By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

The beginning of the 2008 hurricane season is just days away, and Grand Bahamian residents are advised to be prepared

Donna Duncombe, Chief Meteorologist at the Free-port Weather Department, anticipates that this hurricane season will be very active.

This year, the Atlantic region can expect high numbers, 12 - 16 named storms and eight hurricanes, four of which can be 'hard hitting' at 10 miles per hour or higher.

According to Duncombe, this predication comes from the National Hurricane Cen-ter and Colorado State University.

However, Duncombe does not want the public to look at the high ranking numbers. "The numbers are not very important, we all should just be prepared for the one storm that can possibly hit." said Duncombe.

She added that, the number of storms predicted only give an indication of what may happen during the hurricane season.

There is no way tell how many storms will actually have a direct impact on the Bahamas. Over the past 10 years, technology has considerably improved to make it easier to track and observe storm patterns.

The difference in the sea surface temperature and the levels of pressure over the Atlantic Basin are all climate factors that are taken into consideration when looking at the storm season, according to Duncombe. Even though the recent temperatures have been dryer and warmer, these conditions are also occurring on a global scale, she said.

With August and Septem-ber being the busiest months for storm activity, Dun-combe advises that residents still take pre-season precautions. This can include everything from homeowners insurance to caring for the family pets.

Andre Wilmott, Executive Financial Representative at Colina Insurance Agency and Chairman of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) advises Grand Bahamians to make home insurance a number one priority this hurricane season. Getting the current and sufficient coverage is key, he says.

"We cannot point fingers at the insurance agencies after the fact when our homes and properties are not fully insured."

According to Wilmott, many problems arise when insured homeowners "short- change" themselves, by not insuring or under – insuring their homes. "Persons look at the cost factor and say its too much money, in the end, they will benefit if something should happen to their home," said Wilmott.

Another problem that exists is that most insured home owners do not have a current value of their home. Wilmott advises them to seek council and get a clear understanding of what the policy stipulates. Many persons are under the impression that their home insurance covers their contents as well, in most instances this is not the case. If individuals take advantage of insuring their property, they are sure to benefit in the long run.

Wilmott stressed that not only is home insurance important, but vehicle insurance as well. "Storms can take a toll on anything in their path, so you have to be covered." Wilmott's rule of thumb in regards to insurance is to Review, Update, Insure and most importantly secure your contracts.

Shop owners also commented that there has not been an increase in sales of hurricane supplies. Both Duncombe and Wilmott advises the community to take the necessary steps to make sure that they are protected.

According to Duncombe simple things that would be helpful are: ensuring that enough prescribed medicine is on-hand, and making sure that you have sufficient food and water supply to last at least a month. Batteries, flashlights and baby supplies would all be smart items to have should disaster strike.

In the event that individuals have to evacuate their home, there are 13 designated shelters throughout Grand Bahama, they include: The Bethel Baptist Church; Eight Mile Rock High School Gymnasium; and the Martin Town Community Church in the West; Christ the King; First Baptist Church Hall; The Genius Cooper Auditorium; Central Church of God; Jack Hayward High School; Maurice Moore Primary School; The Church of Christ; St. Georges High School; Cancer Association and the Living Waters Assembly of God in the City of Freeport.