Residents were urged to step up their hurricane preparations as the island steels itself for possible of storms amid the coronavirus pandemic.

National security minister Renée Ming said people should stock up on personal protective equipment in addition to the usual items in their hurricane kits.

Ms Ming, who held an Emergency Measures Organisation meeting last week, said: “These are uniquely different circumstances that we are navigating as we simultaneously deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Preparation is key. A change to the usual hurricane kit should be the addition of personal protective equipment for you and your family. This includes, face masks or face coverings and hand sanitiser.”

Families should have enough PPE for at least seven days for each member of their household, at least seven days of food supply and ample supplies of non-perishable goods, prescription medications, fully stocked first aid kits, fresh batteries and smartphone battery packs and flashlights.

Ms Ming said: “Now is the time to ensure that you carry out any routine activities like making the necessary repairs around your homes such as fixing shutters and blinds, trimming back over hanging trees or shrubs, and ensuring your home or marine vessel insurance is up to date.

“These activities can assist greatly in ensuring minimum damage and financial costs in the event of a severe storm or hurricane.”

The meeting last Wednesday included Alison Crocket, the Deputy Governor, and key representatives from the Bermuda Weather Service, Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Disaster Risk Reduction Mitigation team and other Government and private sector partners.

Ms Ming said: “September and October are considered critical months for Bermuda during the storm season. We have just witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Laura in Louisiana, and it’s a reminder for us that we cannot become complacent.

“It’s important that all residents to take the appropriate steps to ensure that they are storm ready.”

The EMO Operations Group headquarters in the event of a serious storm has switched location from Prospect to Hamilton Fire Station.

Ms Ming said: “This group will collate any emergency reports as it is communicated to Government. At the new location, the EMO Operations Group will coordinate the deployment of a number of agencies including police, Regiment, fire service, public works, Belco, parks department, health department and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team.”

Weather updates are available at www.weather.bm.