Atlantic Hurricane Season 2020

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

We are once again in the Hurricane Season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season is from June 1 to November 30. Weather experts inform us that this is the sixth year in a row that we have had a named storm before the official start of the Hurricane Season. This year we have already had two such named storms before the start of the Hurricane Season.

This Hurricane Season meets us in the midst of a global pandemic and all that that entails including practicing social distancing.

The islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama are still rebuilding and restoring following the destructive force of Hurricane Dorian last September. We are informed that this season will be more active than average. Certainly we must take our preparations and precautions more seriously.

At this time all remote preparations should be taking place.

1. We should have on hand: 
   • adequate canned goods
   • adequate drinking water (enough to last a week)
   • prescription medicines (at the very least a week's supply)
   • flashlights, batteries, a transistor radio, a manual can opener
   • a first aid kit.
2. We should ensure that all our hurricane shutters and the tools necessary for putting them in place are available. Our advance preparation can eliminate the last minute rush to purchase supplies. Having an adequate supply of food, water and medicine is critical for coping during the difficult days of post hurricane recovery, should we come to that.
3. Every household should have clear evacuation plans in the event of flooding or severe winds which your structure may not be able to withstand. Plan to seek shelter with a relative or friend whose home is more secure than your own and who is willing and able to accommodate you.
4. If you plan to seek refuge in a designated Hurricane Shelter, you should know where the nearest suitable shelter is. Then gather the necessary provisions and arrange to go to the shelter with relatives and friends who also need to seek shelter. Do so before the weather conditions pose a danger to your venturing outdoors.      

This is an annual exercise for us but we cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared whether a hurricane actually makes landfall on our shores or not. We must never risk being caught unprepared!

As we prepare let us pray to be spared from hurricanes this year.

Prayer During Hurricane Season -

O Heavenly Father, all the elements of nature obey Your commands, including hurricanes. Calm the storms that threaten us and turn our fear of Your power into praise of Your goodness.

Grant this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G.

Archbishop of Nassau