Staying Connected and Safe During Hurricane Beryl
Carmen Cano
1 Jul 2024
Hurricane Beryl has been upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane in some regions and is expected to move across the Windward Islands. The storm poses a real threat to life and property in the affected regions. Keeping in touch with loved ones is crucial during an extreme weather event likes this, so we’ve got everything you need to know.
What is Hurricane Beryl?
Hurricane Beryl is a dangerous Category 5 hurricane expected to make landfall in the southern Caribbean islands today, from 1 July 2024. It’s an extremely rare hurricane for this time of year and in this area and warrants specific care from people in the affected regions. This is the 3rd earliest major hurricane in the Atlantic and the earliest major hurricane within 100 miles of Barbados and Grenada. This means residents of the Windward Islands may be caught off guard and should quickly take action.
Beryl's Path: Where Will Hurricane Beryl Impact?
Hurricane warnings have been issued in the following countries:
Barbados
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Grenada
Jamaica
Tropical storm warnings are in effect for Martinique and Trinidad.
The exact path of Hurricane Beryl is likely to change but it could potentially impact other countries in the Caribbean and potentially the Gulf of Mexico, including Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula.
This online Hurricane Beryl tracker can help you visualise hurricanes' path.
How to Prepare for Hurricane Beryl
Given the unexpected early nature of Beryl, it’s critical to take steps quickly to prepare for these potentially devastating storms if you are in the affected regions.
Emergency Management Agencies
You should visit the emergency management agency for your area. These will have region specific information and emergency contacts should you need them. It’s also a good idea to follow any social media channels they may have. This way you can be sure to get the latest news from a trusted source.
Barbados Department of Emergency Management
Call the hotline at 976-2376 or the office at 535-0022.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Emergency Management Organization
For an emergency call 784-458-6366
Jamaican Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
It may be advised to move to a shelter, so check with your local agency.
Staying Connected During Hurricane Beryl
Staying connected with emergency services during a major weather events such as Beryl is critical. So please take note of the above websites and contact details where possible. It’s also recommended to write them down and keep them on your person.
It’s also strongly advised to do the following:
Keep Up to Date With Local News
Stay tuned to news broadcasters and social media from trusted sources with the latest news for your area. If possible, keep a battery powered radio tuned to local radio too.
Charge Your Mobile Phone Fully
Keep your cell phone fully charged. If possible and safe to do so, keep the phone charging while not in use. But ensure it remains at arm’s reach in an emergency.
If you have a powerbank, now is the time to charge it. Keep that at 100% too and make sure you have all the cables needed to connect it to your phone.
Keep Your Phone Balance Topped Up
Check your phone balance and top up if necessary. You can also request a top up from family and friends from abroad using Ding. Here is a full guide on how to request a top up.
If you are abroad and are concerned about family and friends in the affected areas, you can also send them a top up to ensure their balance is enough to stay connected. Send an international recharge using the links below:
Keeping airtime and data balances topped up can ensure family and friends stay connected both with you and with vital news online. We offer 24/7 customer care to support you through staying connected during Hurricane Beryl.
We hope you stay connected, but above all else stay safe during Hurricane Beryl. Look out for yourself and those around you.
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