Cayo District
The annual Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1 to November 30 each year. Plan now. If your home is located in an area vulnerable to flooding, storm surge, or higher-than-normal winds or if your may not be able to withstand high winds even though it may not be in a vulnerable area, you should plan to evacuate in the event of a hurricane or severe storm.
The first point is to stay with friends or relatives whose homes are strong enough. If you must, then you may go to a public shelter. Learn where your shelters are located. Click on the map or on the links below to see the names and locations of the shelters.:
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Hurricane or Storm Watch
If Cayo District is placed under a Storm or Hurricane Watch, the cyclone may strike within 24 - 36 hours. You should take appropriate precautions immediately.
- Listen to local news reports;
- Check medication supply;
- Replenish batteries;
- Fuel your vehicles;
- Be ready to move car(s) to safe area;
- If you don't drive, confirm your transportation;
- Check your hurricane kit and emergency suitcase;
- Cash a check, withdraw cash, or have traveler's check on hand;
- Pack dentures, glasses, and hearing aid;
- Pick up loose objects from outside your home (i.e. garbage cans, real estate signs) and bring them inside;
- Move furniture away from windows and cover furniture with plastic;
- Pull curtains, blinds and shutters;
- Call family and friends and tell them your plans;
- Prepare emergency water supply;
- Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting;
- Place valuables in waterproof containers and store in high place;
- Arrange for a shelter for your pet;
- If you own a business, begin implementation of your hurricane plan;
- If you have a boat, begin plans to secure.
Hurricane or Storm Warning
When a Hurricane or Storm Warning is issued, the cyclone is expected to strike
within 24 hours, and you must plan to leave if you are in a vulnerable
area or your home cannot withstand the winds.
Before
Evacuating:
- Fill prescriptions, propane gas, and car gas tank;
- Secure boats and relocate according to predetermined boat plan;
- Bring in lawn furniture, trashcans, plants and other unsecured items;
- Unplug TV and take TV antenna and satellite dish down from the roof;
- Drain swimming pool one foot and add extra chlorine;
- Turn off electricity to pool equipment and cover pump;
- Begin boarding windows, doors and garage doors;
- Turn off gas appliances at shut-off valve inside the house as well as water and electricity;
- Eat before leaving; shelters may not serve food in the first 24 hours;
- Take proof of residency, driver's license, insurance policy, utility bill and other important papers with you;
- Secure pets in a safe room or animal kennel;
- Turn off your electricity at the fuse box/circuit breaker panel;
- Turn off the gas to your home;
- Turn off the water main (if possible);
- Take emergency suitcase to the shelter.
Leave as early as possible
It is advised that you begin evacuation procedures before an evacuation
order is given. This will allow you more time to calmly get to a home of a friend or relative that is not in
a vulnerable area. Please remember to take with you an emergency suitcase (see list) of
essential hurricane supplies, such as identification and prescription medicine.
Shelters will not open until an evacuation order is given. Space in public
shelters is limited.
Pack an Emergency Suitcase to Take to a Shelter
The suitcase or bag should be light enough to carry to a shelter and it should include the following items:
- Flashlight and fresh batteries (one per person)
- Battery operated radio with extra batteries
- Insect repellant and sunscreen
- Personal hygiene items
- Washcloth, hand towel, tissues, pre-moistened towelettes and/or toilet paper
- Change of clothes and extra pair of shoes
- Dentures, glasses, hearing aids
- List of important papers (insurance policies, bank accounts, mortgages, list of phone numbers of family, friends, physician, pharmacy, caregiver and business contacts, and copies of prescriptions.
- Plastic bag with water purification tablets
- Matches and candles in plastic bag
- Manual can opener
- Plastic garbage bags
- Map of area
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Cards, games or books
- Snacks (non-perishable)
- Baby food (if applicable)
For further information contact NEMO or your District Emergency Organisation.
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