KINGSTON, Jamaica— As Jamaica prepares for the passing of Hurricane Elsa, OBSERVER ONLINE has compiled a list of tips to keep you and your family safe.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) recommends

When preparing for a hurricane, ensure you do the following:

· Check on these emergency items: water, boots, raincoats, flashlights and batteries, battery-powered radio, hurricane lamp, matches, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches.

· Keep plastic bags, nails, hammer and other tools handy.

· Have on hand simple first aid supplies.

· Stock 4-5 days supply of food that do not need cooking or refrigeration.

· Make sure you have material for battening up doors and windows.

· See that galvanized sheeting on your roofs, out-buildings and fences are securely fastened.

· If your house is in a high risk area, subject to a storm surge (tidal wave) or flooding, be sure you know of a safe shelter; preferably with relatives or friends.

· Trim trees with branches near to buildings or electrical lines. Also pick fruits off trees as these can be carried by the wind and cause further damage.

· Be sure to understand the hurricane warning system. That is the three phases – Alert, Watch and Warning. These are indicators of how far away the hurricane is from your location.

· Keep in touch with your Parish Disaster Preparedness Committee and know how the committee works.

What to do before, during and after a hurricane:

At the start of the hurricane season:

· Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and repair where necessary.

· Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.

· Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.

· Keep handy a supply of lumbar, plywood, timber, etc for battening down purposes.

· Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.

· Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary.

· Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.

· Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.

· Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration.

· Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.

· Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include waterboots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches.

· Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc at home.

During a Hurricane:

· Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary. When the winds get very strong, you are in danger of being hit by flying objects.

· Children should not be taken outside, since they may be in danger of being blown away.

· If you are away from home, remain where you are until the hurricane has passed. Many people have lost their lives trying to go from one place to another.

· Keep a hurricane lamp burning, as it may make the night more tolerable.

· If the house shows signs of breaking up, stay under a table or stand in a sturdy closet.

· Be prepared for material falling from the ceiling.

· If your glass windows have not been boarded up, place a large heavy object in front of the window to protect yourself and others from splintering glass.

· Be calm! Your ability to act logically is important.

· Listen to the radio for information on what is happening.

After a Hurricane:

· Seek medical attention at first-aid stations, hospitals or clinics for people injured during the storm.

· Do not touch loose or dangling electrical wires. Report these to the power company, the nearest police station or parish council.

· Report all broken sewer or water mains directly to the parish council, the public works department or water resources authority for your area.

· Immediately after the hurricane don’t use stored water for washing houses, cars and watering gardens until normal water services have been restored.

· Do not empty water stored in bathtubs or other receptacles until safe drinking water is restored.

· Boil all drinking water until you are sure that a safe water supply has been restored.

· Watch out for fallen trees. Collect fallen branches and other debris and pile them where they can be easily collected.

· Do not go outside barefooted. Avoid wearing open shoes and watch out for broken glass.