The experts at Bermuda Waterworks provided some timely advice as families and businesses brace themselves for adverse weather.

“Ideally, homeowners should block their drainpipes to prevent the entry of saltwater depending on their proximity to the ocean,” said chief operating officer Karlene Kelly.

“Failure to do so can cause contamination which may require tank cleaning and refilling.”

She also recommended filling containers with potable water for cleaning, flushing and bathing once power is lost during a hurricane.

“Restoration efforts will vary depending on the severity of the hurricane. It’s important for Bermudians to ensure adequate bottled water is available for the duration of the hurricane and until roads are cleared and stores reopen,” Ms Kelly said.

Experts recommend storing a gallon of water per person per day, for three days minimum, to cover drinking, sanitation and hygiene.

Some Waterworks clients may end up in an emergency, for example if they notice a bad smell or flat taste in their tank water.

“Stagnant water can be chlorinated,” said Ms Kelly, who pointed out that the current Safe Tank Water Guidance document published by the Bermuda Department of Health suggests using four ounces of unscented bleach per 1,000 gallons of water. This treated water can then be aerated by adding oxygen. “This can be done by setting your garden hose nozzle on a fine spray and directing it onto the surface of the water in the tank for a few hours. Residents can also have their water tested by the Health Department.”

If you are a Bermuda Waterworks customer and do not have water supply at the meter after a hurricane, call the emergency line on 236-1288.

“We will respond to the needs of our clients,” Ms Kelly said.

Supply issues can often be related to power outages in the vicinity of booster pumps in the

distribution system. The company will also promptly repair any pipeline breaks in their distribution network.

She noted, however, that clients are responsible for repairs and maintenance of the plumbing system on their properties.

Bermuda Waterworks has three divisions. The utility water division distributes potable water via pipelines that extend from Hamilton to Somerset. The North Shore plant processes sea water and the Parsons Lane plant processes brackish water from the Devonshire water lens. The finished product is chlorinated and held in three reservoirs storing over four million gallons of water. Bermuda Waterworks also produces bottled water under the Pure Water brand. It’s a premium drinking water produced via reverse osmosis followed by distillation.

During storm season, Bermuda Waterworks may pre-emptively shut down a water treatment plant, depending on the strength and path of a hurricane.

The system is restarted as soon as it is safe to do so and the levels in the reservoirs are restored.

Even when it comes to bottled water, staff are always ready to help. “The hurricane strength normally dictates the level of demand for bottled water,” Ms Kelly said.

“This involves increasing the staff levels at the drive thru, increasing bottled water production, and

additional deliveries to take care of homes, grocery stores, and the essential services. The 24-hour self-serve refill station at Parsons Lane remains open as long as it is safe to travel on the roads.”

As one example, the drive-thru can become quite hectic prior to a hurricane.

Ms Kelly said that staff help where they can, regardless of their role.

“They assist with directing traffic, collecting empty bottles, loading cars and quick processing of payments.

“It can be a trying time for residents attempting to secure their supplies before a hurricane. Our team always does their best to take care of all clients.”

The post Clean, safe water after a storm appeared first on RG Magazines.

Do you think of a box of supplies gathering dust in the back of your closet? Or does your mind jump with dread to the inevitable search for batteries when the power goes out? Or do you yawn and turn the page, sick of reading the same old advice yet again?

Or does your mind start racing, wondering how you will get by on your own once more?

How we react to news of an oncoming storm can depend very much on our personal circumstances. It’s one thing to know that, whatever happens, you and your family will be safely sheltering together. It’s another matter entirely if you are a senior living alone, a stressed-out single parent, someone managing a chronic illness that depends on constant access to oxygen, or a person already struggling with housing insecurity long before the first hurricane warning is issued.

“In a small community like Bermuda, many people are reluctant to ask for help, and storm season can be particularly challenging for those in our community who don’t have a strong support network,” said Red Cross disaster manager Diane Gordon.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of making a personal emergency plan for yourself and your family that details who will be responsible for each task and then sharing that plan, complete with all necessary contact information, with everyone in your circle.”

Ms Gordon said it’s critical to identify who will be responsible for your pets, who will be checking on your elderly relatives, and what children should do in any sort of emergency.

“It is also important to take stock of your hurricane supplies to see what needs to be replenished, or replaced, and to make sure that you have an adequate supply of necessary prescription drugs on hand,” she added.

CedarBridge Academy shelter

Whether you are elderly, medically vulnerable, homeless, pregnant or simply anxious about facing a storm alone, the hurricane shelter at CedarBridge Academy, staffed by Bermuda’s emergency support organisations, stands ready to provide help and reassurance whenever hurricane conditions threaten the island.

“In a severe weather situation, people tend to focus only on, or reach out only to, people or services they are already familiar with,” Ms Gordon said.

“But there is a lot more help available than they realise. The Salvation Army, for example, can pick people up who are alone or stranded without transportation.”

She advised setting your radio to 100.1 FM and listening for updates from the Bermuda Government

“The time to decide to go to the shelter is not in the middle of the storm,” she said.

“You really need to start heading there as soon as it has been announced that it is open.

The shelter is manned by representatives from the Department of Child and Family Services, the Salvation Army, the Department of Health, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and St John Ambulance.

Ms Gordon added: “As soon as it is announced that the shelter has been opened, people are welcome to start showing up.

“There are a lot of services available at the shelter, including oxygen tanks, diabetic and medical assistance, showers, cots and extra clothing, and there’s even a family room.”

Emergency contacts

Child and Family Services: 296-7575

Red Cross disaster manager: 236-8253

Salvation Army: 292-0601

Emergency Broadcast Radio: 100.1 FM

The post Help is on hand appeared first on RG Magazines.

But while we hunker down in our houses and wait for the storm to pass, some of the natural life around our island isn’t so lucky.

Our ecosystem – the animals and plants that call Bermuda home, and the environment surrounding them – gets a battering every time a hurricane strikes the island.

Sand disappears from beaches, cliffs collapse, and trees, habitats and marshes get destroyed, with devastating consequences for the creatures that live there.

Often, the environment heals, but experts fear that as fierce storms become more frequent, the risk of long-term damage increases.

Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, said: “As storms become more intense, and as sea level continues to rise, Bermuda risks losing more than individual trees or beaches. We risk the gradual weakening of whole natural systems.

“Over the next few decades, we may see narrower beaches, increased coastal erosion, more frequent flooding of low-lying areas, greater stress on mangroves and marshes, and more damage to reefs and seagrass beds.

“Over the longer term, some habitats may be prevented from migrating inland, away from the coast, blocked by roads, walls and buildings.

“The greatest concern is cumulative impact. One storm may damage a habitat, but the unremitting action of repeated storms can prevent recovery. Over time, this can lead to permanent ecological loss.”

Damage we can see

Our coastline and open spaces are severely exposed to hurricanes.

Mr Darrell said: “Storm surge and intense wave action can accelerate coastal erosion and redistribute large volumes of sand through longshore drift, particularly along exposed South Shore beaches.

“While some of this sand may eventually return naturally, repeated storms can leave beaches narrower, lower and increasingly vulnerable to future erosion.”

Coastal cliffs and rocky shorelines can also be damaged.

“Wave action, heavy rainfall and undercutting can contribute to cliff falls, slumping and erosion, particularly where natural vegetation has been removed or where development has weakened the coastal edge,” he said.

Wetlands, mangroves and marshes are also under pressure from longer-term effects of storms, sea level rise and erosion. Mangroves at Hungry Bay and Blue Hole Hill Park, for example, have been left with uprooted and damaged trees, altered water flow and loss of sediment.

Other visible impacts include salt spray damage to coastal woodland, loss of soil in exposed fields, damage to dunes and coastal vegetation, fallen mature trees and the spread of invasive species into disturbed areas.

Damage we can’t see

“Some of the most serious, impactful damage occurs below the sea surface,” Mr Darrell warned.

“Hurricanes can break or overturn corals, shift sand over reef habitats, stir up sediment and reduce water quality. This can stress corals, seagrasses and the many fish and invertebrates that depend on them.”

Bermuda’s reefs help protect our community by acting as natural breakwaters, reducing wave energy before it reaches the shore.

Mr Darrell said: “If reefs are weakened by repeated storms, warming seas, pollution or physical damage, the island becomes more exposed and vulnerable.”

Storms can also affect submerged cultural heritage, such as shipwrecks.

“Strong waves and currents can shift wreck material, expose or bury archaeological features, and damage fragile structures that have become part of the marine ecosystem,” he said.

Animals under threat

Mr Darrell said that, aside from birds, the species most at risk are those tied to specific habitats, including:

• marine turtles that need healthy seagrass beds;
• fish and marine invertebrates that depend on coral reefs and mangroves;
• terrestrial invertebrates, such as land snails, insects, spiders and land crabs, that require stable woodland, coastal and wetland habitats.

Species living in ponds, marshes and caves are particularly vulnerable when storms cause significant changes in salinity, flooding or sedimentation.

He noted that many invertebrates are vulnerable, including numerous endemic and native species that occur nowhere else on Earth, such as the endemic Bermuda land snail, a variety of cave-dwelling invertebrate, native pollinators, and several endemic insects and spiders.

“Many of these species occupy small areas or depend on very specific habitats, making them especially vulnerable to hurricanes,” he said.

“The loss of woodland canopy, flooding of cave systems, erosion of coastal habitats, saltwater intrusion into wetlands, or changes in pond and marsh conditions can have significant impacts on invertebrate populations.

Invertebrates, he noted, form the foundation of many ecological processes, including pollination, decomposition, soil formation and nutrient cycling.

Mr Darrell is particularly concerned about endemic and rare species.

“Repeated storms may even prevent populations from fully recovering,” he said.

“While larger and more visible species may attract attention following hurricanes, some of Bermuda’s greatest conservation concerns involve the smaller, less conspicuous species that play such critical roles in keeping our ecosystems healthy and functioning.”

Why it matters

When we lose nature, we lose many of the benefits that make our island a safe, healthy and enjoyable place to live.

Mr Darrell said: “Bermuda’s natural environment protects all of us. Reefs, beaches, dunes, wetlands, mangroves and coastal vegetation help reduce flooding, absorb wave energy and protect

homes, roads and communities from storm damage.

“They support the fisheries we rely on, the beaches we enjoy, and the tourism industry that provides jobs for many Bermudians.

“Wildlife helps pollinate plants, control pests and keep ecosystems functioning.”

When these systems are damaged, he said, we lose natural protection and become more dependent on costly engineered solutions.

He added: “We also risk losing the beauty, biodiversity and cultural landscapes that make Bermuda distinctive.

“This is not only an environmental concern. It is also a public safety, economic and community wellbeing issue.”

What can we do?

Mr Darrell said: “As a community, we should value natural infrastructure as seriously as built infrastructure. Healthy reefs, wetlands and woodlands are part of Bermuda’s storm protection system.”

He said we can all help by:

• protecting coastal vegetation;
• avoiding damage to dunes and mangroves;
• reducing pollution entering our waterways and the ocean;
• supporting native and endemic planting;
• removing invasive species where appropriate;
• taking part in community restoration days.

Property owners should:

• avoid clearing vegetation close to the coast;
• maintain natural buffers;
• manage stormwater responsibly and seek advice before undertaking shoreline works.

The post Our precious ecosystem is under threat appeared first on RG Magazines.

Our roofs also keep us cool in the summer and look pretty on a postcard – but it’s their ability to withstand even the harshest of storms that makes them particularly worth celebrating at this time of year.

The Bermuda TrueRoof system, a product of Bermuda Paint Company Ltd, is a popular alternative to the traditional slate roof that has long been a feature of the island’s buildings.

The BTR system consists of an interlocking series of 1.5-inch expanded polystyrene foam panels imported from Nova Scotia. The “type two” panels, denser than the type one panels sometimes used in roofs of this type, are attached as 4.25-square-foot interlocking pieces.

Richard Moulder, general manager of Bermuda Paint, explained the process of installing a BTR system.

“You install cement board onto your wooden framing. Then you take an adhesive and apply it to the cement board with a trowel. That is how you adhere the type two panels, which interlock.

“After that’s done, and it’s set, you mix BTR Cement Additive with the Bermuda TrueRoof fibred cement to a consistency that you can brush it over the foam panel. That’s what seals everything.

“After that’s done, you apply the Acriseal Penetrant Primer, one coat of that, and then you apply two coats of the Bermuda Roof Guard elastomeric coating.”

Bermuda Paint imports the BTR fibred cement, but the Bermuda Roof Guard elastomeric coating, the Acriseal Penetrant Primer and the BTR Cement Additive are made at the company’s 8,000-square-foot manufacturing and storage facility on Watlington Road West, off Brighton Hill in Devonshire, which also features a 2,500-square-foot retail shop.

Built to withstand storms

The decorative roof system, which can resemble a traditional stepped slate roof or can be installed as flat pieces, has been withstanding the worst of Atlantic hurricane seasons since coming to market in 2009.

Since conception, Mr Moulder said the BTR roof system has not had a roof failure, when installed by a professional and abiding by Bermuda Paint’s strict installation code.

That ability to withstand the strongest storms is due in large part to the interlocking nature of the foam panels.

Mr Moulder said: “The whole roof is conjoined; it is all glued together as one massive piece. Its durability is also to do with the venting of the panels as well. I’m not putting down a slate roof, but at the same time, we are going to run out of slate at some point in time. It’s hard to get even now.”

He added: “When you put up a slate roof, you’re putting in 12-by-18-inch pieces of slate, one on top of the other. With the foam roof, you’re putting down four-by-eight-foot sheets of cement board over the whole structure of your roof and then gluing the panels to the board. You can also use wind screws, or you can staple the panels to it.

“Even though it’s a light roof system, the structure of it is stronger than a slate roof, because when the wind gets under a slate roof, all you need is one of those slates to come up, and then it’s the domino effect – all of it comes up.”

Other benefits

In the long term, the BTR system is also cost-effective.

Mr Moulder said: “When you have an inch and a half of type two foam on top of your roof, first of all, it’s an insulator, so your cooling bills would be less, and your heating bills would be less.”

The materials used with the BTR system are more efficient at collecting water, while maintenance is cheaper.

He added: “A slate roof also has to be painted about every 18 months to two years. With the BTR system, you can get on average about four years before you have to repaint it.”

As the company’s product, Bermuda Roof Guard, is used for the collection of potable water, Bermuda Paint – by law and directed by the Bermuda Health Department – sends samples of its coating to Britain, which the company is in the process of completing now, to be tested every five years for its safe use as a potable water surface.

The Devonshire company, which was founded in 1957, remains the island’s only paint manufacturer. It operates with seven staff and markets a settled product line.

Mr Moulder said: “The majority of our business is the products that we make and manufacture. Those are the paints, the BTR Roof Adhesive that is made for the Bermuda True Roof system, the Bermuda Roof Guard topcoat, and the cement additive that goes in the BTR fibre cement that gives a roof its strength and flexibility.”

He added: “We’ve been here a long time, and our products work. They are high-quality and are developed for the Bermuda climate. They are 100 per cent made for Bermuda, and 100 per cent made by Bermudians.”

The post Tried and tested appeared first on RG Magazines.

Every year from June through November, we prepare our homes, stock up on supplies and monitor weather forecasts whenever a storm approaches the island.

Though it is important to focus on our families and property, we should also prepare for the safety and wellbeing of pets.

From dogs and cats to horses, rabbits, gerbils and hamsters, hurricanes can cause animals stress and, in worst case scenarios, lead to injury or illness and separate them from the people who love them. Understanding the risks can help ensure every member of the family stays safe.

Dogs

Dogs are often highly sensitive to approaching storms. Changes in air pressure, strong winds and thunder can trigger anxiety long before a hurricane makes landfall. During severe weather, frightened dogs may hide, pace, bark excessively or attempt to escape.

Although most dogs will be kept safely indoors during a severe storm, the period immediately before – and especially after a storm – can present risks.

The Bermuda SPCA advises that dogs should be microchipped and wear collars with up-to-date identification.

Damaged fences, broken gates and disrupted routines may create opportunities for dogs to escape once they are taken outside, while the unfamiliar sights and smells left behind by a hurricane can cause them to become disoriented.

Meanwhile, as Bermuda’s post-storm landscape can include fallen power lines, broken glass, roofing debris and contaminated standing water, dogs should remain on a leash until owners have fully assessed their surroundings.

Emergency preparedness is essential. Make sure you keep at least a week’s supply of food, bottled water, medications and veterinary records readily available.

Cats

Cats often react differently to hurricanes than dogs, but they are equally vulnerable. Many cats seek out hiding places when frightened, making it difficult to locate them quickly if an emergency evacuation becomes necessary.

Veterinarians and animal welfare experts recommend keeping cats indoors well before tropical-storm-force winds arrive. Cats should then be kept inside until storm conditions have completely passed and damaged areas have been secured.

Strong winds and flooding can alter familiar scents and landmarks, making it easier for cats to become disoriented and lost. In the aftermath of a hurricane, a frightened cat can quickly disappear into debris piles, damaged buildings or overgrown areas.

Horses

Horses face some of the greatest hurricane-related risks because of their size and housing requirements. Strong winds can damage stables, while flying debris can cause serious injury. Flooding may contaminate feed and water supplies and make paddocks unsafe.

For Bermuda’s equestrian community, hurricane preparedness requires careful planning. Owners should inspect stables before the season begins, secure loose equipment and identify safe sheltering options. If relocation is necessary, transportation arrangements should be made well in advance rather than waiting until a storm is imminent.

Even after a hurricane has passed, horses remain vulnerable. Damaged fencing, fallen trees, exposed nails and debris can all pose hazards. Waterlogged pastures may also conceal dangerous objects.

Owners should keep copies of veterinary records, identification photographs and emergency contact information in waterproof containers. Having a sufficient supply of feed, water and any necessary medication on hand is also critical.

Rabbits

Rabbits are particularly vulnerable during hurricanes because they are highly susceptible to stress. Loud winds, thunder and prolonged storm conditions can cause extreme fear, which in some cases may lead to shock or serious health complications.

Outdoor rabbits housed in hutches face additional dangers during hurricanes. Strong winds can damage enclosures, while heavy rain and flying debris may leave them exposed to injury and the elements. Because domestic rabbits are largely dependent on human care, owners should always bring them indoors before a storm arrives.

Once inside, rabbits should be kept in a secure carrier or indoor enclosure in the safest part of the home. Owners should also ensure they have at least seven days’ worth of food, water, bedding and any required medication available.

Veterinary services may be disrupted after a major hurricane, so it is advisable to keep medical records and emergency contact information readily accessible. Familiar toys, blankets and bedding can help reduce stress during extended periods indoors.

Gerbils and hamsters

Gerbils and hamsters face unique challenges during hurricanes. Their small size makes them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes such as fluctuations in temperature caused by prolonged power outages.

These animals can also become stressed by the noise and disruption associated with severe weather. Thunder, strong winds, generators and post-storm repair work may cause anxiety, making it important to keep cages in a quiet, secure area of the home.

Owners should ensure they have sufficient supplies to care for gerbils and hamsters during and after a storm, including food, fresh water, bedding and any required medication.

Road and store closures can make it difficult to replace essential items at short notice. Maintaining normal feeding schedules and daily routines as much as possible can also help reduce stress.

Preparation saves lives

One message is consistent across animal welfare organisations: pets should never be left outside to fend for themselves during a hurricane. Every animal, regardless of size or species, should be provided with a safe and secure environment before storm conditions begin.

For Bermuda’s pet owners, preparation means more than simply storing extra food. It means having carriers ready, maintaining current veterinary records, ensuring identification is up to date and planning for the possibility of extended power outages.

Hurricanes are an unavoidable part of island life, but with proper planning and responsible care, pets can weather the storm safely alongside the families who depend on them.

The post Keeping pets safe appeared first on RG Magazines.

What’s past is prologue…

Like many Bermudians born before 1980, my reference for hurricanes was largely shaped by the experience of Hurricane Emily in 1987, when I was eight years old.

While I have experienced many storms since, up until 2003 Emily remained my primary reference.

That changed in 2003. It was my first year of the Regiment, having been conscripted like many Bermudian men before me.

My time in the Regiment coincided with several major storms, and I served in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes in Cayman and Grenada.

But it was Fabian that devastated Bermuda.

I volunteered to serve as part of the Regiment’s rapid response force, along with others from the Corporals Cadre. This meant arriving at Warwick Camp the day before the storm, and spending the long night of the storm in barracks, prepared to deploy even in the midst of the storm, but otherwise with the intention of heading out at first light to begin clearing roads to facilitate both emergency transport and for the rest of the Regiment to muster and deploy.

Many former soldiers will be familiar with the term ‘hurry up and wait’, and that was basically my night during the storm. Some of us played cards. I believe someone had dominoes.

Periodically there would be a crash or a bang outside that would snap us back into the reality of the storm. I almost always have a book with me to kill time, and for Fabian I had brought to camp a paperback version of The Tempest by Shakespeare. It seemed fitting. Throughout the storm and its aftermath – which for me was weeks as a soldier – I read the play over and over.

Destruction

At first light, my team was dispatched towards the hospital, to ensure access was secure. The focus is on ensuring a single lane to the hospital. Clearing two lanes comes later – single lanes ensure emergency access. You have to be careful to look for downed wires first: before you act, you must observe to ensure you yourself do not become the emergency.

Other teams were sent east and west along the main roads – those are the priority after the storm.

Shortly after reaching the hospital and seeing it was clear, my team was dispatched instead to the Deputy Governor’s house. The Governor was off-island, so the Deputy was acting as Commander-in-Chief. Our focus was on clearing his driveway so he could more readily get from A to B. It was there that the radio crackled. We were the closest Regiment team to the Causeway at that time. And we were needed. None of us knew at that moment what the situation was, or why it was urgent to drop what we were doing and head there. Myself, I was just hoping to do something more important than clear a driveway.

On the way we began to speculate what we would find and what we would be doing. Was the Causeway destroyed? Was it blocked? We didn’t know, but we watched the destruction on our way and made mental notes of where we may be needed next.

We sped off to the Causeway, only stopping as needed to clear a path to get there. What greeted us shocked us to the core. It is difficult to express the sight: the Causeway was shattered. We knew there was a search and rescue operation underway.

I walked as far as I could to the halfway point of the shattered Causeway, fractured like one sees of earthquakes in the movies. We couldn’t get beyond the midpoint, at least not safely.

Having surveyed the scene, we returned to Grotto Bay, pushed back onlookers as far as Swizzle Inn and set up a security cordon. Only emergency vehicles allowed.

Tragedy

It is said that during war there is a fog, in the sense that one doesn’t fully grasp the whole of what is going on at the time, and only afterwards is one able to sort of piece things together. The same applied after Fabian. We knew that marine police were searching the waters but we didn’t really grasp the severity of the situation, though of course we wondered. Were they looking for something? Someone? Just checking the structural damage? We only learned later, in the barracks, that there had been deaths. It cast a shadow over the barracks as we digested the news with our rations. At that time, our job was to prevent curious onlookers trying to get past us to see the Causeway.

The next few days kept us busy. My unit was mostly clearing roads. I mostly remember the stretch from Watch Hill Park through to Collectors Hill, and then some sites out in the West End, clearing school campuses. We didn’t really have time to reflect on things. It was wake up, eat food, head out, work, back to Warwick Camp, eat, sleep, rinse and repeat. It was only on the anniversary of Fabian, and every hurricane since in the years after that, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on that day.

There is a certain beauty in the aftermath of storms. The air is fresher. The stars are brighter due to the blackouts. The tree-frogs are louder. There is the hum of generators. I associate the aftermath of hurricanes with the scent of jasmine. I’m not sure why. They can give one a greater appreciation of life, how precious and fragile it is. I spent the next few weeks working hard, clearing debris, sleeping when I could. Appreciating life in the aftermath of the tragedy at the Causeway. My frame of reference for hurricanes was no longer Emily, but Fabian and Shakespeare’s Tempest.

Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,

Sounds and sweet airs, that delight and hurt not.

Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments

Will hum about mine ears; and sometime voices

That, if I then waked after long sleep,

Will make me sleep again; and then in dreaming,

The clouds methought would open, and show riches

Ready to drop upon me, that when I awaked,

I cried to dream again!

The post Serving in the shadow of tragedy appeared first on RG Magazines.

The storm barrelled the island with with wind speeds of 138mph, damaging 40 per cent of our buildings, destroying two homes and sinking two ships.

The hurricane was so called because it formed south of Cuba, in the Caribbean sea.

HMS Valerian

The greatest loss came through the sinking of HMS Valerian, a British naval ship returning to Bermuda after providing hurricane relief to the Bahamas.

“The fact that she was returning from an errand of mercy to the Bahamas – visited twice this year by hurricanes – adds an ironical note to the affair,” reported The Royal Gazette and Colonist Daily on October 25, 1926.

Even in those days, forecasters knew this storm was approaching Bermuda, but it moved quicker than anticipated, overtaking the Valerian, and sinking her 18 miles south of the island at 1pm on that fateful day.

At one point, she had been in sight of Gibbs Hill but when Commander William Usher couldn’t see any marker buoys, he thought it would be safer to ride out the storm offshore and decided to head back out to sea.

The exact number of lives lost is difficult to determine. The official report into the wreck states that 86 crew members perished, but an order of service from the memorial service held at Bermuda Cathedral on October 31, 1926, stated: “A Memorial Service for the 89 Officers and Men of HMS Valerian, who lost their lives in the hurricane of October 22^nd.”

What is known, however is that this loss affected Bermuda greatly.

“A profound gloom was spread over the island and the utmost sympathy is felt for the relatives and friends of the victims,” reported the newspaper.

“HMS Valerian was a popular ship on the Station, and officers and men had made many friends,” the article continued.

In a feat of amazing strength, 19 crew members, including Commander Usher, survived by holding onto a raft for 21 hours before being rescued by HMS Cape Town.

SS Eastway

Six hours after the Valerian went down, disaster struck again when the cargo ship, SS Eastway, went down 100 to 120 miles north of Bermuda. A total of 22 men drowned that evening and 12 managed to survive by scrambling into a lifeboat. According to the Board of Trade inquiry into the incident, they were rescued by the Luciline at noon the following day and brought to St George’s.

Amid this tragedy however, was also great bravery as commended by John Hayes, MP for Liverpool Edge Hill, speaking in the UK Parliament on December 15, 1926.

“The engineers and firemen refused to overload the remaining lifeboat and went down with the ship rather than endanger the lives of their comrades,” he said.

Damage on land

The only significant injuries on land were those done to buildings, trees and crops.

Reporting in the October 2026 issue of Monthly Weather Review, W.H. Potter noted: “Apart from two houses, unoccupied, destroyed in Hamilton, the damage, while rather large in the aggregate, was for the most part small individually.

“No one was killed and one slightly injured, and there was no damage to speak of to the small boats in the harbour. The telephone was hit hard, but the electric lights were on in Hamilton by 7pm the 22^nd and here across the harbour by the next evening.”

The majority of the damage, he observed, happened during the second half of the storm, after the eye had passed. Casualties included The Colonial Opera House on Victoria Street where, reported The Royal Gazette and Colonist Daily, “portions of the stone work were carried over the surrounding houses until they went through an actual bombardment”. A large piece went through the roof of a Mr A. Vallis and smashed a wardrobe and another landed between the dining room and kitchen within six inches of a Mrs C.W. Pantry.

A child in Cook’s Hill, Somerset, had a narrow escape when the house belonging to Mr Albert Gilbert had its gable end blown in, roof carried away, and ceiling partially blown in.

“In one room, a child was resting in a perambulator when it was noticed that bits of ceiling began to fall.

“The child was removed to another room by Mrs Gilbert just in the nick of time, when the whole ceiling of the room from which the child had been removed came down.”

There were more close calls and acts of bravery in Dockyard when HMS Calcutta was swept away from the jetty. To prevent further damage, two officers “jumped into the water with life-buoys, and swam downwind with lines to the Calcutta, which enabled her to haul other hawsers on board”.

A hawser is a heavy rope used for mooring ships.

Her crew, along with the crew of another ship, HMS Wistaria then did “their utmost to help the Calcutta through her trouble, which was a nine hour struggle against the elements”.

Other news reports of the storm include damaged roofs and windows, destroyed crops, particularly banana trees, and downed cedar trees.

As tragic as the loss of life was, Bermuda fared better than Cuba, where news from October 21, 1926 reported 650 people killed, 2,100 injured, 10 towns and villages completely destroyed, and 6,500 people left homeless.

Even by modern day standards, especially when we consider what some Caribbean nations have been through in recent years following the wrath of hurricanes such as Irma, Maria and Melissa, the fact that only 40 per cent of Bermuda’s buildings were damaged by a Category 4 hurricane in an age before modern storm tracking, is a sign of strength that prevails to this day.

The post Bermuda’s deadliest storm appeared first on RG Magazines.

Bermuda Brickyard Limited’s special screens and aluminum rollup systems mean we’re protected without blocking out natural light.

Peter Schindel, founder of the family-run company which has been helping shield homes and commercial properties for almost 20 years, said: “We carry two of the best product lines for Bermuda’s homes and businesses during hurricane season.

“In the old days, people covered their windows and doors with plywood or solid aluminum shutters which literally left families in the dark.

“There are few things more terrifying than being stuck inside during a bad storm without fresh air or electricity. Bermuda Brickyard offers more effective and secure alternatives which allow you to see outside while the storm is going on.”

Armor Screen Hurricane Protection is a revolutionary see-through and breathable hurricane screen product, allowing you – if you so wish – to sit on your Armor Screen Protected porch with your windows and doors open and safely watch the storm.

That’s because these screen protectors are made of strong mesh material, like a trampoline. Flying debris and branches bounce off the mesh, while ensuring less pressure build-up in the house. The idea is that there’s a reduced chance of the roof lifting off or windows popping out.

Armor Screen is available in a range of colours and systems including the Buckle and Strap System and Electric Rollups.

Other customers opt for Brickyard’s Croci Aluminum Rollup System, which are an effective and stylish way to provide security, privacy and protection against storm damage in particularly vulnerable areas. Croci Rollups keep your space cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and offer year-round protection against storms, intruders, wind, debris and damaging UV rays.

Like all of Bermuda Brickyard’s hurricane systems, Croci Rollups are custom built to fit each door, window and garage door space. They can be ordered with Lexan panels for greater light and visibility or with solid aluminium slats.

“They’re great because they provide light and you can see through them to know what’s happening outside,” Mr Schindel said.

To protect your home or commercial property, call Bermuda Brickyard to arrange a visit by an expert to measure, make an assessment and provide a quote. You can choose your type of protection, and the colours.

You should contact Bermuda Brickyard four to five months in advance of installation, so the engineers and manufacturers can custom-make each product to the highest quality standards. The hurricane protection systems are then installed by Brickyard’s expert technicians.

“Our installers take the time to teach each client how to deploy their protection systems,” Mr Schindel said.

“It can be as easy as pressing a button for some of our systems, while others have to be clipped-on or tightened.

“There isn’t another provider on the island that meets Bermuda Brickyard’s standard of excellence. Our products are expertly made and installed, they’re easy to use, they last, and they give people peace of mind.”

The post Watch the storm in comfort and safety appeared first on RG Magazines.

They are among the 21 storm names selected by the World Meteorological Organisation for this year’s Atlantic basin storm season.

Forecasters with the US National Weather Service have predicted that the basin, which includes Bermuda, will experience a below-normal storm season.

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, of which the NWS is a part, said the outlook predicts a 35 per cent chance of a near-normal season, a 10 per cent chance of an above-normal season, and a 55 per cent chance of a below-normal season.

The season runs from June 1 until November 30, although storms can form before or after that period.

The agency said it is forecasting a total of 8 to 14 named storms (winds of 39mph or higher). Of those, three to six are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74mph or higher), including one to three major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of 111mph or higher).

The NOAA said it has 70 per cent confidence in these ranges. An average season has 14 named storms with seven hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

The organisation said the Atlantic season is expected to be below normal due to competing factors.

El Niño, which the US Geological Survey describes as “a warming of the ocean surface in the tropical Pacific Ocean that affects weather patterns worldwide”, is expected to develop and intensify during the hurricane season, while ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are expected to be slightly warmer than normal and trade winds are likely weaker than average.

El Niño conditions tend to support fewer tropical storms and hurricanes, while warmer ocean temperatures and low winds support a more active year.

“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said NOAA’s National Weather Service director Ken Graham.

“That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”

The NOAA’s outlook is for overall seasonal activity based on large-scale weather and climate patterns. It does not indicate where or when any storms may affect land.

In addition to Fay and Gonzalo, the storm names for 2026 are Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.

Fay and Gonzalo thrashed Bermuda in October 2014.

While Fay was initially reported to be a tropical storm, many on the island were convinced that it was a hurricane – and they were proved right a week later when forecasters upgraded the storm to Category 1 hurricane status.

Just five days after Fay hit the island on October 12, Gonzalo barrelled toward Bermuda as a Category 4 but dropped to Category 3 just before landfall and then weakened to a strong Category 2 storm during its passage over the island. Both storms left thousands of people without power and caused widespread damage to properties and infrastructure.

Last year, 13 named storms formed in the Atlantic basin during the season. Five developed into hurricanes, four of which grew into major storms including three packing Category 5 strength (sustained winds of 157mph or higher).

Two storms left their mark on the island.

Hurricane Imelda, which arrived on October 2 as a Category 2, knocked out power to 18,000 Belco customers. Twenty-nine days later, Hurricane Melissa – also a Category 2 – caused nearly 20,000 homes to lose power.

The NOAA will update its outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season in early August.

The post Uh-oh! Fay and Gonzalo! appeared first on RG Magazines.

Many of us depend on Mr Moniz and his staff at the island’s two Lindo’s Family Foods outlets to help us get through the worst storms, particularly when high winds knock out power.

Having weathered many a hurricane, the owner-operator of Lindo’s stores in Warwick and Devonshire is well-placed to observe the different approaches we take when a hurricane strike is imminent.

“There are two types of shoppers for a hurricane,” he said.

“There are those who are preparing for the worst, and there are those who are preparing for a party.

“People come in to buy canned goods, but they also buy water, flashlights, batteries. They might buy some buckets. That’s the prepared person.

“Everybody does storm food prep for a hurricane. For example, the chip aisle gets hammered. The prepared people and the party animals prepare for the day in almost the same way.”

However, Mr Moniz said: “It’s what’s going to happen afterwards that they prepare for differently. The people that have been through a few storms and know what it’s like to live without electricity, they’re getting stuff that’s going to be useful after the storm.

“Those are the people that you should be like. Get water, get batteries, and don’t buy too much stuff that you’re going to have to keep cold in the fridge.”

One tip is to freeze big bottles of water and turn them into blocks of ice.

“They can be used in your cooler if you lose power, and they are going to keep everything in that cooler cold for a long time.”

All hands on deck

While we’re doing our last-minute shopping, Mr Moniz and 90 staff in Warwick and just over 100 employees in Devonshire have their own pre-storm roles.

“We are being run off our feet. We’re preparing pallets of water to put on the shop floor. We’re calling our suppliers. Generally, we have batteries in hand, but it’s usually not enough. We’ve got an extra stand that we push out on the shop floor that’s full of batteries and flashlights.

“We’re also trying to find ways to manage what’s going on in the store as well as our own homes because that gets neglected when you’re in the retail space.”

Mr Moniz counts on the support of his family.

“My wife Kristina handles what’s going to happen at home. I’m like, ‘You’ve got the outdoor furniture, right’? And she’s like, ‘Yes, don’t worry about it, just go to work’.

“In and around the store, we’re making sure that whatever objects we have lying around outside, like trash cans and whatever else that could turn into a flying object are all put away, or we’re preparing to put those away once we’re able to close.

“We usually have water on hand but if we have to go to one of our other warehouses to pick up more, we do that. It’s easy to take a pallet and shove it on the shop floor.

“We’ve got Rubis calling us saying, ‘What’s in your generator? We’re going to come and top it up’. They’ll do that before the storm. And then immediately following the storm, as soon as the roads are passable, they’re calling us again.

“Do you have power? Are you on generator? If we’re on generator, they’ll swing by every three days to make sure we’re taken care of.”

The generator is a diesel-powered, 500-kilowatt beast designed to kick into gear within 30 seconds of Lindo’s losing power.

“The generator powers the whole place and is a lifesaver. You could probably run an estate of ten houses on it.

“I just need to make sure I’ve got enough battery life in the computer rooms to hold power long enough until the generator kicks in and takes over.

“I’ll be home and I’ll get security alerts saying that the power has dropped at Devonshire or Warwick, and I’ll dial in from home to make sure that I have access through those 30 seconds, so that I know that the generator has kicked in.”

Making it work

The generator is serviced monthly – but things, as they say, happen.

“The batteries have a ‘date replace’ sign on them because that’s going to be your downfall. If your batteries are dead, you can’t start the generator.

“That happened once, but not in a hurricane. We just lost power out of the blue. So, we drove a truck right up to the door near to the generator, connected the jumper cables, started up the truck and ‘boom’, we got the generator going. You’ve got to make it work, right?”

Mr Moniz said the 13,000-square-foot store in Warwick, and the 18,000-square-foot outlet in Devonshire, re-open as soon as possible after a hurricane.

“We know that some people need ice because they’ve got medications that they need to keep cold. There are others, like the Royal Bermuda Regiment and first responders, whose needs we need to be able to meet.

“We never tell staff that they need to come in right away. I tell them ‘if you can make it, make it. If you can’t, don’t’.

“We open with whatever staff we have on that day and do the best we can with what we’ve got. Customers recognise what’s going on and are generally pretty good about it.”

He recalled one occasion when all the produce team lived together in the same house, which got hit by a tornado.

“I mean, their clothes were hanging in the trees, so it was bad,” he said. “You don’t expect them to be at work. You make do with what you’ve got.”

On average, Lindo’s keeps a six-week supply of non-perishable goods in stock.

If any of the cargo ships – Bermuda Islander, Oleander, Somers Isle – that serve the island is delayed due to a hurricane, that can result in a shortage of immediately perishable foods like produce or chicken.

Mr Moniz said: “If it’s going to be too dangerous, the ships will hold where they are, wait for the hurricane to pass and then they’ll come in behind the storm.

“With all three boats, usually whenever they’re sailing, we’ve got something on them.”

The post Shopping when the wind blows appeared first on RG Magazines.