 When a hurricane is approaching, safety of life and the preservation of livelihoods is most important. We should take heed. Take chickens and other domestic birds into a building and place them safely in a cage or box if possible. Release larger stocks such as cattle in an open field area. Tying animals increases the chances of injury. Check on animals early and move them to a safe location away from riverbanks and areas likely to have landslides. Provide enough water and feed to prevent them from breaking out. Remove cuts from undertrees and remove the wills for added protection. Chemicals, fertilizers and other toxic materials such as sprays or pesticides should be stored in the safest sections of a building as they may cause fires if mixed. In the case of flood prone areas, these should be stored above the historical waterline. Remember this is the hurricane season and we should be prepared. A message brought to you by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives.