Belco urged people today to make sure they are fully prepared for hurricanes.

It comes as Hurricane Beryl — the first Category 5 storm to be recorded in the Atlantic in June — wreaks havoc in the Caribbean.

A spokesman for the company said that Belco was “taking all the necessary steps” to prepare for a storm — and urged the public to do their part.

Shelly Leman, the managing director of transmission, distribution and retail, said: “Hurricane Beryl is a timely reminder that we are expecting a very active and potentially dangerous hurricane season.

“When Bermuda is impacted by a storm, trees and foliage coming into contact with power lines is the leading cause of damage and outages on our network.

“It is important for property owners to act now to ensure trees are clear of power lines.

“Trimming trees at least ten feet back from power lines can help to prevent branches from pulling down power lines and even utility poles.”

The warning came after Hurricane Beryl carved a path of destruction through the Caribbean, most recently hitting Grenada’s Carriacou Island.

It prompted the Premier, David Burt, to offer a message of support to the island.

Wayne Caines, the president of Belco, said: “Meteorologists have predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year.

“The rapid intensification of Hurricane Beryl to a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale so early in the season is evidence that we can expect several major hurricanes and Bermuda should remain vigilant.

“Certainly, our thoughts are with the people of the Caribbean who have been impacted by Beryl and remain in the path of such a catastrophic storm.”

Belco is a member of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation, or Carilec, which sees it involved in the Carilec Disaster Programme.

Under the programme, workers from member companies assist one another in recovering from disasters such as hurricanes.

Mr Caines said: “Belco is monitoring the impacts of Beryl and I am in communication with Carilec members who have been impacted by the storm and we stand willing and ready to assist should the need arise.

“The next few months could be a very difficult and dangerous time for the Caribbean and Bermuda and it is important that we support each other however we can in preparation, during storms and in recovery efforts.

“I encourage all residents and businesses in Bermuda to review their own hurricane safety plans as well as tips and advice on the Belco website to keep their family and property safe should we be impacted by a storm this season.”

Electricity to power lines must be disconnected before trees can be trimmed.

Those who wish to temporarily disconnect power to have their trees safely trimmed should call 295-5111 or e-mail treetrimming@belco.bm at least three weeks in advance.