June 1, marks the start of the hurricane season and it runs through to the month of November. It is very important that preparations be made in the event we do experience a hurricane. Hurricane preparations are any activity that is geared towards reducing the impacts or getting people at a state of readiness in the event a hurricane do impact an area. Preparations can be Structural or non structural. The more prepared you are the better you are to deal with disaster. Preparation helps to reduce the recovery time as well.
At the start of the season
- Ensure your house is structurally sound: do inspections and repairs
- Keep an adequate supply of ply boards, lumbers, nails
- Prune large vegetation in and around your yard
- Have emergency supplies: first aid kits, flashlights, lantern/lamps, matches, lighters etc
- Know the vulnerability of your area
- Know your shelters and shelter managers
- Compile emergency contact list
- Drain cleaning activities
- Compile a contact list with all relevant authority
Hurricane Warning
This is an advisory that means the hurricane could pose a threat to the area within 48 hours.
- Listen to weather updates
- Stock up on medication and have a first aid kit at hand
- Fill car(s) with petrol
- Fill containers with water for domestic usage and drinking. (Label each)
- Keep an adequate amount of cash at hand
- Stock up on non-perishable food items
- Have batteries, radios, flashlights, candles lantern at hand and ensure all equipment are tested
Hurriicane Watch
This is an advisory that the storm is expected to hit within 36 hours
- Listen to advisories
- Obey evacuation orders
- Batten down windows and doors
- Secure all important documents
- Charge all celluar phones
- Pregnant females should go to the nearest hospital
During a Hurricane
- Stay indoors
- Listen to advisories
- Stay calm
After a Hurricane
- Ensure your family is safe
- Seek medical attention for injuries
- Report all broken powerlines, sewer lines, pipelines and all other damages to the relevant Authorities
- Do not go outside barefooted
- Do not touch loose powerlines
- Boil all water that will be consumed