Bermuda has gone up a gear in preparation for the start of hurricane season.

Premier and National Security Minister Michael Dunkley yesterday said the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) had already met and was ready for anything the weather might throw at the Island.

Mr Dunkley, speaking as Hurricane Awareness Week draws to a close, added: “Bermuda has been spared the worst of several named storms, however we must continue to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

“During this week and throughout the June to November hurricane season I encourage everyone to take all of the familiar steps to prepare for a hurricane.”

He sand the EMO, which includes police, the Bermuda Regiment and the Bermuda Weather Service, met last week and he was confident Bermuda was prepared.

“The public can be confident that we have well-tested plans and the resources required to meet the challenge in the wake of such an event,” he said.

He stressed that in the run-up to a major storm and its aftermath, the EMO was the best source for information.

“This includes things like the closure of the Causeway, adjustments to work hours or school hours and public transport advisories. If you don’t hear it from us, it’s probably not true.”

And he warned members of the public to take appropriate precautions, including stocking up on batteries, having a good supply of fuel for vehicles or generators and that property is secured.

Trees near power lines should be cut back, insurance policies kept up to date and boats and pets made safe and secure.

The Weather Service’s Kimberley Zuill said that information on forecasting terms and their meanings could be found at www.weather.bm.

Ms Zuill said long-range predictions suggested that fewer systems would form in the Atlantic due to a strengthening El Nino current.

But said: “The numbers only reflect generation, not where they will track or where they will make landfall.

“Historically, strong El Nino years still create busy seasons for Bermuda — Emily happened in a strong El Nino year with only eight tropical systems forming for that season.

“Tropical systems are notoriously tricky beasts to forecast, especially in our area as they merge with other weather systems and become more complex.”

Ms Zuill added that changes in storms can be rapid and isolated.

“Therefore before, during and after any system that passes near or over Bermuda, please keep up with the latest forecasts from the Bermuda Weather Service on weather.bm — Bermuda’s only source for local weather watches and warnings.”