Hurricanes or Extreme Weather
The Atlantic and Caribbean hurricane season commences on June 1 and ends on November 30, though strong potentially threatening storms can develop at any time. These storms are rated in categories of 1 (sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph) to 5 (sustained winds in excess of 155 mph) and can pose an enormous threat to the lives, property and infrastructure of the people of the Caribbean region and beyond. Tropical storms have sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.
While direct hits on the Cayman Islands are rare, statistics over the past 135 years indicate that Grand Cayman is affected by a hurricane passing within 60 miles every 2.21 years on average. The impact of the catastrophic category 5 Hurricane Ivan in September 2004 presents us with the strongest reminder that we must have contingency plans that allow us to reduce the threat to our properties and ensure the safety of our employees and families. The reduction of casualties and the rate of recovery will be dependent on the level of our preparedness and training.
Property Management will contact all residents if a hurricane or other severe weather system is likely to approach or impact the Cayman Islands.
All cars MUST be removed from the underground parking garage in the event of a hurricane. If you plan to be off island during hurricane season, please ensure that your keys are left with a friend or family member or the Property Manager at Security so that the vehicle can be moved out of the underground parking. The vehicle will be stored with other vehicles in the upper levels of the parking structure.
During Hurricane season, which officially begins June 1 to November 30, we encourage all residents to take active steps to prepare for any possible storm.
Please read the following information thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the likely conditions and available facilities at Kapok during a storm. Kapok is designed and built to the highest standards of code and compliance, however it is impossible to guarantee personal safety in any building during a storm. You must use your own judgement to decide where to shelter during a hurricane, and should you choose to remain in your Kapok unit, you do so at your own risk.
Key Notes:
- CUC will turn the electricity off island-wide if a storm is approaching. Kapok do not have an emergency generator therefore there will be NO power supply in your unit, and consequently no lighting, power for kitchen appliances and air conditioning. Please be aware that your unit may become hot and humid. Emergency lighting in the stairwells and common areas will be on but will only last up to three hours.
- There will be NO water supply to the unit and it is therefore prohibited to use the toilets for solid waste as this will clog the drains and quickly cause serious health hazards for yourself and other tenants. It is recommended that you use a plastic bag for waste matter that is then tied tight and disposed of once the storm has passed.
- All building exits will be secured and locked before the storm arrives. Stay indoors at all times unless advised by Security personnel who will be present in the buildings during a hurricane. You will not be allowed to leave the building once the storm has hit unless it is a medical emergency.
- All building exits will be secured and locked before the storm arrives. Stay indoors at all times unless advised otherwise by Security personnel who will maintain a presence in the buildings during a hurricane.
- Do not open exterior windows and doors. This can compromise the structural integrity of the building due to the high velocity winds and can endanger the lives of those inside.
- There will be no fire suppression sprinkler system in operation. Do not use any open flames, including gas stoves and candles.
- NEVER use a generator during a hurricane. If used inside, deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up and linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off. If used from the balcony, the generator may become a projectile in high winds and doors or windows left open as a cable entry point to the apartment could compromise the building envelope.
- Furniture and landlord items left outside on the decks / patio areas will be removed to storage or put into the pool. Please remove any personal belongings from the outdoor areas and balconies to avoid damage to the belongings and/or the windows or building.
Prior to the Hurricane:
- Provide the names of anyone who will remain in your unit to Property Management. Please also include a list of pets, if applicable. This will be used to advise the emergency services and once an all clear signal has been issued for Security to verify the safety of residents and guests.
- Stock up on anything you may need to wait out the storm inside your unit. The following are essential items: non-perishable food, bottled water, first aid kit, waste bags, flashlights, can opener, batteries, battery-powered radio, prescription and over-the-counter medicine, diapers, baby food, pet food, extra eye glasses and battery-powered lanterns.
- Fill the bathroom tub with water. This water may be used for drinking should the water supply become interrupted or contaminated.
During the Hurricane:
- Listen to the Local Weather Advisory on the radio. Do exactly as advised.
- Unplug all electrical devices. Use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps.
After the Hurricane:
- The security officers will open the external doors once the all clear has been given.
- Do not use water until authorities have issued the area to be a "safe water area". Use the emergency supply in the tub or boil water. Please limit usage of water and toilet facilities. Property Management may need to implement water restrictions.
