the number one priority is personal safety," says Reese, of IHBS. "Your lives are more important than your material goods. Everything else in the world can be replaced, but your life is one of a kind." Be ready for the next one. Don't let the next storm catch you unprepared. Find out how to reinforce your windows and garage door, two of the most vulnerable spots on your house. And see what other structural and landscaping changes you can make to help prevent hurricane damage.
Keep your pet safe in a hurricane
Preparing for your pet is as essential as preparing for your family when a hurricane is on the way. Since animals generally are not allowed in public shelters, what do you do with your pet when a hurricane is bearing down? Do not leave your pet at home if you evacuate, urges Jean McNeil, spokeswoman for Animal Control Services in the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina. "If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet," says McNeil, "You don't now if your home will be there when you get back, so if you have to evacuate, it's for a reason." McNeil suggests calling hotels in advance; some may lift restrictions on pets during emergencies. You can also check animal boarding facilities. As a last resort, consider Humane Societies and Animal Control shelters along the coast and inland, but call ahead to check on restrictions. Veterinarians, friends and family that live inland are other options. What your pet needs for evacuation: A secure, unbreakable, covered carrier for each animal. Clearly mark your name, address, and phone number on the cage. The carrier should be large enough that your et can completely turn around. Leashes and harnesses that are strong and secure around your pet. Keep your pet on a leash at all times so that your pet can't wander off and hurt themselves or others. Fasten current rabies tags and address information on your pet's collar. Food and water bowls. Food should be in plastic containers so that water can't get in. There should be enough food and water to last your pet for at least two weeks. Include feeding instructions. For canned food, be sure to bring a manual can opener. Health records. Before hurricane season begins, make sure your pet has current immunizations and records handy for evacuation. Current photo of pet. Bring photos of you and your pet together to show proof of wnership if you become separated. Household bleach and plastic bags. If you end up staying in a shelter, you will be responsible for cleaning up after your pet. Pet toys. After all, your pet will need some type of entertainment, and toys may help reduce the stress of unfamiliar surroundings. Hamsters and birds can be transported in their normal cases, but avoid glass enclosures. You can transport snakes in a well-secured pillowcase, if necessary. Bring any supplies and food they need, along with feeding instructions. Bring any outdoor pets inside well before the hurricane gets close to help them stay calm. After the storm The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and animal control experts suggest ways to help your pet adjust after the storm:
If you're absolutely not able to take your pet with you, set it free. Pets might drown if left chained. They have a better chance to get to higher ground on their own, despite risks like water contamination, starvation, exposure, and predators. But remember, the safest place for your pets is with you.
A Warning Is Issued ? What To Do
How you respond now is critical. OBEY ADVISORIES PROMPTLY! In A Frame Home Carefully evaluate the situation before bringing in outdoor items. Make sure you have a portable radio for information. Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home (basement or storm cellar). If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room, or a closet. Keep away from all windows. You can cushion yourself with a mattress, but do not use one to cover yourself. Do over your head and eyes with a blanket or jacket to protect against flying debris and broken glass. Don't waste time moving mattresses around. Keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier. Multiple tornadoes can emerge from the same storm. Do not go out until officials say it is safe. In A Mobile Home Leave your mobile home immediately and take shelter elsewhere. Outside Try to get inside and seek out a small protected space with no windows. Avoid large-span roof areas such as school gymnasiums, arenas, or shopping malls. If you cannot get inside, crouch for protection beside a strong structure, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head and neck with your arms or a piece of clothing.
In A Car
Your best option might be to get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area that is of sufficient depth to provide protection from the wind. If you do so, beware of water runoff from heavy rain that could pose a hazard, get as ar away from the vehicle as possible, and shield your head from flying debris. Or, more optimally, if possible take shelter immediately in a nearby building. Do not leave a building to attempt to "escape" a tornado. If you are already in a sturdy building, do not get in a vehicle to try to outrun a tornado. Check Out Other Information Resources Your city or municipal Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
|
