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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
By Ms. Kerri Griffith Training Assistant, Curriculum Development and Training Department
Although it is believed by many that Trinidad and Tobago is not susceptible to hurricanes we are still located in the southern edge of the hurricane belt and therefore can be directly hit or impacted by the outer bands of tropical disturbances, storms and hurricanes.
The Caribbean region is highly susceptible to a variety of hazards that has the potential to result in significant physical, social and economic loss. One such hazard that has continuously battered the region is tropical storms/ hurricanes. In the Caribbean the hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th. Within the last three years the region has been impacted by three noteworthy hurricanes namely Irma and Maria which occurred in 2017 and Dorian which occurred in 2019. After observing the severe impacts on our Caribbean neighbours particularly British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Barbuda and The Bahamas the need for implementing suitable mitigation and adaptation measures was reinforced. Although it is believed by many that Trinidad and Tobago is not susceptible to hurricanes we are still located in the southern edge of the hurricane belt and therefore can be directly hit or impacted by the outer bands of tropical disturbances, storms and hurricanes. Therefore, we need to be prepared for the current hurricane season and below are some helpful tips proposed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management in Trinidad and Tobago (ODPM) in their Wet Season/ Hurricane Preparedness Guide 2019:
Identify risks at home and surrounding environment Storms and Hurricanes have the potential to result in a multi-hazard event as they are accompanied by phenomena such as Storm Surges, Landslides, Strong Winds. Therefore, it is important to identify location specific risks and suitably prepare for such.
Develop an Emergency Plan This emergency plan should be comprehensive, displayed around the household and should be easily understood by all family members. It should comprise a Family Communication Plan and Evacuation Plan. The Family Communication Plan should include the contact numbers for all family members along with emergency contact information. Practice execution and memorization of this communication plan particularly with children. Develop an evacuation plan that caters to the needs of your family especially for the vulnerable which includes children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and pets. Identify the nearest shelter by contacting your municipal corporation and along with the selection of appropriate shelters for your pets. Plan the fastest and safest route to your nearest shelter.
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit This kit should include nonperishable food items and water that should be able to last your family for a minimum of 7 days. These items can be incorporated into a “Grab and Go” bag which possesses items that you would require in the event that you need to evacuate or stored in a waterproof container in an easily accessible area. This bag or container should include items such as food and water, first aid kit, battery operated radio, flashlight, medication, clothing, money, important documents and hygienic products such as toothpaste, toothbrush and soap. It is critical to store all important documents in an easily accessible waterproof container or plastic bag so that they are not lost or damaged during a hurricane. Grab and Go Bags / Emergency Kits should also be prepared for pets.
Be Informed Pay attention to the radio, television and trusted social media sites or applications for updates from relevant agencies such as the meteorological office, Government Agencies, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and local news channels.
Protect in and around your property • Trim and maintain trees located around the home to reduce damage from flying branches. • Secure or bring loose items located around the household indoors for example outdoor furniture • Secure loose items inside the household such as paintings Unplug appliances Secure windows with plywood or any other durable material. Secure roofs with hurricane straps Clear and secure drainage systems such as drains and guttering. Identify a safe space within the household that with little or no windows where emergency supplies should be stored and easily accessed when needed. Place sandbags at doorways to reduce/prevent the entry of water into the home
Develop a similar preparedness plan for your business Similar to the household plan it is important to do contingency planning for your business which includes a list of emergency contacts, securing of important documents and electronic items such as computers and securing loose material and areas such as doorways and windows.
Barbuda, after Hurrican Irma
