Essential Hurricane Emergency Equipment Tips for Cayman Residents
Each year, Cayman gears up for what forecasters seem to predict as another above-average hurricane season. In the face of unpredictable storms, being prepared for the aftermath is key. By utilizing the emergency equipment tools available and adhering to practical tips, residents in our low-lying Cayman Islands can navigate the challenges.
Having helped the Island recover from Ivan and many other storms, Massive Equipment keeps a bolstered inventory of new emergency equipment rentals for both personal and business use. Below we review the common items used for clean ups and tips on usage.
Together, we can contribute to community recovery and return to the island’s vibrant normalcy as we’ve done so many times in the past.
Generators:
Prepare for power outages by securing a generator. From powering household appliances to running commercial properties, generators ensure a reliable source of electricity during storm-related disruptions. Remember that power to the island is often cut in advance of an approaching storm and is off until damage repairs are finished.
If you do not wish to purchase and store a generator year-round, Massive Equipment offers a diverse range of portable generators for rent, which can be secured in advance of a storm via a hurricane standby contract. Our smallest units power appliances, computers, chargers, fans, etc. The slightly larger units are small enough to load in a truck but powerful enough to run an entire house. Then, our behemoth Triton 350KW, the largest portable generator in the Cayman Islands, is powerful enough to run hotels and commercial properties. In addition, we also have several manual transfer switches that allow generators to plug directly into the main electrical panel of a building.
Propane Tanks:
Affordable, reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly; propane is the over-achiever of the Cayman energy market. And it is an invaluable asset post-hurricane. A 20lb tank, when used with a regulator, can power BBQs, standalone stoves for boiling water, and cooking hot meals.
Useful Clean up Equipment:
For clean-up and rebuilding tasks, look for chainsaws, woodchippers, air blowers, small air compressors, and nailers. If you need tools for only a few hours or an extended period, there are serviced and inspected power tool rental options to cater to diverse needs.
Portable Toilets:
Before a storm hits you should store as much water as possible (fill containers, your bathtub, old shoes, anything!) as you will need it for drinking and washing. But what about flushing?
With water supply disruptions post-storm, toilet usage becomes essential. And, unless you are a developer with large construction projects, chances are you will want to rent a portable toilet on a short-term basis. If you rent from us, we store rainwater throughout the year to use for cleaning our portable toilets, even in the event of mains water being shut off. We have a wide selection suitable for personal or commercial properties and also available for per day or per week rentals.
Practical Tips:
Here are some practical tips for navigating post-hurricane challenges:
- Treat all power lines as live and avoid contact.
- Exercise caution when restoring power by following proper procedures.
- Ventilate and dry flooded areas to prevent mold damage.
- Boil water before consumption to ensure safety.
- Turn on water supply only when confirmed by the supplier.
- Check for gas leaks before using matches.
- Limit phone use to emergencies to keep lines open.
- Stay vigilant for wildlife disturbances, especially scorpions and snakes.
Finally…
Last but not least, remember to stick together and help each other out. One of the many great things about our island is the community spirit and this is an invaluable tool in recovering from a storm. Be ready to share what you have or to accept help you’re offered and we will all get back to our paradise-infused-normality together.
