HMCI LAUNCHES HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS MONTH

By Staff Writer

One month ahead of the start of the 2025 hurricane season which starts on June 1st, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) has launched Preparedness Month 2025, an annual initiative designed to encourage readiness ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.

According to the national disaster management agency, “Building on the success of previous years and recognising the increasing need for preparedness in an era of increasingly unpredictable weather, HMCI has extended this year’s public engagement activities through to 14 June.”

Although the season runs from June 1st to November 30th HMCI reminds all residents that preparedness is not limited to any single month or activity. It advises that every household should maintain a basic emergency kit. (See below)

A projection issued in April by Colorado State University’s tropical forecast team said, “We anticipate an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean.” They also reminded that “as with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season.”

Thorough preparations should be made every season, regardless of predicted activity, the tropical forecast team reminded.

It’s an important point echoed by HMCI.

“With the reality of more frequent and unpredictable weather systems, extending our outreach through June gives residents additional time and support to prepare effectively. Building a culture of readiness is a year-round priority, and every step taken in advance helps strengthen our community’s resilience,” said Mark Codling, HMCI Deputy Director of Preparedness, Planning and Mitigation in a statement launching the May Preparedness Month programme.

19 storms are forecast to form in 2025, nine of which will become hurricanes and four of which will reach Category 3 status or stronger. That’s above the 30-year average tally for both hurricanes and storms. Last year there were 18 named storms, 11 of which became hurricanes and five listed as major hurricanes.

Last July, Hurricane Beryl, image attached, an early season Category 3 storm, swept close to Cayman knocking out some power supplies, causing localised flooding, disrupting water supplies and forcing several hundred people to take precautionary refuge in hurricane shelters. Cayman also felt the effects of some other weather systems which passed through the area.

Throughout the Preparedness Month observance period, HMCI, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, and key response partners will also be active on local radio to provide timely advice, forecasts, and emergency planning information. Residents are encouraged to download the National Emergency Notification System (NENS) app, and to follow HMCI’s official social media channels for alerts, educational content, and preparedness updates year-round.

Furthermore, residents are advised to follow official channels for weather information.

Recommended basic household emergency kit:

• Sufficient drinking water (1 gallon per person per day for 5–7 days)

• Non-perishable food (5–7 days’ supply)

• Battery-powered or wind-up radio

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First aid kit and prescription medications

• Personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies

• Important documents stored in waterproof containers

• Fuel and cash on hand

• Supplies for infants, elderly persons, or pets, where applicable