Preparedness Month: Plan Now, Be Ready Always

By: Aliya Dunstan

Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) announces the start of Preparedness Month 2025, an annual initiative designed to encourage readiness ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. 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.

The observance will officially commence on Saturday, 3 May, with HMCI representatives stationed at Uncle Bill’s Home Improvement Centre. Staff, with HMCI, will assist members of the public in identifying items for their emergency kits and offer preparedness guidance tailored to individual and family needs. This outreach will continue each Saturday from 3 May through 24 May, with visits to hardware stores across Grand Cayman.

Shoppers who engage with the HMCI team will also have the opportunity to enter a Preparedness Month prize drawing, to be held in June.

“Each year, we see greater public engagement with Preparedness Month, and the value of these efforts is clear,” said Mark Codling, Deputy Director of Preparedness, Planning and Mitigation at 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.”

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on 1 June, and HMCI reminds all residents that preparedness is not limited to any single month or activity. Every household should maintain a basic emergency kit, which includes:

• 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

Throughout the 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.

The public is reminded: Preparedness is not just for today, but for every day.

For further details, visit www.caymanprepared.gov.ky .