BEFORE THE STORM

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BEFORE THE STORM

“Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient...”

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e have all repeated the old mnemonic June - too soon (first month) July - standby (for any news of a storm) August - it must (prepare in case the storm comes) September- remember (to stand by) October- all over (last month).

These sentiments are no longer true with recorded hurricanes in May and December. The 2022. Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1 and is expected to run until November 30, with meteorologists predicting another abovenormal season. Preparations for this season have taken place in the daunting context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its severe socioeconomic repercussions, necessitating a reimagining of hurricane preparedness and resilience-building efforts to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time. Mobilizing community engagement is especially critical to develop a successful disaster preparedness and resilience strategy.

Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to being hurricane resilient and climateready. Throughout the hurricane season, experts will work around-the-clock to provide early and accurate forecasts and warnings that communities

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in the path of storms can depend on to stay informed.

The increased activity anticipated this hurricane season is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced West African monsoon.

An enhanced west African monsoon supports stronger African Easterly Waves, which seed many of the strongest and longest lived hurricanes during most seasons. The way in which climate change impacts the strength and frequency of tropical cyclones is a continuous area of study for scientists.

Our hurricane feature focuses on the seriousness of the season, how to protect your home and family, where to get assistance and how to enjoy simple comforts before and during the storm.

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HURRICANES ARE NO JOKE JULY

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hat would you do if you knew a hurricane was going to hit the island? Are we truly prepared or can we even be truly prepared? The Category-5 Hurricane Dorian hit Abaco and Grand Bahama islands, leaving behind a path of destruction unprecedented in the Caribbean in September of 2019.

One of the people who experienced the devastation and power of the Hurricane gave a simple solution for the preparation strategy if one knew such a thing was eminent.

“Buy a ticket and get out.”

With the smile from his face fading just before the statement, he turned and repeated the statement to make sure his point was understood.

“If you can, do not wait, buy a ticket and leave.”

Then he rocked back and said, “If you can’t, then think of the place you would go if the house was compromised in any way. When you have come up with that place, do not wait, go there immediately.

Before the Hurricane strikes.”

The power of nature is nothing that can be controlled and even with Hurricane proof windows, and other areas, he said that they were flexing like paper in the wind and rain. His description of the rain was that of sand hitting you.

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Keep important document in a ziplock bag and close, in fact keep them on you at all times during the event so that you do not have to go and look for them. After that it is water as that is one of the first things to go down. One has to be ready to take as much water as can be safely carried. Barbados has been fortunate not to have any such natural disasters hit the island but there has been freak storms and Tropical depressions which have left the island shaken.

This have left some people more aware and quicker into their preparation phase. But when it comes to Hurricanes over Category 3 then if you think you have enough, you need a little bit more as the time spent without water, and electricity can often times be longer than you expect.

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Judy Thomas Advice

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ormer head of the Department of Emergency Management, Judy Thomas says for this 2022 hurricane season Barbadians need to be prepared as they recently got their first taste of the power of a hurricane when Elsa impacted Barbados last year. She says the groundwork for hurricane preparedness was laid over the years when the agency under her leadership was visible in communities and in the media impressing on Barbadians the need to be ready not only for hurricanes but other natural disasters The now retired Ms.Thomas says Barbadians are now more aware and have more access to information to understand the importance of preparedness, before, during and after the hurricane.

According to her last year’s (2021) brush with Hurricane Elsa, the first to hit Barbados in a generation was an eye opener of what an impact by a hurricane can do Ms. Thomas opined that Elsa also gave a good idea to Barbadians on how to assess vulnerability in their own homes and communities. Her only regret is that Barbadians are waiting to late to plan their responses during the hurricane season. She says preparedness needs to.start long before the start of the season.which begins June 1. The former DEM head says people should join and support the District Emergency Organisations which become key elements in response to natural disasters.

Former head of the Department of Emergency Management , Barbados

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WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OFF

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e are so accustomed to having electricity that it is a shock when power is lost, especially for an extended period of time. Nowadays nothing works without it, no land line, cell phone or internet. Some are in a daze as to what to do.

Darkness can be as a result of several things, wind damage, flooding or from lightning however these are just a few ways for power to be lost and to be in darkness for a period of time.

Thankfully there are solutions. Portable battery packs for charging your cell phones which don’t only come in pocket sizes some can be quite large with the ability to not only charge devices but can even charge small appliances.

Generators are another option, once you can afford one. They run on gas, diesel or propane, be careful of the emissions, remembering that a generator should never be placed inside the home, they should be placed in a dry, secure area externally. At this time consideration has to be given to the cost of fuel since prices at the pump are skyrocketing.

Are there greener options? Yes, there are battery units which can act as generators and can be charged with solar panels, a check at the local hardware stores can assist in deciding on the best option. Referred to as Gasless Battery Generators they provide portable power when you need it. The move to green energy makes this an excellent option in addition to the benefits which are lightweight and compact, less noisy, can be used indoors plus making it great for on-the-go, outdoor recreation, camping and preparing for emergencies.

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WHY INSURE YOUR PROPERTY?

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t’s simple. Many people do not have loads of cash stacked away, whether in banks or in credit unions, to cover the cost of losses resulting from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, floods to name a few. Individuals lose their life’s possessions and people lose their businesses in a blink of an eye due to these menacing events.

In modern societies, there are institutions called insurance companies.

These companies, for a small sum (premium), take it upon themselves to accept risks from the public (policyholders) and give the commitment that should a specified event (insured peril) occur which results in a financial loss, the insurance company would indemnify (compensate) the policyholder.

Insurance buying is simple and extremely cost effective for persons seeking to transfer the risk of loss.

Imagine building your home at a cost of $150,000.00 and not insuring it and the home is totally destroyed by a hurricane as opposed to insuring the same property and paying an annual premium of less than $600.00 ($50.00 monthly).

Policyholders should also make sure that they are insuring their properties for the actual replacement (rebuilding) cost and not choose to under insure their properties. When policyholders select to under insure their properties, claim settlements for partial losses are subject to “average”.

Here is an example: Sum Insured ($150,000) x Loss ($50,000) = Settlement ($25,000) ———————————— Value at Risk ($300,000).

In the above example, if the policyholder had insured the property for the actual replacement value (value at risk), the full loss of $50,000.00 would have been made, subject to the applicable deductible. The deductible is that portion of the claim which falls to the responsibility of the policyholder.

It is advisable for policyholders to be aware of their policy deductible and if possible, set aside the sum in a

credit union or other financial institution, in order for the sum to be readily accessible in the event of a claim for damage to property.

Another good reason to purchase an insurance policy for your property is the extensive coverage offered by insurance companies. Coverage against damage resulting from hurricanes, storms, flood, earthquakes, fallen trees, fire are but a few perils offered under a single comprehensive property policy.

It is also a good idea to insure your contents within the home. If your property receives significant damage to its structure as a result of a hurricane or a raging fire, it is highly unlikely that your contents within the home will escape damage.

Let me caution however and advise you to read your policy document and take special notice of the exclusions within the policy contract. One important factor that you should be aware of, especially during the hurricane season is the policy deductible in place for damage to your property and/or contents resulting from a catastrophic event.

Finally, let me address three myths which continue to confuse the public Myth 1: Tenants renting properties are under the mistaken belief that they cannot insure their contents.

That is totally incorrect. Persons are free to insure possessions that they own.

Myth 2: Insurance for chattel houses is difficult to obtain. This too is incorrect. As long as the property is habitable and is in fairly good condition, insurance coverage can be secured.

Myth 3: Insurance premiums for properties are too high. Today, just imagine insuring your property valued at $150,000.00 against a catastrophe and other perils and JULY

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Anton Lovell, General Manager, Cooperators General Insurance paying less than $2.00 per day.

What is worth noting as well, about 25 years ago policyholders were paying around $4.00 per day for the same coverage Why insure? Most people would say it is a “necessary evil”.

One only has to remember the events of 2021 when this island experienced the forces of Hurricane Elsa, the Ash Fall and the “freak” Storm.

Co-operators General offers the following products and services: ➢ Home &/or Contents Insurance ➢ Motor Insurance ➢ All Risks ➢ Fire and Allied Perils Insurance for Commercial Properties ➢ Employers Liability ➢ Public Liability ➢ Fidelity Guarantee Insurance ➢ Travel Insurance ➢ Cash-In-Transit ➢ Professional Indemnity ➢ Directors & Officers Liability ➢ 24/7 Auto Response Service There are three (3) convenient locations to serve you, Head Office which is located at Upper Collymore Rock, St. Michael and two (2) Branch Offices: Emerald City Complex, Six Roads, St. Philip and Northern Business Centre, Speightstown, St. Peter.

Co-operators General Insurance, “for coverage you need, at a premium you can afford”

HURRICANES IN HURRICANE ELSA: BARBADOS 2021

Elsa produced significant wind damage, especially across the southern portion of the island as the northern eyewall of the compact hurricane moved directly across the area. .

Media reports indicate that Queen Elizabeth hospital suffered major damage with sections of the roof lifted and windows blown out. There were also many reports of flooded streets. Despite the impact to the island, there were no reports of casualties. Elsa was the first hurricane strike to Barbados since Hurricane Janet in 1955. https://www.nhc.noaa.gov › tcr ›

(Reuters: Nigel Browne)

HURRICANE IVAN: GRENADA 2004

At least 80 percent of the 100,000 residents were without power; more than 14,000 homes were damaged or destroyed; 80 percent of the nutmeg trees were destroyed; a 17th century prison was also damaged allowing many of the inmates to briefly escape during the height of the storm; Ivan was the worse hurricane to strike the island since Hurricane Janet in 1955. The forces of Ivan were directly responsible for 92 deaths – 39 in Grenada. https://www.nhc.noaa.gov › tcr ›

(Photo Source: World Bank)

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THE CARIBBEAN

HURRICANE MARIA: DOMINICA 2017

Maria caused catastrophic damage in Dominica, with the majority of structures seriously damaged or destroyed, and most trees and vegetation were downed and/or defoliated.

According to media reports, the estimated damage total in Dominica is at least $1.31 billion. The agricultural sector was essentially eliminated.

The once-lush tropical island was effectively reduced to an immense field of debris. In a Facebook post just after the hurricane hit, Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, described the damage as “mindboggling”.https://www.nhc.noaa.gov

(Photo Credit : Anton Lovell)

› tcr ›

HURRICANE TOMAS: SAINT LUCIA 2010

The hurricane battered St. Lucia, producing severe and widespread damage. High winds toppled trees and power lines. The heavy rains generated mud slides and landslides that flooded or swept away numerous houses, some commercial buildings, bridges, and vehicles. Flood waters rendered roads impassable, and the associated landslides tore away large portions of St. Lucia’s main highway.

The agricultural sector of the country sustained extensive damage as most of the banana and plantain crops or trees were destroyed. Eight people are confirmed as dead on the island, and total damage is estimated to be 336.15 million U.S. dollars

Photo source: http://www.sunrainor.blogspot.com

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov › tcr ›

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DO YOU HAVE A GO BAG? Flashlights and batteries.

Fire extinguisher.

Complete set of clothes, shoes, gloves,rain gear etc.

Personal sanitary items

FirstAid book and kit including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses, non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication.

Water purification kit(tablets, bleach, chlorine(plain) and iodine).

Important documents (stored in water-tight plastic bags or plastic containers).

Cash(preferably in denominations of $20.00 and less)

Drinking water in containers:1gal per person/per day for two weeks

Two-week supply of prescription medicines.

Two-week supply of prescription medicines Non-electric can opener Plastic trash bags.

Toiletpaper, paper towels, hand sanitizer and pre-moisturized towelettes..

Plastic tarp for roof/window repair, screening, tools, nails,etc.

Infant necessities (medicine, sterilewater, diapers, ready formula, bottles).

Clean-up supplies (mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant).

Department of Emergency Management 1 246-438-7575 deminfo@barbados.gov.bb dem.gov.bb

Two-week supply of nonperishable/special dietary foods.

IN CASE YOU HAVE TO LEAVE HOME BLANKET, PILLOW,COT OR SLEEPING BAG FLASHLIGHT PORTABLE RADIO AND BATTERIES MEDICATION SPECIAL FOODS (Diet, Baby Food etc.)

DIAPERS AND OTHER BABY NEEDS AT LEAST THREE (3) DAYS SUPPLY OF WATER AND FOOD

BOOKS, PLAYING CARDS, QUIET GAMES AND TOYS FOR SMALL CHILDREN

EXTRA CLOTHING, SHOES, EYEGLASSES ETC

Department of Emergency Management 1 246-438-7575 deminfo@barbados.gov.bb dem.gov.bb

Named Storms 2022

What You Need to Remember!

A system is named when

it has rotation and sustained winds that surpass 39 mph, labeled as a tropical or subtropical storm depending on where it forms. It isn’t named a hurricane until sustained winds surpass 74 mph. Tropical waves and low pressure systems often form into tropical depressions before reaching tropical storm status.

The 2022 storm names are: Alex

Bonnie

Colin

Danielle

Earl

Fiona

Gaston

Hermine

Ian

Julia

Karl

Lisa

Martin

Nicole

Owen

Paula

Richard

Shary

Tobias

Virginie

Walter

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HURRICANE CATEGORIES

The recently published prediction for the 2022 season stated that the region can anticipate and above average season with at least 14 to 21 named storms,10 of which could be hurricanes with 3 to 6 that could be major hurricanes .

NOAA has stated that there have been improvements in forecasting due to advancements in their weather forecast systems , hurricane hunter flight data as well as their ability to pin point at risk areas.

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74-95 MPH/64-82 KT 119-153KM/H IMPACT: Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well con structed frame homes could have damage to roofs, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.

96-110 MPH/83-95 KT 154-177KM/H IMPACT: Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage.

Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.

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111-129 MPH/96-112 KT 178-208 KM/H IMPACT: Devastating damage will occur: Well built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be un- available for several days to weeks after the storm passes.

130-156 MPH/113-136 KT 209-251 KM/H IMPACT: Catastrophic damage will occur: Well built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

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157 MPH OR HIGHER/137KT OR HIGHER 252 KM/H OR HIGHER IMPACT: Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

What to Feed Your Family When the Power Goes Out.

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evere weather on the way? The last thing you want is a fridge full of perishables when the power goes out. If the stench alone isn’t enough to deter you, the safety of your food is at risk when your fridge shuts off for an extended period of time.

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When a storm causes an extended power outage, feeding yourself and your family becomes a major issue. There’s the question of how long the food in the refrigerator and freezer will last before it’s no longer safe to eat and putting together satisfying meals without electricity can be a challenge.

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“Thinking ahead

of meals to make if you have no electricity can be a smart move.”

A POWER OUTAGE GROCERY LIST Shop for staples to have on hand during the storm season when the weather is still clear. Pick up an extra few packages of nonperishables you use regularly when you do your normal grocery shopping that way, you won’t have to run to the store just before a storm. Rotate the items occasionally so that your stock is fresh.

Good options include low-sodium canned beans, vegetables, fruit (packed in fruit juice), breakfast cereal, peanut butter, pouches of fully cooked whole grains, nuts, whole-wheat crackers, snack bars, and shelf-stable milk or plant milk (the kind sold in aseptic boxes in the grocery aisle). Don’t forget that you’ll need a manual can opener if the power goes out.

fresh fruit and vegetables, jelly, and hard cheeses (such as cheddar) will keep at room temperature, so if you have them in your fridge, don’t be afraid to eat them even if the power has been out for longer than 4 hours.

Apples, avocados, citrus fruit, carrots, celery, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, peppers, snap peas, and tomatoes are fresh foods that can be eaten raw and will be good for days

HOW LONG CAN FOOD LAST? The food in your refrigerator and freezer doesn’t go bad immediately If you keep the refrigerator door closed, it will maintain a safe temperature—below 40° F—for about 4 hours, according to the experts (Use a refrigerator thermometer to be sure.) A full freezer will stay cold for 48 hours, or 24 hours if it’s half full.

To load up a freezer, fill containers with water and freeze them.

When a storm is predicted, see what ingredients and leftovers you have and plan to use them up first. Bread, butter,

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unrefrigerated, so consider picking up some of these ahead of a storm.

If the power is out for quite a while, these foods can help sustain you, and they’re also healthy sources of fiber, so they can help keep your body running smoothly.

If you have a gas or charcoal grill, fire it up and have a cookout. Hamburgers, chicken, vegetables, even cut up potatoes with a little olive oil and salt can all be put on the grill when you have no electricity in your house. So be sure to grab extra charcoal and gas if you are running low.

Thinking ahead of meals to make if you have no electricity can be a smart move amidst grabbing the obligatory bread and milk from the grocery stores.

We have several ideas for you in this post.

• Chips and salsa Simple but good!

• Overnight Oats.

Mix rolled oats with water and let sit overnight on a counter. In the morning, add peanut butter, raisins, or other dried fruit, and a little cinnamon.

• Tuna Wraps • Chana/Chickpea Salad • Sandwiches Using Tuna, Peanut butter or cheese • Soups Any and all canned soups can be served and eaten out of the can

TunaWraps Recipe

1/2cans tuna 1 lime Onion grated Mustard Parsley (if available) Mayo (optional) Pepper Wraps or Biscuits Drain tuna and add ingredients, mix until evenly covered and serve as desired. Grated carrots, cucumbers and avocado is optional.

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Chana orChickpea Salad Recipe 1/2 cups of chick peas (prepared before he storm) Onion grated Mustard Parsley (if available) Mayo (optional) White pepper Carrots diced Mix till evenly covered and serve as desired.

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HURRICANE SA COOPERATORS GE All policyholders should be aware of the applicable deductible under their insurance policy for catastrophe perils.

It is advisable for homeowners to protect their investment by effecting appropriate home insurance coverage during the hurricane season.

Policyholders should ensure that the sum insured on their property, reflects the rebuilding cost as new. In other words, you should not underinsure your property.

If possible after a hurricane, take photographs of any resultant damage to your home.

Do not wait until the imminent approach of a hurricane to insure your home and contents. Secure insurance coverage early this hurricane season.

After a hurricane, report any disrup appropriate service providers.

AFETY TIPS FROM ENERAL INSURANCE Before a hurricane, policyholders should ensure that their insurance policies are up to date. E.g. policies have been renewed, premiums paid and sum insureds are accurate.

After a hurricane and your property sustained damage, policyholders should have the damage assessed as quickly as possible and present an estimate for repairs or replacement to their insurance company.

Before the arrival of a hurricane, householders should clear their yards of all loose objects, which may become dangerous missiles during the hurricane.

Before the arrival of a hurricane, you should prepare a detailed emergency plan which should be shared with all members of your household.

Before the arrival of a hurricane, glass windows and doors should be taped or covered with sheets of paper to prevent the glass from shattering.

ptions to your utilities, to the