Are You and Your Family Ready? Here’s Your Hurricane Prep Checklist
It is day two into the 2026 hurricane season, and while there is no system brewing in the region’s waters, the Belize Red Cross is saying to stop waiting and start planning now.
“Sometimes we might wait too long, too late to actually go to the shelter. We hope that at least there is a set plan so that when you do decide, you’re moving quickly,” said Red Cross volunteer Feliciana Vernon.
Vernon and Fred Hunter, Head of Disaster Risk Reduction at the Belize Red Cross, appeared on this morning’s Open Your Eyes to urge Belizeans to prepare ahead of time. Here is what they advised:
Your family emergency plan should cover:
- Full family details, including members with special needs
- Identifying evacuation options: community shelter, neighbour, or family member
- How you will leave: bus, boat, private vehicle, or on foot
- A designated meeting point in case you get separated
- Who you will inform before evacuating
“After a hurricane passes, there probably won’t be internet for a couple of days. So let your family know where you would go,” Vernon said.
Your grab-and-go bag should include:
Food: Canned meats, non-perishables, and water. Examples suggested included fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, tortillas, Johnny cake, and high-energy snacks.
Tools and supplies: flashlight, batteries, kerosene lamp, can opener, hammer, nails, pliers, wrench, and scissors.
Documents: Photo ID, birth and marriage certificates, medical records, insurance policies, passports, land and house documents, bank books, and keys.
Hygiene and clothing: Toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, soap, a change of clothes, and entertainment for children.
Both Vernon and Hunter also said it is important to do a dry run with your family before a storm approaches to help all your family members learn how fast they can move and what you should do so there is no panic when it does happen.
“It’s practice, practice, practice. Have your plan and work it out,” Hunter said. “Just grab and go. Everybody has a role, even the little kids,” Vernon added.
The Belize Red Cross family emergency plan booklet is available at their Belize City office and in electronic format. The organisation is also accepting contributions of any amount to print more copies.