First introduced to Bermuda in the late 18th century by the British military garrison in St George’s, their job was to shade a building’s façade from the sunlight, and serve as a semi-private space for receiving visitors.

With modern technology and building materials, however, verandas have effectively become an additional room, adding valuable square footage as living, dining, cooking, relaxing and entertaining areas in their own right.

At the forefront of this modern design are Jacob Hocking and Lauren Grayston, owner and partner respectively of CTX Design Group, along with their team of architectural technicians and interior designers. They sat down with RG Home to explain how versatile verandas can be, what is possible with today’s technology and materials, and shared design tips for making the most of these shaded outdoor areas.

Exterior design

When designing a veranda from scratch, the priority, said Mr Hocking, is orientation.

“It has to be something that people want to occupy, and it has to perform the function it’s designed to perform, like provide proper shelter from the elements,” he said.

To ensure good ventilation, they should be designed “so at least two sides are open so that you can get cross breezes through them”.

He said: “Shade is one thing, but hot air and getting it to pass out of that space is important as well.”

It also needs to suit the house, so proportion is vital, but it also has to be sized for its intended use.

“If it’s a dining veranda, then it has to suit the dining table. If it’s a conversational setup, then it needs to fit the seating arrangement or furnishings that you want to have, and it needs to, at a minimum, meet those requirements.”

With so many verandas now providing a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience, they no longer have to sit at the entryway. Instead, they should be connected to the natural life of the home.

“Most will link to living rooms or kitchens. Those are the rooms that tend to benefit most from the connection to daily life,” he said, adding that “proximity to a garden or a swimming pool, some other feature of the property,” is also a benefit.

“Increasingly, people want a more relaxed, informal, nature-connected home and the veranda is the interface between the shelter of a home and the openness of nature.”

Fixtures, fittings, interior design

The most successful design feature for seamless indoor-outdoor and connected living incorporates wide openings with large sliding or accordion glass doors and flush sills, meaning the inside and outside are all on one level.

This can be taken a step further by using the same floor tile throughout, but with a non-slip finish for the exterior tiles, along with glass railings in place of traditional wooden ones. Ms Grayston said this “makes it feel even bigger, more connected”.

Another feature that has turned the veranda into a year-round useable space are hurricane screens, particularly electric ones, which roll up and down at the touch of a button. In addition to storm protection, said Mr Hocking, they offer “privacy, shade and security”.

Budget permitting, there is then no end to the “bells and whistles” you can add to make the veranda your favourite ‘room’ in the house.

“Kitchens, weather resistant cabinetry, Sunbrella fabrics,” Ms Grayston said. “Outdoor appliances,” added Mr Hocking.

One veranda they designed for a water front home in Riddell’s Bay had several different outdoor living and entertaining areas, including a sunken BBQ kitchen and a swim-up bar. They integrated planting to soften the hard surfaces and create separation between the different spaces without disconnecting them.

“They use it all the time,” Ms Grayston said.

Budget

If budget is a concern, note that simplicity saves money.

“The roof is the driving cost, so anything you can do to simplify the structure of the roof,” Mr Hocking suggested.

“Like, working with standard lumber lengths. If you go to Gorhams and buy a 12-foot rafter, that will probably do a 10-foot deep porch. Don’t buy a 14-foot rafter, because you’ll just cut three feet off of it and throw it in the trash. Be efficient with your material selection and the sizes based on the materials available.”

You can also find ways to maximise space. For a home on Oswego Island, Mr Hocking came up with a creative design featuring an interior dining room with two porch areas either side; the dining room has floor to ceiling glass doors on three sides so it can be opened up to create one long veranda.

“We were able to make a smaller porch feel larger by allowing an interior room to contribute to some of its square footage,” he said.

They also recommended investing in durable materials to keep maintenance costs down. For example, wooden columns can decay at the base, but you can create moisture gaps by setting them up on masonry plinths or stainless steel brackets.

Dream verandas

If money were no object, Ms Grayston’s ideal veranda would have large, open, wooden doors overlooking the water with conversational seating, a dining area and kitchen all connected to a pool, along with a fireplace or fire pit for ambiance. She would also love a wood panelled ceiling to warm her space up.

Mr Hocking’s ideal veranda would be “restrained but refined”, with natural materials such as limestone, hardwood and patinaed metals, as well as deep overhangs and openings that frame landscape views.

He would also love “multiple zones”, including a quiet area with a suspended daybed or hammock and lighting that is warm and subtle.

“Not just stick lights into the ceiling, use either uplights or bounce lights off of surfaces so that they’re not direct. It just gives a glow,” he said.

The post Vibrant verandas appeared first on RG Magazines.

Our controlled indoor environments, though, mean that houseplants can continue to thrive.

Julie Greaves, general manager at Aberfeldy Nurseries, said the popularity of houseplants surged during Covid, largely because they filter indoor air pollutants and release oxygen.

“Houseplants have always been a staple in the home, however, during Covid they reached new heights mainly due to the health benefits they bring to a home.

“Everybody had a houseplant on Zoom on their back shoulder, and they started naming their houseplants. They really, really took off because people were spending a lot more time indoors.”

However, she cautioned: “You need at least one plant per 300 square feet to start to clean the air.”

Ms Greaves said specimen plants with large leaves such as the ficus lyrata are trending.

“Peace lily, which produces a white spath shaped flower, and spider plants are also popular. Anything with a decorative or colourful leaf is in demand.”

She provided some tips for the care of houseplants.

“Treat your plant like a human being, which needs nutrients to thrive. Each plant has specific watering requirements, however, a general rule of thumb is, allow your plant to dry out slightly between each watering. To ensure a healthy root system, never allow the potted plant to stand in water.”

Aberfeldy operates a retail garden centre on a sprawling three-acre site on Pomander Road in Paget – and a production facility on the island having greenhouse and growing space of approximately 25,000-square-feet that grows hundreds of thousands of plants a year. All products sold at the Paget site are grown in Bermuda.

Watering and maintaining

Outdoors, as June draws to a close, annual bedding plants for the summer season that runs until September have now been in soil for a month or more. Summer bedding includes portulaca, vinca, marigolds, gazanias and cosmos.

Ms Greaves said: “In June, July and August it’s all about watering. Most people have planted the flowering plants for the summer by then, and it’s just about maintaining them. There’s not a lot of planting done in the summer because there is a lot of heat stress.”

At Aberfeldy’s retail garden centre, the company “makes water” with the help of a well, rainwater collection, and a reverse osmosis machine, to maintain the thousands of varieties that it has on sale.

Ms Greaves said: “It’s best to try and water first thing in the morning. Sometimes, the guys are watering for eight hours a day.”

Assistant manager Trent Smith, who has spent more than 40 years at Aberfeldy “teaching and growing”, said summer is the time to spread mulch, a material that covers the surface of the soil and provides a host of benefits.

He said: “Mulching is very important at this time of year. You probably want to use natural mulch, your red mulch, which is painted red. And then nuggets, which help to seal your moisture down, so that when it’s hot, at least your water evaporation is good. Mulch holds your weeds down, too.”

Reap what you sow

Mr Smith said people who grow their own food will have planted a variety of crops in May, including tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, eggplant and peppers.

“It takes a process – there are timelines. Tomato from a seed, you’ve got three months, four months. I like watermelons and cantaloupes. They’re almost 90-day crops. You plant them in May, and you’re looking to eat them anywhere in August.”

Home gardeners will soon be thinking ahead to the fall-to-spring planting season that runs from October.

Ms Greaves said: “People will start to look toward the fall around the end of August. We still have high nighttime temperatures through August and the beginning of September, but people want to make this quick jump.

“They have been on vacation, the kids are back at school, and they want to get back to their routines and want to start looking at doing their fall gardening. In September, you can start to get your garden ready, and prepare your soil, for your plants and vegetables.”

In the autumn, vegetables suitable for planting include carrots, beets, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, potatoes, spinach and lettuce.

Mr Smith said: “People eat lettuce in the summer, but lettuce isn’t grown in the summer. Lettuce thrives in the winter.”

Ms Greaves said: “Just be aware that whether you plant your Bermuda onions at the end of October, November or January, they’ll mature at the same time.”

Mr Smith added: “Plants have their own biological clock. No matter if you try to manipulate how much you can, they let you know sometimes ‘I’m not ready yet’.”

Herbs are popular on the Aberfeldy campus, as home gardeners seek to add flavour to their home cooking. Popular easy-to-grow herbs include rosemary, thyme, basil, cilantro, curly parsley, marjoram and chives.

Ms Greaves said: “We do a lot of fresh herbs. If they’re already established now, they’ll take you through the summer, but trying to actually plant them in the heat of the summer is quite difficult. It does get too hot for your fresh herbs, but we sell them in pots and they are very, very popular.”

While the summer heat presents challenges, hurricanes create a different set of problems, both for home gardeners and the professionals at Aberfeldy.

Mr Smith said: “The wind and the salt can cause damage, especially if the hurricanes are coming out of the south. They pick up a lot of salt spray, and you’ve got to get the plants out and wash them off.”

When a hurricane is nearing the island, Ms Greaves says, “it takes us a week to pack everything away. And basically, a week or ten days to put everything back.”

Whether you’re a certified green thumb or a gardening beginner, Mr Smith said cultivating plants and vegetables is a stress reliever after a hard day or week at work.

However, he advised: “Patience is the main thing; patience is a virtue.”

The post Thriving out of the heat appeared first on RG Magazines.

But while we are cooling our bedrooms, we are also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and sending our electricity consumption soaring.

AirCare Ltd general manager Brendan Stone said there is hope for a greener future, as advances in technology lead to more efficient models.

That’s right, we can reduce our environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort – while also easing monthly utility bills.

“Historically, there have been two major issues with the refrigerants used in air-conditioning units: their global warming potential and their ozone depletion potential,” Mr Stone said.

“Thankfully, the industry no longer uses refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer, but it’s important to understand that the GWP of older air-conditioning models is still quite high.”

Mr Stone said the industry is being driven to improve its technology because governments mandate yearly reductions in the number of harmful emissions associated with refrigerants.

“Whereas older units once had GWP ratings of around 2,000, newer residential and commercial systems can have ratings as low as 466,” he explained.

The hidden cost of holding on

We’re increasingly aware of the harmful effects of older refrigerants, but many of us postpone replacing our air conditioners because of the costs involved.

“Longevity is a double-edged sword,” Mr Stone said.

“Older units will continue to exist until the gas supply needed to operate them is depleted, but they consume more electricity and don’t operate efficiently. In fact, Government energy guidance indicates that HVAC systems typically account for 40 to 50 per cent of household electricity use.”

He explained that all air conditioners work by drawing air across cooling fins to remove heat from a room.

“If an older window unit has rusted out and developed holes in the casing,” he said, “the motor may still be running, but the system can end up pulling hot air in from outside instead of cooling efficiently.

“Failing to install the correct size unit for the space you are trying to cool can also significantly impact energy consumption. Units that are too small for a room will run constantly in an effort to reach the desired temperature, while units that are too large can short-cycle, reducing dehumidification and leaving the room feeling less comfortable.”

Importance of regular maintenance

The best and cheapest way to maintain the air quality inside your home is to keep your system clean and serviced regularly.

Failing to clean the coils and filters causes the system to run longer and less efficiently, while neglecting annual servicing of split-system units can lead to a multitude of headaches.

According to Mr Stone, a filter clogged with dust or mould doesn’t just reduce the efficiency of an air-conditioning system – it can also circulate dust, allergens and mould spores throughout the room you are trying to cool.

And then there are the critters.

Believe it or not, lizards, slugs, tree frogs and flying insects that favour dark, damp spaces can make their way inside the wall unit of a split system, damaging the circuit board and shorting it out.

Energy conservation

The more you use an air conditioner – and the greater the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures – the harder the system must work and the more energy it will consume.

“A high-efficiency unit used badly can still waste a lot of energy,” Mr Stone said.

“The traditional advice is to set the temperature on your unit to 72F. However, you can potentially save up to 10 per cent simply by raising the temperature by three or four degrees.”

AirCare have some units with smart sensors that automatically raise the temperature in the room by several degrees if you leave for 20 minutes and then lower the temperature again when you return.

Mr Stone added: “Some of the newer systems even have Wi-Fi controls that allow you to use your phone to turn them on and off at specific times during the day, as well as multiple thermostats that can trigger the system to automatically turn the AC on and off in specific areas of the house based on need.”

For maximum energy efficiency, think of your whole house as a cooling system rather than simply focusing on the AC units themselves.

Installing blackout curtains on west-facing windows that receive direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day is one simple, cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption.

As well as blocking out light, these lined window coverings can reduce heat transfer through windows by as much as one-third, depending on the fabric, fit and window type, making a noticeable difference in both room temperature and energy savings.

Solar system considerations

There has been considerable publicity surrounding solar-assisted air-conditioning units that come with their own solar panels. While these systems can help reduce energy consumption, Mr Stone advises consumers to do their research before making a purchase, as many models use solar energy only to power the condenser fan and often operate less efficiently than traditional high-efficiency units.

For truly meaningful energy savings, he believes the better option is to install a rooftop solar panel system configured to help power the home’s air-conditioning units.

However, there is an important caveat.

“You really need professional guidance before installing a new solar system for your house because the number of panels required to power a household is calculated based on your current energy consumption,” he said.

“This means that if you install a new solar system while still using older air-conditioning units, which consume far more energy, you could end up installing more solar panels than you would actually need if you upgraded your air-conditioning systems first.”

The post Be cool to the environment appeared first on RG Magazines.

The change to warmer weather naturally invites lighter textures, brighter colours and a more relaxed atmosphere indoors.

Jennifer Dearing, senior interior designer at Hamma Galleries, says even small updates can make a home feel completely transformed for the months ahead.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to declutter your space and take inventory of the items you already own,” she said.

One of the easiest seasonal updates is swapping out heavier winter accessories.

Ms Dearing suggests packing away thick throw blankets and replacing them with lightweight, breathable options better suited to Bermuda’s summer evenings. She added that changing smaller soft furnishings can dramatically alter the overall feeling of a room without requiring a major investment.

Replacing darker tones with softer seasonal colours can also dramatically shift the mood of a room. Lightweight fabrics and natural textures instantly create a brighter, more cheerful environment, particularly in living rooms and bedrooms.

“A simple way to refresh your décor is by changing your pillows to lighter fabrics and colours,” she said. “It immediately enhances the airy feel of the space.”

Adding floral accents is another favourite summer update. Whether using fresh flowers or faux stems, bringing touches of nature indoors creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Incorporating pops of colour and greenery throughout the home can help spaces feel brighter, fresher and more connected to Bermuda’s outdoor beauty during the summer months.

Bold and beautiful

This summer’s decorating trends embrace relaxed, natural living, but include a few bold twists. One of the season’s standout looks is oversized or dramatic patterns that bring personality and movement into a space.

“Bold stripes are definitely making a statement this summer,” Ms Dearing said.

Rattan remains a perennial favourite during the warmer months. Made from woven natural fibres, it works beautifully in both furniture and decorative accessories, adding texture and an effortless tropical feel that, for obvious reasons, suits Bermuda homes especially well.

Natural unfinished materials are also having a major moment this summer, with plaster, cement, sculptural stone and rich wood tones appearing throughout both furniture and decorative accessories.

Ms Dearing said these organic finishes help create interiors that feel layered and relaxed while still maintaining a sophisticated look.

Outdoor entertaining continues to shape many summer decorating choices too. Portable and rechargeable LED lamps are proving especially popular, offering soft ambient lighting for outdoor dinners and gatherings.

“They’re not only beautiful for entertaining outdoors, but incredibly practical in Bermuda during hurricane season as backup lighting,” Ms Dearing noted.

Versatile pieces which combine style and practicality are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to make the most of both indoor and outdoor spaces during the season.

When it comes to creating a brighter summer look, she often turns to the island’s landscape for ideas.

“I love finding inspiration in nature, especially during the spring and summer,” she said.

The island’s gardens and coastline are full of soft greens and blues, while brighter tropical colours like turquoise, hot pink and coral red can be found in Bermuda’s hibiscus flowers, bougainvillea, pastel cottages and clear coastal waters.

“These cheerful colours are everywhere in Bermuda and can really energise your home décor,” Ms Dearing said.

Texture also plays an important role in making interiors feel cooler and more relaxed during the summer. Lighter woven fabrics, natural fibres and breezy linens all help create a softer, more inviting environment.

The team at Hamma works closely with clients to incorporate those seasonal touches through custom pillows, window coverings and upholstery projects.

As the exclusive distributor of fabrics from Colefax and Fowler — the celebrated British design house known for its timeless English country style — Hamma Galleries offers a wide range of options for homeowners looking to create a lighter summer feel indoors. Ms Dearing said the fabrics help “bring that outdoor beauty inside”.

Don’t go overboard

While seasonal decorating can be exciting, Ms Dearing encourages homeowners to avoid leaning too heavily into one particular look.

“It’s great to express yourself through your home décor but try not to go overboard with one specific theme,” she advised.

Although adding a few nautical accents can work beautifully in a Bermuda home, filling an entire room with boats, rope, coral and seashells can quickly feel overwhelming, she cautioned.

Instead, she recommends choosing pieces thoughtfully and focusing on items that genuinely resonate with your personal style. She believes seasonal decorating works best when it complements a home’s existing character rather than completely transforming it for a short period of time.

Bedrooms are another area where simple seasonal updates can make a noticeable difference, particularly when it comes to comfort during Bermuda’s warmer weather.

Ms Dearing recommends switching to lighter, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen and reconsidering heavy bedding altogether.

“Instead of using your winter duvet, consider using a throw or quilt, or simply remove the duvet from its cover and use just the cover,” she suggested.

Light colours also help bedrooms feel cooler and calmer throughout the season. Crisp whites and softer neutral tones can create a hotel-inspired look while still feeling comfortable and relaxed.

“I personally prefer simple white sheets paired with a lumbar pillow to add a pop of colour,” she said. “The lumbar pillow can be easily switched out seasonally to refresh your space.”

Ultimately, Ms Dearing believes giving your home a summer feel doesn’t require a complete redesign or major investment. Often, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

She encourages homeowners to focus on selecting pieces they genuinely love rather than decorating solely for a particular season or trend, creating spaces that feel timeless as well as personal.

“Your home should reflect your personality and the things that make you feel happy,” she said.

The post Summer refresh appeared first on RG Magazines.

For parents who want to get their children outside and enjoying themselves, instead of hiding in the air-conditioning glued to a screen, your answer might just be a garden that is fun and inviting.

We have done our research and found that Bermuda’s stores are stocked high with toys, games and swimming-pools to suit every age, budget and yard size, and we even found someone who can custom-make tree houses, playhouses and playsets that are limited only by your imagination.

Custom-made garden fun

There is something about a wooden tree house or playset that just screams idyllic childhood and the man who can bring this magic to life is Michiko Campbell, aka, Chiko the Builder. Not to be confused with Chiko the Chef – same person, different talent.

One of the largest he ever made was an open wooden playhouse on stilts with steps leading up to it and a hammock swing on one side. Ideal for tea parties with friends, or a relaxing story.

“That project was amazing. I loved everything about it,” he said.

Another favourite project involved an uneven Bermuda stone wall, which he turned into a mountain climbing-type apparatus with a boat rope, slide, platform and lookout house.

On the more practical but still vibrant side, he has also created a bright pink, two-storey playhouse, with storage below and white outdoor steps leading to the fun part up top, complete with balcony and windows.

Other creations include a Noah’s Ark that can be a boat, a table and even a sand pit. He can also custom make swing sets.

While he has made playhouses around trees, he hasn’t yet been asked to make one high up in a tree.

“You just have to make sure you got the strong base platform and the tree is durable for it,” he said. “Any strong hardwood tree would do.”

Having said that, if the tree is not strong enough, it’s nothing that supporting pillars can’t fix.

For more information follow Chiko The Builder on facebook, @chikothebuilder on Instagram or call 704-4566.

Toys and games

For instant fun, the Gorham’s toy department is bursting with outdoor garden games including croquet, volleyball, badminton, ladderball and something called Jazzminton, which, said the box, is “the ultimate paddle game with no boundaries”. Along with a more traditional looking pickleball set, looks like it makes a great alternative use for a driveway. There’s also a “Fun 5 Combo” which includes five games in one box. This, said sales associate, Carol Lema, is very popular.

There is also kid-friendly archery and axe throwing sets, but RG Home’s sensible advice is to set those up away from the direction of any windows.

For smaller children, the Caterpillar Sandbox, is another top seller and Gorham’s also has the play sand to go with it.

While they might be a bigger investment, the outdoor ping pong and foosball tables at Island Trading can be a whole family affair … literally.

“Children, teenagers, parents and grandparents. They are a great way to get everyone off screens and outside for some fun, friendly competition,” said the store’s managing director, Laura Farge-Lowe.

Both of these, she added, “are designed for outdoor use, with a durable, weatherproof playing surface suited to Bermuda gardens, patios and pool areas.”

To help keep them in the best shape possible, she recommended folding and storing the ping pong table in a sheltered spot when it’s not being used and for both tables, using their protective covers.

Water fun

All of this outdoor play is bound to make children hot and cranky so what better way to cool them down than by throwing them in some water.

Single, double and even foam slip and slides are currently on sale in Gorham’s, along with a variety of ever-popular water pistols. For the latter, based on personal experience, this writer strongly recommends closing all windows and locking all doors to make sure ALL water battles stay outside.

They also sell a variety of hard and blow up paddling pools for young children. The hard ones, Ms Lema said, have the added benefit of being fun for dogs too.

Something that has been flying of the shelves in recent years are the above-ground swimming pools.

“People go crazy over pools in their backyard,” she continued. Available sizes range from six feet up to 18 feet in diameter and the most popular ones come with steel frames.

While they may look like giant paddling pools, they need to be maintained like swimming pools. Gorham’s sells cleaning vacuums and they come with pumps, but the filters must be changed regularly. They also need chemicals, such as chlorine. Gorham’s don’t sell these, but they do sell the floating dispensers for the tablets. These tablets can be bought from Pool & Spa House on King Street in Hamilton, and they keep them in stock year-round.

A word of warning, while great fun, above-ground swimming pools can be dangerous, especially for small children or others who can’t swim well.

“I would advise you to make sure that you fence it off,” Ms Lema said. Even if you take the step ladder away, there is still the risk a child will find a way to get up. “Kids are very inquisitive,” she continued.

For added pool fun, there is a wide variety of flotation devices including noodles and blow up floats seemingly in every shape and colour, as well as toys for diving.

If you really want to splash out (pun intended) on the ultimate in water flotation, Ms Farge-Lowe recommends the Big Dipper at Island Trading, which is “designed to last season after season” with the proper care and storage. The Big Dipper is like a gigantic noodle and doesn’t need to be blown up. She has one for each of her kids and “they are still going strong after three years”.

The post Garden Magic 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.

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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.”

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Then comes the moment many Bermudians know all too well: stepping outside and seeing the hurricane aftermath.

Scattered tree branches, loose roofing materials, broken fences, debris piled along roadsides and gutters overflowing with leaves are all common sights after the storm subsides.

Suddenly, after hours of storm preparation and constant weather updates, the next phase begins — clean-up.

For many people, stress or adrenaline kicks in and the instinct is to get everything back to normal as quickly as possible.

But according to Alandra Swan, Keep Bermuda Beautiful’s education and community engagement coordinator, that rush can often create more problems than it solves.

“One of the biggest mistakes is people trying to move too quickly,” Ms Swan explained. “After a storm, everyone wants Bermuda to ‘look normal’ again immediately, but rushing often leads to injuries, improper disposal or environmental harm.”

In other words, before grabbing a rake and heading outside, it pays to slow down.

Safety first

Once the storm passes, the danger does not necessarily disappear. Storms can leave behind hidden hazards that are not immediately obvious. Fallen power lines, unstable trees, loose roofing pieces, exposed nails, standing water and structural damage can all create serious risks.
“Safety must always come first,” Ms Swan said. “Before beginning any clean-up, residents should carefully inspect their property for hazards.”
That first inspection matters. Something that looks like a harmless fallen branch may be under tension and capable of snapping unexpectedly.

A tree leaning at an odd angle may not be stable. Damaged fencing or loose metal may have sharp edges hidden beneath leaves and debris.

If there is uncertainty around structural or electrical damage, Ms Swan says homeowners should contact professionals or the appropriate authorities before entering dangerous areas.

Protective gear matters too. Gloves, sturdy closed-toe shoes, eye protection, hats and long sleeves can help prevent injuries during clean-up. Storm debris may not look dangerous at first glance, but cuts, punctures and strains are among the most common post-storm injuries. And in Bermuda’s heat and humidity, there is another factor people often forget: hydration.

Don’t try to be a hero

After a storm, there can be pressure to tackle everything at once: clearing the yard, moving the branches, cleaning the road, fixing the fence.

Ms Swan says clean-up is physically demanding work, and trying to do too much single-handedly can lead to injury.
“KBB recommends avoiding lifting extremely heavy debris alone,” she said. “Residents should work in teams whenever possible, lift carefully and take breaks.”

Bermuda’s post-storm heat can make recovery work harder than you expect. Add heavy lifting and long hours, and exhaustion can quickly set in. Sometimes the smartest approach is not working harder.
It is working smarter.

Start small

One common mistake people make is creating one giant pile of rubbish, where branches are mixed with household rubbish, construction debris is thrown together with recyclables, and damaged household items are piled on top of vegetation.

While this may feel easier in the moment, it ultimately creates problems later on.

“Proper sorting helps waste collection teams operate more efficiently,” Ms Swan said.
KBB recommends starting with the basics. Clear safe pathways first. Remove obstacles around entrances and access points. Then gradually begin sorting debris into categories.

Branches and leaves should be separated from household rubbish. Recyclable items such as aluminium, glass and tin should be sorted where possible. Hazardous materials — including batteries, fuel, paint, chemicals and damaged electronics — should be handled separately according to Government disposal guidelines.

And one thing residents should avoid entirely? Burning debris.

Ms Swan said: “Burning can release harmful toxins into the air, especially when plastics, treated wood or synthetic materials are involved.”

Think beyond your own backyard

Storm clean-up does not just affect individual homes. Where debris ends up matters for the wider community too.

Branches or rubbish placed across drains, pavements and roadways can create additional problems, increasing flooding risks and limiting access for emergency crews or neighbours. Illegal dumping creates another challenge.

Residents are encouraged not to dump storm waste in vacant lots, trails, beaches or roadside areas. What begins as a temporary pile can quickly become a long-term environmental issue. Storm debris left unmanaged can eventually wash into drains, mangroves, caves and Bermuda’s ocean ecosystems. That impact can last long after the skies clear.

Community effort

If there is one thing Bermuda consistently proves after storms, it is the power of community. Time and again, neighbours check on one another, families share tools and resources, friends help elderly residents clear their yards, and entire communities come together to support those in need. “Community cooperation is one of Bermuda’s greatest strengths after a storm,” Ms Swan said. “The clean-up process becomes much faster and safer when neighbours check on one another and work together.”

KBB encourages neighbourhoods to organise small clean-up groups where possible. One team may help vulnerable residents. Another may focus on clearing drains or roadways. Others may help sort recyclables and remove debris safely.

But according to Ms Swan, storm recovery is about more than simply moving branches and clearing roads.

“It is also about rebuilding morale and restoring a sense of pride and normalcy within the community,” she said.

After all, storms test more than homes and buildings — they test our resolve as people too. That’s why during any post-hurricane clean-up, it’s important to remember that Bermuda’s greatest resource has always been its people.

Long after the winds die down and the skies clear, it is the strength, kindness and willingness of the community to come together that helps the island recover and move forward.

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The company describes hurricane preparedness as a year-round effort involving training, planning and maintaining critical supplies and equipment.

“Throughout the year, the operations team monitors and maintains supply levels, ensuring that essential materials such as poles, transformers, fuses, and conductor wire are stocked and ready to deploy,” explained Shelly Leman, the utility company’s managing director.

“Line crews undergo regular training to ensure they are prepared to respond safely and efficiently when a storm hits.”

Belco’s Crisis Management Team formally reviews emergency procedures, confirms staffing assignments and ensures that restoration plans are up to date ahead of the start of hurricane season each June.

The review involves departments across the organisation, each of which is assigned specific responsibilities in the event of a major storm.

According to Ms Leman, preparation extends beyond planning documents. Supplies such as poles, transformers, conductor wire and fuses are checked and positioned in strategic locations around the island to support restoration efforts if required. Additional equipment, including protective gear and hand tools, is also prepared in advance.

Time to step up

When a tropical storm or hurricane is named and poses a potential threat to Bermuda, additional response measures are activated — the crisis management team liaises with emergency services, while crews and equipment are positioned across the island in anticipation of possible damage.

“Crews are put on alert in order to begin restoration procedures as soon as storm conditions subside,” Ms Leman said.

She added that the vehicle fleet is fully charged, fuelled and stocked with the necessary tools and equipment required for restoring power.

The company encourages all residents, even members of its team, to remain indoors during severe weather. Crews are sent out to begin repairs only once the worst of the storm has passed and conditions are considered safe.

“Safety is the overriding factor in this decision, and crews will not be deployed until conditions allow them to work without undue risk,” Ms Leman said.

“The operations team makes this call based on current weather conditions and guidance from the Emergency Measures Organisation.”

Keeping us informed

Communication with the public during and after a storm is key. Outage and restoration updates are provided through Belco’s website and social media channels. The company also uses local media to keep residents informed.

“In any storm the loss of power is possible. Belco advises all medical device-dependent customers to discuss emergency plans with their physician or health representative beforehand and make appropriate arrangements,” Ms Leman said.

“Belco can never guarantee restoration time to a home or business.”

The first step once a storm has passed is a full assessment of the network. More than 90 per cent of customers have an AMI smart meter installed which relays outages to Belco in real time.

Crews are deployed across the island to survey damage to the electricity infrastructure and identify priorities for restoration. Retirees can be called in to help if there has been severe damage.

Through its Carilec membership, Belco received assistance from other Caribbean utilities with repairs following Hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo in 2014; Belco crews have also travelled to assist restoration efforts in places such as Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands after severe weather events.

“The order of restoration is as follows: main circuits, branch lines and then individual customers. Repairs must be completed in this order because main lines feed all other lines,” Ms Leman said.

“An individual customer in the middle or at the end of a branch line cannot receive electricity until all of the repairs between their property and the main power supply have been made.”

Safety first

Belco prioritises repairs that are expected to restore service to the largest number of customers. As restoration efforts can sometimes involve long hours, rest periods are incorporated.

“During a major storm restoration, Belco crews work from 8am to midnight, a 16-hour window that reflects the scale and urgency of the work required,” Ms Leman said. “Rest periods are built into the schedule and are not optional. Fatigue is a serious safety risk when working with live electricity infrastructure, and Belco is committed to ensuring that every crew member is alert and fit to work before they are deployed.”

Public co-operation plays an important role both in reducing storm-related outages and supporting safe restoration efforts once severe weather has passed.

Belco asks residents to inspect their properties for signs of electrical damage and to exercise caution at all times, avoiding downed wires or debris that could conceal live electrical equipment.

Keeping trees and bushes well clear of power lines is one of the most important steps property owners can take to help reduce the risk of losing electricity.

“If customers wish to reduce their chances of a power outage during a storm it is critically important to trim their trees at least 10 feet from any power lines,” Ms Leman said.

That will help prevent branches from causing power lines to touch together, causing them to short out or by pulling down power lines, which poses a serious safety risk to the public.

Improperly connected generators present a serious risk.

“A significant danger to Belco crews is when customer generators are improperly connected to a home or business,” Ms Leman said.

“If a generator is improperly connected to the electrical system, it can feed power back down a line that Belco staff may be working on, who believe the wires are not live. This can pose a dangerous electrocution hazard.”

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