Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the public with a timely reminder as Bermuda enters the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The season officially began on 1 June and will continue until 30 November.

Mr. Speaker, I recognise that much of the advice shared at the start of every hurricane season may sound familiar. Residents have heard before that they should check their shutters, prepare supplies, review their family plans, and follow official updates. That is because some messages are too important to say only once. Hurricane preparedness is one of them. We repeat this information each year because it helps families prepare, reduces confusion when a storm threatens, and supports the safety and resilience of our Island.

Mr. Speaker, each year, as hurricane season begins, we are reminded of a simple but important truth. Bermuda does not need a busy season to be affected. We only need one storm, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, to cause serious disruption to our Island. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commonly known as NOAA, has forecast a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season. That forecast may be welcome news, but it must not lead to complacency.

A lower storm count does not mean there is no risk to Bermuda. It does not mean that Bermuda will be spared. It does not mean that families, businesses, schools, churches, care homes, and essential services can afford to wait until a storm is already approaching our shores before preparing.

Mr. Speaker, the message from the Ministry of National Security is clear: prepare early, prepare properly, and do not wait. The time to prepare is now, while conditions are calm, while supplies are available, and while families have the opportunity to make clear decisions.

Mr. Speaker, Bermuda has weathered many storms. We have seen periods of high activity, and we have seen seasons when the Atlantic appeared quieter. But our experience has taught us that a quieter season can still produce a dangerous storm. That is why hurricane preparedness must never be treated as a last-minute exercise. Preparedness is not panic. Preparedness is discipline. It is responsibility. It is care for our families, our neighbours, and our community.

Mr. Speaker, as Chair of the Emergency Measures Organisation, I want to assure this Honourable House that the Government’s emergency management partners remain focused on readiness for the season ahead. The Emergency Measures Organisation Executive will meet on Tuesday, June 16th, for their annual Hurricane Preparedness briefing. The Ministry of National Security, the Bermuda Weather Service, the Department of Communications, the Bermuda Police Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Department of Health, the Ministry of Public Works, utility providers, and other key agencies all play an important role in Bermuda’s hurricane readiness and response. Our work is coordinated through the Emergency Measures Organisation, and our decisions are guided by official information and the best available advice.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to remind the public that the Bermuda Weather Service is the authoritative source of weather information for Bermuda. When a storm threatens the Island, the Bermuda Weather Service monitors the system and provides briefings to the Emergency Measures Organisation. Watches and warnings are issued based on that official advice. Residents should therefore follow official Government and Bermuda Weather Service updates. Please do not rely on rumours, social media speculation, or unofficial commentary when making decisions about your safety and the safety of your family.

Mr. Speaker, I also wish to remind residents that the Government’s official Emergency Broadcast Station is 100.1 FM. The station becomes active when a hurricane is imminent and provides important public safety information and official updates. For that reason, every household should include a portable radio and spare batteries in their hurricane kit, so that they can continue to receive official information during power outages or service disruptions.

Mr. Speaker, when a watch is issued, residents should complete their final preparations. When a warning is issued, storm conditions are expected within 36 hours, and residents should follow all official guidance without delay. This includes guidance on public safety, shelters, road conditions, public services, and any other measures that may be necessary to protect life and property.

Mr. Speaker, I now want to speak directly to residents. Please use the month of June to review your household hurricane plan. Check your shutters, windows, doors, roof, drains, and outdoor areas. Secure loose items around your property. Trim trees and branches that may pose a risk. Confirm that your insurance coverage is current. Protect important documents. Make sure your vehicle has fuel, and ensure that your phone, power banks, flashlights, and battery-operated devices are in working order.

Mr. Speaker, families should agree on where they will shelter, how they will communicate if power or phone service is disrupted, and what support may be needed for children, seniors, persons with disabilities, pets, or anyone in the household who may require additional assistance. Residents should also prepare basic supplies, including drinking water, non-perishable food, medication, batteries, flashlights, a first-aid kit, hygiene products, and other essentials.

Mr. Speaker, hurricane preparedness is not only a household responsibility. It is also a community responsibility. In true Bermuda spirit, I am asking residents to check on elderly relatives, neighbours who live alone, and persons who may need help with preparations. A simple phone call, a visit, or assistance with securing a property can make a meaningful difference before a storm arrives. Businesses and community organisations should also review their continuity plans now. Staff contact lists, emergency procedures, backup systems, and communication plans should be checked before they are needed.

Mr. Speaker, peak hurricane season usually runs from mid-August through October, but storms can form earlier. That is why the Ministry is encouraging residents to treat June as a preparation month. The Government has made practical hurricane preparedness information available at www.gov.bm/are-you-ready-hurricane-season. I encourage residents to visit the page, review the guidance, and use the available information to build or update their household plans.

Mr. Speaker, Bermuda is a resilient Island, but resilience is not automatic. It is built through preparation, cooperation, and clear communication. A below-normal forecast must not lower our guard. It should not delay our planning. It should not cause any resident to believe that hurricane season can be ignored. We prepare because we know what storms can do. We prepare because we care about our families. We prepare because we are responsible for one another.

So today, Mr. Speaker¸ I urge every resident of Bermuda: do not wait for the first storm alert. Do not wait for the shelves to empty. Do not wait until the wind begins to rise. Prepare now. Stay informed. Follow official guidance. Check on your neighbours. And let us do our part, together, to keep Bermuda safe this hurricane season.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.