This Italian Cypress tree, over 25 ft. in height, was not strong enough to withstands Hurricane Dean, although it passed through other hurricanes , It was planted approximately 20 years ago by Elvena Williams Reittie, Justice of the Peace and Lay Magistrate in Dunrobin Park, St. Andrew. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

While life slowly returns to some semblance of normalcy, the effects of Hurricane Dean are still visible. Uprooted and decapitated trees, broken and dislocated power lines, piles of broken limbs and cuttings stacked on sidewalks and many lives that have been displaced around the country.

Many of us may have smarted after 'Dean', but it is now time not only to pick up the pieces, but to plan ahead for the rest of the hurricane season and beyond.

Protecting/Resuscitating our gardens

Roses in bloom

While many of our beloved gardens have taken a battering, the good news is they can be revived. The landscape experts at Manpower and Maintenance Services Limited (MMS), advise that we "learn the lessons taught by this hurricane and prepare for the rest of the season."

According to Chief Executive Officer, Audrey Hinchcliffe, "Many persons would have saved more trees if they had just taken the time to cut back branches and limbs at the beginning of the season."

This would have minimised the number of broken limbs and leaves that litter our yards and sidewalks. Her advice? Cut the limbs into manageable pieces and stack them in an accessible place for removal. Call in the experts if you are not capable of handling this on your own. Also, begin now to:

Reinforce the roots of those trees and shrubs that have been dislocated by the hurricane.

Cut back ornamentals, especially hibiscus, bougainvillaea and trees like Poor Man's Orchid.

Get an expert to show you how to plait your hibiscus branches to prevent plants from suffering excessive wind damage.

Use wires to firmly anchor shrubs and small trees into the ground.

Trim some of the lower fronds from palm trees.

At the same time, gardeners should remember that garden beds also need special care to protect them from the ravages of a hurricane.

Mrs. Hinchcliffe suggests:

Ensure that gardens have adequate drainage to prevent root rot and the collection of water which can enhance the breeding of mosquitoes.

Mulch garden beds with heavy bark to protect the roots of plants.

Store potted plants in a safe place during a hurricane.

Cleaning up after the Ordeal

For many, however, the major chore is cleaning up after the ordeal. Some of us are just discovering that it is less than smart to stock up on meats when a hurricane threatens as there is the likelihood that there will be a loss of electricity, hence the absence of refrigeration. It is always good to remember to:

Shop wisely. Do not overstock. Buy only things that can be stored outside of the refrigerator.

Cook all refrigerated meats when the power goes or in the event of spoilage, safely and hygienically dispose of spoiled meat by burying it.

Ensure that you have proper cleaning material handy just in case your home or office is flooded. Include a good push broom, 'squeegee' and a "platform" broom in your purchases - the wider, the better - to help to rid your premises of water.

Get a good plastic broom. This is more durable than other brooms and is excellent for cleaning.

Invest in a good industrial mop. They are longer-lasting and more efficient for cleaning.

Include bleach in your purchases as this is an excellent agent for cleaning, disinfecting and retarding the growth of mould and mildew. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.

Get professional help if your premises are overcome with damp and mould. Mould can be a health challenge especially for those with respiratory ailments such as asthma. Ensure that the building is properly aired.

Check for windows that may develop leaks and get them repaired. Now may be the time to consider installing shutters on louver windows to make them more capable of withstanding wind and rain.

Check roofs for leaks and get them sealed professionally.

Clean/wash curtains and drapery.

Air or wash sheets and towels.

According to Mrs. Hinchcliffe, "We may not be able to totally prevent the displacement that comes with a hurricane or other natural disasters, but we can certainly take the necessary steps to minimise it."