Hurricane Gert hits Bermuda hard, it was revealed yesterday.

Both countries have offered to airlift troops in if Gert changes course and rips up the Island.

Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox said: "If need be, we have friends overseas who have made it more than clear that they're prepared to help.'' But she appealed for calm -- and for people to pull together as the Island faces possible hurricane force gusts of more than 100 mph.

Last night Hamilton's Front Street looked like a ghost town -- with many shops boarded up against the coming storm and few people on the streets.

Yesterday, Police urged homeowners in low-lying areas likely to be affected by storm surge to evacuate before midnight last night.

In the east -- likely to be hardest hit by winds up to hurricane force -- danger spots include Mullet and Tobacco Bays.

Elsewhere, Paget's Salt Kettle and Jew's Bay in Southampton have been targeted for evacuation advice.

And the Regiment have called up around 80 specialist troops -- assault pioneers, mechanics and drivers -- while the Reserve Police have been mobilised to assist their regular counterparts.

The news came as the Island braced itself for a possible onslaught from Gert, due to pass as close as 70 miles east of Bermuda -- unless the hurricane changes direction and scores a direct hit.

Government offices shut early and will be closed today -- as will schools -- and the airport effectively shut down last night.

The buses went off the roads early last night and will not resume service until the worst of the weather has passed. Ms Cox said that anyone fleeing high seas and storm surges should seek shelter with family or friends -- although she stressed anyone unable to do that should contact Police on 295-0011 for emergency alternatives.

She added: "At a time like this, people would always want to go to family or friends first -- and what we want to see is people being good neighbours, especially to the elderly.

"One thing about hurricanes, although we hate them, is that they certainly bring out the best in people.'' Bermuda ready for Hurricane Gert But she said the emergency services and Government had done everything in its power to protect the public.

Ms Cox, also chairman of the Emergency Measures Organisation, added: "Certainly, talking to those who have been involved in the Emergency Measures Organisation, this time they have a greater sense of confidence.

"That's more because we have had so many trial runs in a short period -- what we're finding is that the level of readiness and identifying the hot issues are coming to mind far more readily.'' Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay said that his officers would last night be visiting at-risk flood and surge areas to warn householders.

He added: "If people have not received notice, but fear flooding, they are also advised to seek refuge with relatives.'' Police moved on to alert status 12-hour shifts at 6 a.m. this morning until further notice.

Mr. Lemay said: "The Bermuda Police Service is working with other Government departments, emergency services and volunteers to ensure we can provide people with the maximum safety throughout this event.

"Public safety is our greatest concern.'' Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said that his department was poised to move into action as soon as the storms pass.

He added: "And we will be using all our energies to get the thoroughfares open again.'' But Mr. Scott said that previous experience had shown that storm-watchers travelling across the Island to sight-see had hampered emergency service and clean-up efforts.

He explained: "One of the things that makes it difficult is when the community gets into their cars and drives around to see what's happened.

"It will make it easier if people just remain at home -- the emergency services will have to get through, the Police will have to get through.'' Earlier, Acting Premier Dame Lois Browne Evans read a statement on behalf of Premier Jennifer Smith, currently floored by a bout of flu.

Dame Lois said: "While there is no need for you to panic, I can't emphasise too strongly that everyone should take sensible precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones and their property.'' Emergency measures so far include; Long Bird Bridge and the Swing Bridge at the east end closed to marine traffic from 11 a.m. and 1.45 p.m. today respectively; No garbage collection today -- and residents are urged to take in garbage already out due to the risk of flying debris from it; A warning from Bermuda International Airport to remove cars from the long term car park -- at risk from storm surge and flooding; CedarBridge Academy and Whitney Institute designated as emergency shelters; The Salvation Army will open its shelter early this afternoon -- and are geared up to serve meals to evacuees at CedarBridge and; Special Action Stations stocked with emergency supplies at St. George's Police station, the Government Quarry at Bailey's Bay, the Botanical Gardens garage, Warwick Camp and the garage at Port Royal Golf Course.

A Ministry spokesman added: "In addition, emergency supplies of chainsaws, tarpaulins, plywood, Bermuda slate and stone are available at the Government Quarry if required for emergency purposes.''