Hurricane Tips


General Hurricane Information

Saffir-Simpson Scale

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rates a hurricane's intensity using wind speed and storm surge, which is the abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm. The scale also estimates the potential damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.

Category One
Wind Speed: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
Storm Surge: 4-5 feet above normal
Damage: Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees along with some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage

Category Two
Wind Speed: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
Storm Surge: 6-8 feet above normal
Damage: Roofing, door and window damage to buildings; Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees, mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers

Category Three
Wind Speed: 111-130 mph (178-209 km/h)
Storm Surge: 9-12 feet above normal
Damage: Structural damage to small residences and utility buildings; foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down; mobile homes destroyed

Category Four
Wind Speed: 131-155 mph (210-249 km/h)
Storm Surge: 13-18 feet above normal
Damage: Extensive damage to doors, windows and lower floors of shoreline houses; total roof failures on small residences; shrubs, trees, and all signs blown down; mobile homes completely destroyed

Category Five
Wind Speed: Greater than 155 mph (249 km/h)
Storm Surge: generally greater than 18 feet above normal
Damage: Complete roof failure on many buildings and some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away; severe and extensive window and door damage; mobile homes completely destroyed

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Hurricane Communication Tips

  • Ensure that your mobile phone has sufficient credit
  • Always make sure that your mobile phone is fully charged
  • Have a carphone charger on hand

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What To Do...

Before a Hurricane Approaches

  • Familiarize yourself with Hurricane terminology:
    • Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.
    • Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours.
  • Closely monitor your local radio or TV stations news for weather-related information.
  • Identify ahead of time official hurricane shelters.
  • Keep a family emergency kit stocked and handy. Include items like flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, first aid supplies, essential medications, canned food and a can opener.
  • Stock up on drinking water – at least 3 gallons of water per person.
  • Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home.
  • Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
  • Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs and remove branches.
  • Review your insurance policy and be sure you have sufficient coverage.

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When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued

  • Closely monitor your local radio and TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
  • Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by the wind. container.
  • Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use plywood.
  • Fill your vehicle with gas and park on high ground and disconnect battery.

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When a Hurricane WARNING is Issued

  • Listen to advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
  • Complete preparation activities
  • If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.

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During a Hurricane

  • Listen constantly to your radio or television for official instructions and updates
  • Follow instructions issued by local officials
  • If power is lost, turn of major appliances to reduce power ‘surge’ when electricity is restored
  • In the event of strong winds take refuge in small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows and doors
  • If you happen to be outside take shelter in the nearest substantial structure or a sturdy tree and hold yourself to it.
  • Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from an opposite direction.
  • If the water rises move to a higher floor or hold on to something that floats such as wooden furniture or a plastic container

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After the Hurricane

  • Keep listening to local news for instructions and for the all clear to be announced
  • Wait until an area is declared safe before entering
  • Drive only if absolutely necessary
  • Check gas, water and electrical lines and appliances for damage
  • Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.

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Cayman Islands Hurricane Shelters

Approved 2006 hurricane shelters are listed below. Those that also function as designated Emergency Medical Centres (EMCs) are also noted.

George Town: East End: Boden Town:
John Gray High School Assembly Hall East End Primary School (partly) Bodden Town Primary School Multipurpose Hall (EMC)
George Hicks High School Multipurpose Hall East End Civic Centre (EMC)  
George Town Primary School, Assembly Hall Gun Bay Community Hall
University College of the Cayman Islands, Hall
Red Cross Building
Prospect Primary School (EMC)


West Bay: North Side: Savannah:
West Bay Primary School (some classrooms) North Side Civic Centre (EMC) Savannah Primary School Assembly Hall (EMC)
West Bay Primary School (Assembley Hall)
West Bay Health Centre (EMC ONLY)


Breakers: Cayman Brac:  
Breakers Community Hall Aston Rutty Centre (EMC)  
  West End Primary School  


Little Cayman:    
Public Works Department Building (EMC)    

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Information provided by Government Information Services