Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Hurricane season is officially upon us and preparedness starts with organization and planning. Below are some tips to help get yourselves and your home ready in case a hurricane should strike this season.
Do not wait till the last minute to prepare for an emergency, you will be so glad you took the time now.

- Review your insurance policy; secure important documents
- Learn locations of official shelters; prepare for your pets, shelters will not accept pets
- Check emergency equipment such as flashlights, generators, cell phones, portable radios to ensure all are in good working order
- Purchase plywood or other materials to protect your home; inspect hurricane shutters and repair any necessary damages, supplies for installation
- Trim trees and shrubbery; clear your yard of possible flying debris which could damage your house or your neighbors
- Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts
- Decide where to move your boat
- Service vehicles
- Ensure extra cash is on hand for emergencies
- Purchase canned foods and drinking water, enough for 5-7 days (1 gallon per person/day, don't forget water for your pets)
- Check First Aid Kits and restock as necessary 
- Secure extra prescription medication, have 2 weeks supply on hand



Here is a list of supplies to have on hand should a hurricane strike and power/water cannot be restored for several days:

       ● Oil and gas for generator 
 
● Portable camp stove and necessary refills
● Charcoal, lighter fluid
● Flashlights, 2 per person; battery-operated lanterns and extra batteries; candles
● Matches/lighter in watertight bag
Battery operated radio & extra batteries
Battery operated fan & extra batteries
Cell phone and charger, extra battery
● First aid kit, personal medication,  sun screen & feminine supplies; extra prescription glasses
Large plastic bins to ensure household items stay dry
● Mosquito coils and/or spray, citronella candles/lamps
● Life vests, galoshes & whistle
Rope, strong twine; duct and packing tape
● Shut off wrench, pliers, hammer, nails
● Plastic sheeting and large tarps for furniture and roof
Extra keys for home, car and boat; jumper cables
● Surgical & work gloves; sturdy protective shoes, rain gear, hat sunglasses
● Paper towels, toilet paper, napkins; saucepans for heating food and boiling water
● Disposable plates, plastic glasses, plastic forks and spoons
● Aluminum foil, plastic freezer bags, heavy duty garbage bags
● Can opener/knife
● Clorox wipes
Chlorine bleach, water purification tablets
● Hand sanitizer, and baby-wipes
● Ice chest and ice
● Broom, mop and bucket
Blankets, sleeping bags and mats
● Pet food and pet crates
● Baby supplies: food and liquid formula, diapers & wipes
● Books, magazines, games

 

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Future Looking Bright for Cayman Islands Development

An aggressive plan to stimulate the economy has been recently committed to by the Cayman Islands Government. This plan fast tracks some new development and improvements to the country's infrastructure. In the short term, it will provide an immediate boost to the economy, long term results will impact businesses and create more jobs. 


Within the last two years of strategic planning, a list of projects should move ahead within the next two years:

- Establishment of a Special Economic Zone to develop a Cayman Enterprise City for science and technology, comprised of six campuses over 300 acres, creating approximately 5000-10,000 jobs over 10 years. Construction could start by end of this year or early next year.

- The Narayana Cayman University Medical Center which will start with a 140 bed hospital and medical university could eventually create thousands of jobs through medical tourism, is planned to be under construction by year end.

- 68,000 sq. ft. commercial building at Camana Bay is currently under construction.

- 200+ residential homes and condominiums are planned for Camana Bay, construction starting at the end of this year.

- 60 ultra-luxury condominiums for WaterColours on Seven Mile beach is currently under construction.

- Expansion of the Ritz-Carlton's Dragon Bay development of homes and condos with over 100 condominiums in Secret Harbour commencing construction this year.

- The new National Gallery building off the Harquail Bypass is currently under construction.

- 2 new multi-storey commercial buildings in George town; one 6 storey office tower for Appleby's attorneys is currently under construction.

- Caribbean Office Place on West Bay Rd. across from the Caribbean Club will start construction this summer.

- A new 5 star hotel resort in Colliers on the eastern side of Grand Cayman, plans construction this year.

- 15 residences at Oceania on the waterfront in George Town is currently under construction.

- Reinstatement of the Courtyard Marriott damaged in Hurricane Ivan has recently been sold this year, although it has not been determined whether the brand will be retained or upgraded to a 5 star brand.


The future looks bright for the Cayman Islands as plans for building the infrastructure and economy have begun. Now is an excellent time for investment as prices for residential property remain at an all time low. Contact your Cayman Islands Real Estate specialists for more information on investing in the Cayman Islands.


Source: The Lund Report Summer 2011