But how many times have you returned home with an arm load of stuff only to discover that you didn’t have the things that you actually needed when the winds picked up?

Gladwin Grant, the store manager at Masters Home Centre store manager, shared his advice on navigating the pre-hurricane shopping confusion with confidence and efficiency.

You might think that living on an island in a hurricane zone we would be ready to take on the ravages of mother nature at a moment’s notice, but Mr Grant says not.

“Every year, it’s the same story – people rush in at the last minute looking for flashlights and batteries they likely already have tucked away in a drawer but forget to stock up on other essentials such as propane for the camp stove,” he said.

“Instead of impulse-buying, my recommendation would be to shop all year both from a budgeting perspective, and also to ensure that you are prepared for any situation.

“We can get pretty severe winter storms too and people are often caught unprepared.”

If you are new to the island and struggling to figure out what supplies you might need, Mr Grant suggested that you think about what you would need if you went camping.

“Just walking up and down the aisles of will yield plenty of ideas,” he said. “We have everything from rope and buckets for dipping water out of the tank, to barbeques, coolers, water jugs, flashlights, lanterns, rechargeable fans and a selection of generators to meet every need.”

Choosing the right generator

Although buying a generator is a significant investment, Mr Grant said more and more people are seeking a reliable power source to keep at least some essential devices running during an outage.

Masters stocks a range of models to meet the needs of every household:

• The lightweight 2,500-watt Champion Inverter Generator is great for powering small devices. It can run for up to 11.5 hours on four litres of fuel and features a low oil shut-off sensor.
• The heftier 4,550-watt Firmin Remote Start Gas Portable Generator has a five-gallon tank, can run for up to 14 hours, and is equipped with wheels to make it easier to manouevre.
• If you want to power your whole house during an outage, the Generac 8,000watt electric start generator might be for you. It features a durable steel frame, and its 7.9-gallon gas tank provides up to ten hours of run-time at a 50 per cent load.

“If you’re unsure which model to choose, we strongly encourage you to speak with our staff to make sure you’re choosing the right product for your situation because all hurricane supply sales are final,” Mr Grant said.

Generator safety considerations

• Always consult a qualified electrician before attempting to connect a generator directly to your household. A transfer switch is required if connecting to home circuits.
• Never plug the generator directly into a wall outlet as this can send power back through utility lines, endangering Belco workers.
• Never operate a generator inside your house: generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that you cannot see or smell.
• Only operate a generator outside away from doors, windows and vents.
• Let the generator cool completely before adding gasoline: spilled fuel on hot engine parts can cause a fire.
• Always read the manual for a complete list of operating instructions and safety considerations.

For more information: visit www.master.bm or call 295-4321

The post Avoid the last-minute rush! appeared first on RG Magazines.

When money is tight, it can be tempting to cut corners – but, as an insurance expert explains, scrimping on the protection that you arrange for your home is a false economy.

Stephen Muso, the head of personal lines at BF&M, underlined the importance of securing an appropriate level of insurance to protect against damage to your home and its contents.

He said: “The importance of insurance is not just for when storms hit the island; you’re also protecting your investment from other types of losses.

“Buying a home is the costliest investment most will make in their lives, and you want to protect that investment in case of major damage or total loss.”

Anyone who doesn’t insure their home at all is likely aware of the risk they are taking – but some homeowners who do arrange coverage don’t fully understand the risk of being underinsured.

Underinsurance occurs when a homeowner insures their home or contents for less than the cost to rebuild what has been destroyed or replace what has been lost.

The amount that a home and its contents is insured for is referred to as the “sum insured”, which should represent the full cost to rebuild or replace in the event of a total loss.

However, even the most responsible homeowners can end up insuring their home and contents for less than the advisable amount.

BF&M says that occurs when a homeowner initially sets their “sum insured”, but never revisits it, which is problematic because the replacement cost of a home will increase over time due to inflation.

Mr Muso said: “We take every opportunity to educate our customers about underinsurance and the impact of being underinsured at the time of a loss. You might save a few dollars on premium when you are underinsured – but then you may have to pay more out of pocket to repair damages at the time of a loss.

“We can’t force customers to insure their properties for an appropriate sum, but we must make them aware of the consequences of not doing it.

“At the end of the day, we want to provide our customers with the information they need to make an informed decision. It’s just about continuously getting that message out to customers.”

To protect homeowners against the dangers of underinsurance, BF&M has introduced an optional index-linking feature to home policies.

Under the plan, a homeowner’s “sum insured” increases by a set percentage at each renewal, and their premium increases proportionally to reflect the adjustment in coverage.

BF&M said index-linking is most effective when an existing policy reflects the true present-day rebuilding/replacement costs on all insured items.

Mr Muso said: “We have some clients that will routinely check their policies every year at renewal, however, we see more calls when there are storms, or potential threats, predicted. That is the trigger point for most customers. It is important to make sure your insurance coverage is always up to date.”

The post Don’t get caught short appeared first on RG Magazines.

Those who need our support the most, of course, are vulnerable populations such as seniors and those living with conditions such as dementia.

In Bermuda, Dementia Bermuda has proven to be a beacon of hope by taking the lead in providing care and guidance for some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Marie Fay, the clinical director at Dementia Bermuda, shared her wisdom and practical advice on how we can serve as better neighbours and ensure the safety and comfort of everyone during challenging times.

Ms Fay explained the importance of local support networks.

“We’re seeing an increase in seniors living alone or elderly couples supporting each other with limited external social support,” she said.

“It’s essential to know who in your neighbourhood might need help.”

Being a good neighbour, according to Ms Fay, includes simple gestures such as sharing supplies, helping with storm preparations and performing wellness checks post-storm.

She also underscores the unique challenges faced by those with dementia during these distressing times.

“For individuals with dementia, a power outage might confuse the safety of foods stored in the fridge or freezer. They may not remember how long the power was out or the consequences it could have on their stored food.”

In these cases, neighbours can make a significant difference by checking in and helping to manage these practical details.

The role of companionship

One of the critical aspects of caring for our neighbours, as highlighted by Ms Fay, is providing seniors with companionship and maintaining a familiar environment for those with dementia during storms. “Changes in routine or environment can be incredibly disruptive and even heighten mood concerns and behaviours,” Ms Fay noted.

“Where possible, ensuring that individuals are not left alone and maintaining communication can provide reassurance and decrease anxiety.”

However, communication should be tailored effectively, considering the unique needs of those with dementia.

“We focus a lot on how to communicate — it’s about keeping things simple and avoiding overwhelming information,” Ms Fay shared.

This kind of communication helps mitigate confusion and distress during such high-stress periods.

It’s important to share simple instructions, Ms Fay said. We must also understand the importance of body language and tone of voice, and above all, stay cool, calm and collected. This level of mindful communication is crucial in aiding those with dementia to navigate through the stress with minimal confusion and heightened comfort.

Monitoring for signs of distress

Ms Fay also suggested that good neighbours learn to monitor seniors closely looking for signs of distress. She admitted that the storm’s chaos doesn’t just happen outside; it can resonate within resulting in anxiety, fear and panic for seniors. Recognising these signs early allows for timely interventions, like engaging in activities that offer solace and distract positively. Ms Fay suggests activities such as preparing a simple snack, reading together or diving into puzzles can work wonders in providing a sense of normalcy and safety.

Another effective strategy is looking through old photographs, which can act as a bridge to happier, calmer times, offering comfort and sparking joyful memories.

“These activities are not just distractions but serve as essential tools in maintaining cognitive engagement and emotional stability during times when the world outside seems in upheaval,” she explained.

Engaging the community

Ms Fay emphasised a host of community support systems are in place during hurricanes, including senior groups and church organisations, which are pivotal before and after disasters.

“Having designated individuals to check in with vulnerable members can streamline support and ensure no one is left unchecked,” she said.

“It’s about creating an environment where seeking and accepting help is normalised, thereby fostering a community that is resilient and prepared to face any challenge together.”

As we navigate through the hurricane season, Ms Fay encouraged us to remember that our strength lies in our unity. Through simple acts of kindness, mindful communication and positive distractions, we can offer seniors the support they need to feel safe, secure and connected.

Sidebar

Services and resources to count on

Dementia Bermuda offers several essential services that can help in preparing for natural disasters. Their in-home occupational therapy service evaluates the needs of individuals with dementia, ensuring that both the environment and routines are optimal for their safety and independence.

“Understanding the home environment and access to social supports allows us to give better guidance during crisis events like hurricanes,” Ms Fay explained.

The Bermuda Government’s emergency measures and organisations like the Bermuda Red Cross are also crucial resources. Yet, it’s the interpersonal, neighbourly support that often makes the most significant difference.

Practical tips for helping vulnerable neighbours during hurricane season

• Know your neighbours

Identify those who might need extra assistance.

• Share and prepare

Offer to share resources and help with storm preparations.

• Wellness checks

Check in on your neighbours after the storm to assess their needs and provide practical help.

• Maintain routine for those with dementia

Help keep a sense of normalcy and routine for those with cognitive challenges.

• Provide companionship

Whenever possible, inviting someone to stay with you or ensuring they aren’t alone can help alleviate anxiety.

• Communicate effectively

Use simple, calm, and clear language when interacting with those who have dementia.

• Engage in positive distractions

Provide activities that can help keep the mind engaged and off stressful topics.

• Utilise local resources

Connect with local services and organisations that can provide additional support.

By taking these steps, we can fortify our communities, turning them into safe havens where every member is looked after, particularly during the daunting hurricane season. This approach not only ensures the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable populations like seniors and individuals with dementia but also strengthens the community bonds that make Bermuda a truly resilient society.

The post Help your neighbour! appeared first on RG Magazines.

“I knew I was safe at home. The thought, however, that a recent category 5 hurricane was barrelling towards the island, compounded by my ‘due at any time now’ wife, left little room for peace of mind.”

“Expecting” is a state of high tension in the best of times, but when you consider the chaos that a hurricane brings to the proceedings, it’s hard to imagine being able to keep it together when labour starts just as the winds begin to howl!

Queenicia Williams remembers the night well.

“To be honest, at the time I didn’t think I was in actual labour. Did I have intense pain? Absolutely. Did the pain occur during the hurricane? It sure did. The pain intensified, but for some reason I kept telling myself I only needed to use the bathroom.

“Being the studious individual that I am, I was waiting for the signs that I was in actual labour. I was waiting for the plug to come out, or my water to break, but neither had occurred.

“My husband was awakened by my crying from the pain. He asked how long I had been in pain, and had I timed it. Of course I hadn’t timed it – I was delusional!”

Driving through howling winds

Under these potentially overwhelming circumstances, Carlton demonstrated admirable poise.

“I awakened to sounds of pain coming from the bathroom at approximately 1.30am on Sunday, October 4. They weren’t, however, as loud as the wind outside. This was my wife’s first child and I – knowing that no two situations are alike – knew that it was best to err on the side of caution.

“I contacted the hospital, and we agreed that an ambulance was not necessary at the time. I informed them that I would attempt to navigate from the St Anne’s Road area of Southampton, to get a little closer in case the situation got worse.”

This is when instinct and adrenaline takeover for most mortals – the point when doing what you have to do becomes paramount and, inevitably, you get it done.

“I put my wife and six-year-old son in the car and drove towards Hamilton. She was still in a lot of pain, and encouraged me to drive more quickly through the increasingly perilous roadways. I gently accelerated to the – unreasonable – speed that she was comfortable for me to drive at.

“All this was occurring with debris in the road, as well as trees bowing to meet the vehicle while en route. The scariest road portion was from Warwick Pond to the Ord Road, Paget intersection. There were a lot of damaged trees, and those that were swaying looked like they could give at any time. On many occasions, branches made contact with the car.”

Safety first

In these menacing conditions, the family headed toward Carlton’s mother’s home, in Pembroke, intending to drop off six-year-old Cayden. Meanwhile, Queenicia, still unsure that she was in labour, was not quite ready to go to the hospital.

“Due to the fact I was still somewhat unsure about the fact that I was in actual labour, I asked my husband to allow us to stay with his mother, who was a former midwife. We stayed for what seemed to be just shy of an hour. During that time my contractions started to change. I started to vomit blood during every contraction. It was at that time that my mother-in-law, Bernella, advised that we head to KEMH.”

Once Carlton had ensured safe passage to the hospital – a feat of considerable import under the circumstances – the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital staff sprang into action.

Calm heads at KEMH

Queenicia gives a vivid account of the experience.

“Upon arrival, I met with my mother and a nurse. After confirming who I was, and the date of arrival of child, we were taken immediately to maternity. Nurse Andrea Park tried to take a sample of blood, but that was found to be rather difficult. She noticed my complexion was pale and blood began to squirt when she was taking a sample. It was as if I was in a horror movie!

“Nurse Andrea moved calmly. My head was on fire, and every time a contraction came, I was vomiting blood. This caused my mother and husband some concern, but Nurse Andrea continued to stay calm. She took the blood work and sent it immediately.

“Suddenly I had – unbeknownst to me – developed high blood pressure and preëclampsia. The process of delivering my child went into complication mode!

“Dr Woods entered my room and gave me specific instructions. She was very calm, but very stern. I could tell in her voice that it was her goal that our child be born as soon as possible to ensure my unborn child and I were safe. I listened carefully and did as I was told.”

Welcome to the world, Stormy!

“Thanks to the calmness of the KEMH staff, we delivered our little girl. She was very small, but strong, and I was monitored 24/7 for seven days. I was unable to care for my child due to the nature of my condition, but my mother and mother-in-law came daily to assist with the feeding of my newborn – as well as the staff at KEMH.”

In times of extreme stress, we make it through. The Williams family is as strong and ebullient as ever today, and the story of little London-Rose’s birth will always be a great Bermuda hurricane story. Currently a happy and energetic nine-year-old, London-Rose now knows how she arrived into this life, and she embraces all the wonder that her auspicious arrival encompasses.

“London-Rose was given the edited version of her birth weekend on the eve of her ninth birthday. She remains thrilled by the thought of speeding through unsafe roads and continues to ask, ‘How fast were we going?’

“She has embraced the nickname ‘Stormy’ and thanks God that He was watching over us that weekend.”

The post An auspicious arrival appeared first on RG Magazines.

With that in mind, the BWS has made some subtle changes to try to present storm information more clearly.

It is hoped this will give people a better understanding about each storm’s potential impact on Bermuda and encourage them to stay alert as forecasts are amended.

Michelle Pitcher, the BWS director, said that the service issued a tropical update bulletin on the website whenever there was a tropical storm or hurricane forecast to be near, or directly affecting, Bermuda.

“These images have a map in the middle showing where the forecasted track is and the extent of the winds associated with the storm in reference to Bermuda,” Ms Pitcher said.

“Then we have information on the top and bottom of that map with more information about the actual tropical storm or hurricane.

“Part of the information underneath the map is a statement that states the ‘Closest point of

approach to Bermuda within 72 hours (3 days) is forecast to be ‘X’ nautical miles to the ‘direction’ at ‘date and time’. However, this system may move closer to Bermuda after this time period, depending upon its track.”

Getting the key message right

Feedback received on the graphic in recent years showed that people were confused by the final sentence, as well as the phrase “closest point of approach within 72 hours”.

After sending examples of different wording and requesting suggestions from stakeholders, Ms Pitcher said the BWS had rejigged it in a way that was “hopefully less confusing”.

She said: “Now it’s going to state, ‘Within the next 72 hours (3 days) the nearest forecasted point to Bermuda is expected to be ‘X’ nautical miles to the ‘direction’ at ‘date and time’. Please note that the forecast is subject to change and this point may move closer to or further away from Bermuda. See future advisory updates’.”

Ms Pitcher added: “The reason we use 72 hours is because that’s a key time period for emergency management. And while the arrival of the centre of a storm is important, we don’t want people solely focused on it as conditions can start to deteriorate well in advance of the storm’s arrival.”

Less uncertainty equals greater knowledge

Every year, the National Hurricane Centre improves its forecasting track of a tropical cyclone, which means the cone of uncertainty – where the centre of the storm may go – becomes narrower.

“On a hurricane tracking map, you can see there’s a shaded area on either side of the centre line. That’s the cone of uncertainty,” Ms Pitcher said.

“The centre line is where the forecast of the storm’s centre is, and the shaded area on either side of that line represents the uncertainty, meaning the centre of a storm could go anywhere within that shaded area.

“This year, the shaded area has shrunk by 5 per cent. It doesn’t sound like much, but considering what they are forecasting, every little bit is very important.”

Wind warnings – explained

Ms Pitcher said that the BWS maps also show different coloured circles for wind speed, and that it was important for people to understand what they meant

A red circle shows the extent of hurricane-force winds from the centre of the storm, yellow shows the extent of the 50-knot winds from the centre and blue shows the extent of tropical storm-force winds from the centre.

Ms Pitcher said: “Communicating the winds is not always straightforward, as there are times when we have tropical storm warnings noting something to the effect of ‘the western edge of the tropical storm-force winds are crossing over Bermuda’.

“We then can receive feedback from people saying, ‘well it’s not tropical storm-force winds where I am’, or ‘the airport sensors are showing sustained at 30 knots, not 34 knots’.

“The reason for that is that the winds are not constant around any tropical storm and some places will be sheltered from the full force of the winds.

“Winds can be patchy, especially toward the outer edges of the storm. So, while we might be under a tropical storm-force warning, if we’re just being caught by the edge of a tropical storm, we might not experience those strongest winds because they’re not consistent.

“The same can be said for the 50-knot winds and the hurricane-force winds. Our responsibility is not only for the island but the marine area which extends 25 nautical miles out from our shores.

“We do add extra information when able especially in situations when the strongest winds are forecast to impact only part of the marine area or maybe just reach one end of the island.

“We work directly with the specialists National Hurricane Centre to be able to give out the best possible information available so that the best decisions can be made to protect lives, livelihoods and properties.”

For your storm updates, visit www.weather.bm

The post Giving us clear advice appeared first on RG Magazines.

She is a veteran storm-weatherer, and the winds on that high hill have been quite violent over the years.

Her roof has been removed by hurricane force winds more than once, but there was one experience that she recalls most vividly.

“There have been a couple of times storms have taken my roof off. More recently, it was Hurricane Humberto – which happened in September 2019. This was a frightening hurricane to say the least. It was a category 3 storm, which I will always remember,” Mrs Burgess said.

“While I felt there was some movement on the roof of my house during the storm, it wasn’t until after the storm had ceased that I saw that the roof of the house had erupted and broke open like a volcano.

“I do remember trying to get the lawn lights out of the path of the storm. I fell down on the back porch and split open my lip. Fortunately, my teeth were intact. Suffice to say cocoa butter was best friend for the next couple of months.”

Howling winds

The physical toll of a strong hurricane hitting our homes can be devastating, but the lingering trauma and emotional effects can be even more difficult to deal with.

Mrs Burgess was fearful during the storm, but also remarkably brave in the face of nature’s fury.

“I did think it was curtains for me,” she said.

“Prayer was ever present on my mind: I thought I was going to meet my maker. But God had other plans for me at that time.

“Having no lights and no phone service was of no comfort – at least with lights you don’t feel so isolated. All I had were the howling winds to keep me company. I was by myself. During Humberto, two police officers did come by to ask if I wanted to relocate to lower ground. My answer was no – if ‘All-Shays’ went down, I was going down with her!

“While that was a valiant thought, that really wasn’t too smart in retrospect. I think it was more of a romantic idea, if anything.”

Prepare to survive

Protecting our families and homes are the only priorities during a hurricane, and preparation is key. Although there’s not much you can do to prepare for a storm strong enough to rip the stone-slate roof off your home, being prepared to survive inside remains of paramount importance.

During Humberto, Mrs Burgess was determined to see ‘All-Shays’ – which is the name of her home – through, so her preparation had to be on point.

“As with all hurricanes, I made sure I had at least three or four flashlights in working order. My bathtub was filled with water. The tea kettle had been boiled. I also had enough water to drink on hand. I do have an electric stove, so I had to keep foods that do not need to be heated up. I had fruits and canned goods on hand, like sardines and tuna fish, which usually does the job.

“We have such an excellent prediction system of when the hurricane is going to hit that one should take advantage and take care of your business, which does not mean go grocery shopping, because we know that electricity may not be on, and then you would have wasted your money.”

Get insured

While having your roof stolen by a storm is stressful and scary, the aftermath does not always have to be overly traumatic. Depending on who you deal with, getting back to baseline could be quite smooth, even for a single lady homeowner.

“After the storm, I assessed the property and went about getting someone to fix it up. Most contractors I asked were accommodating, and gave me a quote, which I passed onto my insurance company.

“The insurance company came out and assessed the property. Some of the structure was covered, other parts were not covered. I would strongly recommend getting a detailed, itemised list of what is covered and not covered – it does become frustrating when you think you’re fully covered only to find out that certain items are not. That is stressful to the 10th degree.

“Most contractors are sympathetic to your needs. But in some instances, I have met a few that were not sympathetic to my situation. Fortunately, I got rid of them and turned to someone who is willing to help a ‘sister’ out. If you are not familiar with the language pertaining to building structures, get familiar. Ask questions.”

Power of prayer

Some years later, ‘All-Shays’ is still standing tall on that hill in St George’s. Bermudian homes are built to last – and withstanding the wrath of a particularly strong storm is what lasting is all about!

Yes, we lose a roof from time-to-time, but more often than not, we get through. Mrs Burgess closes with the blueprint to getting through.

“My house is an old house. While it has been renovated, there is always cause for concern. My advice to homeowners is to get fixed what you can today – procrastination is not the name of the game!

“With our weather patterns being so unpredictable, it really is to your benefit to do what you can today to prevent any damage to your house or land.

“Prayer is a powerful tool that has served me through all the hurricanes I have experienced on the hill. Get in touch with your Supreme Being – it is helpful and reassuring to know that while you may be physically alone, The Almighty is with you in Spirit.

“Capitalise on that and the dependence factor will be a little easier. If you are with someone, appreciate them and form meaningful memories together, while always remembering to keep God first.”

The post Raising the roof! appeared first on RG Magazines.

Many could be asking how they can best take care of themselves when the power goes out, and possibly panicking about going into labour while the hurricane howls outside.

The good news is that while most of the island hunkers down in their homes, the maternity ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is a hive of activity.

“We would have a lot of nurses and moms here,” said Nicole Harvey, Bermuda Hospitals Board clinical manager for the maternity and special care baby unit, who described the atmosphere as “fun”.

This is because the unit is usually full, not just with medical staff, but also heavily pregnant women. “Once we know that a hurricane is likely to be hitting Bermuda, we contact all the mothers that are close to being due, at least a week or two away from their due date, and they get offered a stay at the hospital,” she said.

“They can stay overnight and come maybe 12 hours before the hurricane hits. Just in case they go into labour, they will be here and be safe.”

Twelve hours allows the women to get to the hospital safely before the hospital goes into lockdown for the duration of the storm. The hospital advises ahead of time when that lockdown will begin.

In order to ensure full staffing throughout the duration of a hurricane, there will also be more than one shift of nurses.

Nurse Harvey said: “On any given shift, we have four maternity nurses on days, four on nights, and then in the SCBU, we have three on days and three on nights.

“If the hospital’s going into lockdown, the nurses that are supposed to work that night would have to come in before lockdown and the nurses that will be on the following day shift would have to be here before lockdown.”

An obstetrician is also on duty.

“They take turns, so every hurricane, they have somebody designated to come in, so one obstetrician will stay over and deliver everybody who needs to be delivered,” she said.

“Usually, thankfully, it’s only two or three deliveries and they’re not too overwhelmed.”

In the event that a lot of babies do want to make their entrance into the world however, all the maternity unit nurses are trained midwives who know how to deliver babies.

The downside of having so many staff members in the hospital is that there isn’t always room for the fathers. Nurse Harvey did emphasise however, that wherever possible, they do try to make room for them.

“If they do go into labour during the hurricane, the partner is going to want to be there. But, we do have rooms and we have couches in the rooms for partners to stay.

“If they’re really, really close to the delivery we can allow it, if we have enough space, but that’s after we calculate who’s going to be staying in and how many beds we’ll need.”

While this may not be ideal for the expectant mother, especially if this is her first baby, the nurses try their best to keep everyone’s spirits up.

“It’s a community. They do make it fun because everybody’s stuck here for at least 24 hours,” Nurse Harvey said.

WHAT IF AN EXPECTANT MOTHER DOESN’T WANT TO GO INTO THE HOSPITAL?

“Some of the mothers opt to not stay and they either have family that live close to the hospital or they just feel like they’ll be fine. The obstetrician will express their concerns and they would prefer them to be in hospital, but it’s ultimately the mom’s decision whether they want to stay or not.”

For anyone who is pregnant during a storm, regardless of which stage of pregnancy, Nurse Harvey said it’s important that they

The post Pregnancy Storm appeared first on RG Magazines.

It was 1609. There was no GPS, no coast guard and no way to track the winds. Hundreds of miles off course, the 300-ton flagship of the London Company was battered for three days and four nights after cruising into the “dangerous quarter of the storm, at about 33 degrees north latitude”.

In command of the journey from Plymouth, England to Jamestown, Virginia were some of Britain’s finest seamen: among them Admiral Sir George Somers, a war hero dubbed “lion at sea”; Captain Christopher Newport, an experienced New World sailor on his fourth journey to Jamestown; and Sir Thomas Gates, appointed to be the governor of the Jamestown colony by King James.

The Atlantic storm that hit them on July 24 was a new danger for them all.

“A hell of darkness turned black upon us,” is how Strachey, an English writer whose works are among the primary sources for the early history of the English colonisation of North America, laid out the ordeal in a letter which is believed to have inspired William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The Chesapeake Research Consortium, a US nonprofit, drew on the letter for its 2005 retelling where it describes how Captain Newport “ran before the gale” hoping to save the ship. The move left them “trapped in the strongest winds swirling about the eye and spiralling towards the centre”.

The monster storm overwhelmed them completely. Waves “as high as mountains” broke over the ship, “swelling and roaring as if in fits, covering the ship from stern to stem, like a garment”. Lightning crackled and the ghostly lights of St Elmo’s fire leapt between the masts.

“Six and sometimes eight men were not enough to hold the whipstaff in the steerage, or the tiller below in the gunner room: by which may be imagined the strength of the storm, in which the sea swelled above the clouds and gave battle unto heaven,” Strachey wrote.

“The violent wrenching literally worked the caulking out of Sea Venture’s seams; the crew was sent creeping below decks with candles to look for leaks and staunch them with anything at hand.”

According to Strachey, although a massive leak in the gunner’s room was stuffed with “I know not how many pieces of beef”, it wasn’t enough; the waters kept rising, presumably because of holes that couldn’t be found.

All of the ship’s 30 seamen and its 120 passengers — many of whom had never been to sea —got to work bailing.

“The water was five feet deep above the ship’s ballast. A huge rogue wave — an unpredictable and abnormally large surface wave — completely buried the ship from her forecastle over the entire waist or central decks. The crew thought the ship was so long submerged that she would simply sink, but slowly Sea Venture laboured up again, still floating.”

Sparks at the rigging added to the terror of the wind, the dark, the huge waves and the rain.

“For four-and-twenty hours the storm in a restless tumult had blown so exceedingly as we could not apprehend in our imaginations any possibility of greater violence…the waters like whole rivers did flood the air…winds and seas were as mad as fury and rage could make them.”

According to Strachey, even though they were removing about 100 tons of water six times a day, the water in the ship’s hull remained ten feet deep.

“Every hour, the passengers bucketed 7,200 to 8,000 gallons of water overboard and they had three deep pumps in continual operation pumping 4,000 strokes at each four-hour watch.”

By July 28, the fourth morning, everyone was close to exhaustion and agreed to simply “shut up the hatches” come nightfall and “commend their sinful souls to God”, having “committed the ship to the mercy of the gale”.

“Prayers might well be in the heart and lips,” Strachey wrote, “but [they were] drowned in the outcries.”

Around midday, they noticed that the water level had “growne five feet deepe above the ballast”, Strachey said. Men were floating rather than walking, it was obvious to everyone that the Sea Venture was going down.

At the exact moment “when no man dreamed of such happiness” Admiral Somers spotted land.

It was so close that he could see the trees swaying.

“But the seafloor, rising quickly beneath them, threatened to split the ship before they could reach shore. Calling on every skill, Somers steered hard, veering between two outcropping rocks. The ship wedged fast and splintered. Sea Venture was destroyed,” wrote Nick D’Alto on Historynet’s The Hurricane that Saved Jamestown.

“It must have seemed like a miracle. Braving the breakers in longboats, everyone was able to make it to shore. Passenger John Rolfe’s wife, ‘who was with childe’, was probably carried into the boat. A resourceful mate even rescued the admiral’s dog. Despite the potentially murderous storm, there had been no fatalities among roughly 150 aboard.”

This miraculous escape, with the ship succumbing close to a tiny area of land in the middle of the vast North Atlantic, proved the start of Bermuda’s history as an inhabited island. And perhaps no story better sums up Bermuda’s motto, “Quo fata ferunt” — whither the fates carry us.

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Gorham’s the hardware and building supplies business based on St John’s Road, Pembroke, has a long history of ensuring generations of Bermudians have had what they need to ride out ferocious storms successfully.

Gorham’s offers a  convenient card that lists essential items for hurricane preparation, which is available at the customer service desk. But even the seasoned professionals at Gorham’s have to be reminded of some essentials.

“The least thought-about item when it comes to hurricanes is tennis balls,” Andrew Mackay, general manager of Gorham’s Ltd, said. We Bermudians know how to use them to block the drains on our roofs, to prevent vegetation and salt spray from getting into our tanks.

The team at Gorham’s prepares thoroughly to be regarded as a one-stop-shop for hurricane supplies. They even transform the layout of the store to be “hurricane central” with smaller, essential items near the front.

They want to ensure that they have what Bermuda needs without running out. Ask any local about where to go to get hurricane supplies, and you’ll most likely get: “Just go to Gorham’s.” As the supplier for everyone, from homeowner to the Department of Works and Engineering, they have the most stock. From gloves, chainsaws, hard hats, tarps, and plywood to rope, buckets, coolers, water, first aid kits, and radios, you truly can find everything you might need.

Their hours are convenient, they’re in a central location and have a staff ready to work as soon as it’s safe again after a storm.

“Our goal isn’t necessarily to have the best price on everything,” Mr Mackay said. “It’s the nature of the beast. However, we aim to have enough diversity and depth of product that you can secure your home and be safe, quickly getting your purchases and heading home to secure your premises.”

They are proud to be known as reliable and having the most useful items in stock when they are needed the most. “If someone needs 30 pairs of gloves or four bundles of plywood, we can supply it without running out,” Mr Mackay said. They are there when everyone needs them.

Gorham’s is affiliated with several major suppliers capable of meeting the spike in demand when a hurricane is looming, and they understand the urgency. Being on standby for hurricane season is the norm. Gorham’s’ hurricane experience, resources, and connections make it possible to have items quickly sent to the island. On arrival, they are moved off the docks as quickly as possible, onto the shelves, and into the hands of the customers who need them.

“Communication is important,” Mr Mackay said. “And we do our best to inform the stevedores team on the Hamilton docks, the shipping lines, and the trucking companies. Everyone realises the importance of hurricane supplies, and everyone is connected. While not considered an essential service provider during a pandemic, we are a priority in the arena for potential natural disaster.”

You will find a hurricane supply list at Gorham’s’ main store, through the Bermuda Government’s website, or through your insurance agency.  Better yet, you might just listen to some good “old-timers” who know what to do.

When the season starts however, it’s best to act early and build your kit.

“People typically only make purchases if there’s an actual emergency and everyone generally buys at the last minute,” Mr Mackay said. If you purchase your supplies ahead of time, you can avoid the rush. As the saying goes, the time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.

As you’ve probably guessed, tarpaulins, batteries, and duct tape are the first things people look for. Gorham’s carries a variety of everything to meet everyone’s needs. Board games, disposable plates, cups and cutlery, flashlights, battery-operated fans and small propane BBQ’s  — these items are easy to store and can be on hand so that you aren’t caught by surprise.

Given the likelihood of power cuts in a storm’s aftermath, generators are also a big seller, while air-conditioning systems or fans during the summer months are an added benefit during this season, while obviously reliant on a working electricity supply.

“People will also purchase large bottles of water, even though we collect the water from our roofs,” Anne Lindo, the purchasing manager at Gorham’s, said.  It’s true – water is used for drinking, washing, cooking, and cleaning, but we might not trust what is in our tanks. Especially if we forgot to buy the essential tennis balls.

Here is a short list of steps to take and supplies to get in order to ride out the storm:

• Make a plan, review it, practise it, and use a checklist to keep yourself well equipped and aware
• Stock up on medications
• Ensure your insurance policies, for example covering your home, boat, car and home contents, are up to date
• Non-perishable food for up to three days. Don’t forget the manual can opener
• Batteries, gas, portable stove
• Fully-stocked ifrst-aid kit
• Generator
• Pet supplies
• Games and books to stay sane
• Tools
• Sufficient sanitation items, such as toilet paper, feminine products, soap and detergent
• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Keep important paperwork in waterproof containers
• Special personal needs items such as diapers and formula for a baby, glasses or contact lenses when necessary
• Change of clothing
• Gas in the car or bike
• Cash

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One of our neighbours showed up with a chainsaw, as soon as the wind subsided. Several others wandered up with their brute strength. One thing led to another, and the massive tree section was cleared from our driveway in no time.

I remember lifting the cut pieces of that tree – it was not light! Our neighbours, however, made remarkably light work of it.

This is what it means to be a Bermudian after a storm. If we are able-bodied, we get out and make sure that we all made it through the chaos unscathed. Then we help each other to clear up, or give avocados to those in need, or provide hot meals for folks who don’t have electricity yet … the list, of course, is exhaustive.

Lovitta Foggo, MP for Constituency 3 (St David’s), has always tried to help where she could during hurricane season.

“For me, especially with seniors and those in need, I have helped by providing hurricane supplies, such as LED lamps, batteries, and non-perishable foods; making sure those who did not have the means were adequately supplied with such,” Ms Foggo said.

“I have engaged persons in my constituency who have the means and willingness, to donate supplies such as plywood and free labour, ensuring those in need are properly boarded up and protected.

“I have, with friends and able-bodied persons – especially once a hurricane has passed – gone out to survey the constituency to ensure persons who need assistance are helped. When there was no electricity, my neighbours and my family have cooked our food on grills, ensuring that we, and others could have hot meals. We have also shared our generator so that persons’ refrigerated goods didn’t spoil.

“Hurricanes have a way of humbling us, and reminding us of who we are as individuals. The aftermath of a hurricane reminds us of the value and importance of neighbourly love. It brings to the fore that we are our brothers’ keepers, and that, together, we can overcome.”

Perry Thompson, food and beverage captain at The Loren hotel, has a post-hurricane attitude like my neighbours in the story above.

“Once the hurricane has passed, and it’s deemed safe to go outside, the first thing to check is your property for any damage — roof, yard, fences, vehicles,” Mr Thompson said.

“If there is nothing major, then you take a walk around the neighbourhood. There may have to be clearing of trees and branches from the road. Inspect surrounding houses to see if they need any help in clearing up debris that might have been scattered from the high winds. Almost everyone has tarpaulins stored, so if there’s a roof that needs covering, they would be brought to the house, and the holes covered.

“I know our neighbourhood does not wait for Belco or Works & Engineering to come clear the roads. We come with our goggles, gloves, clippers, rakes, and buckets, and proceed in getting the areas back to normal.”

Retired police officer Hiram Edwards said that during and after a hurricane, “emergency services step up to the plate, and residents and businesses come together for Bermuda. From the engineers and communications folk at Belco and Bermuda Telephone Company, to the staff at the hotels. I am confident our neighbours will continue to always look out for one another.”

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