Storm Watch 2011

AUGUST 28, 2011. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 2

IF YOU ARE one of the fanatical believers inthe “God is a Bajan” adage, please be informedthat Grenadians also said the Almighty was aGrenadian before Ivan broadsided them, andthose in New Orleans considered Him to be aspecial resident there, until their levees brokeand all watery hell on earth broke loose asKatrina hit them.

By all means keep your faith and pray. But itis best to take a “God helps those who helpthemselves” attitude when it comes to dailyliving, and especially so in preparing to survivedisasters, including storms and hurricane

Older folk still have memories of Janet in1955, and talk to family and friends about how

frightened they were, including somedramatic memories of breadfruits,coconuts, mangoes and other bearingsfrom trees — as well as galvanisedsheets — sailing through the air andbombarding houses.

However, Barbados has been hit, and hard,by hurricanes in previous centuries, and hadmany people killed, buildings demolished,vessels sunk, jetties and near-shore structures,including churches, destroyed. So we all needto have some practical common sense andhumility and admit that nature can unleashmoderate or intense fury at any time, even ifwe only occassionally experience it. And the

rain, or other weather, falls equally on the justand unjust. That is the reality.

It is said that one of the reasons we escapeor just get a little flurry of foreplay or a flick ofa tail end from hurricanes is because of ourgeographical position, since many of thesystems coming towards us tend to curve

north before reaching us. However, there willbe the odd one that goes more west thannorth or slips south under us, and instead ofgoing straight to the Mexican area, may turnnorth and come right over us. Did anyone sayHurricane Janet, Tropical Storm Lili,or Tomas?

The island is now densely populated anddeveloped, with many buildings not beingstrong enough to resist stormy seas, rushingflood waters, or high winds; and we have seenthat even a tropical storm can destroy housesand cause damage to hundreds of homes. Sowe need to be aware, watchful, and asprepared as possible, as individuals, families,communities, businesses, organisations and as acountry.

If an impactful storm or hurricane strikes,even though we may receive assistance fromregional and extra-regional countries, we willneed to take care of ourselves during theevent and immediately afterwards.

THE NATION thanks those who sellessential supplies and products and who offeruseful services who have advertised in thisspecial 20-page feature, aimed at remindingreaders how they can prepare to protectthemselves, loved ones, and theirproperties as we ride out the secondhalf of the official 2011 AtlanticHurricane Season.

FLOOD WATERS ROSE to high levels on either side of the wall at Queen’s Park as a result of heavy rains earlier this year. (RC)

THIS

20-page

Storm

Watch feature

was compiled by

Dawn Morgan.

LAYOUT AND DESIGN:Lyle Jones, Tamara Stuart

and Julia Haynes.

PICTURES:Rawle Cubard.

ADVERTISING SALES:Advertising Sales Executives

Adrian Bowen and Kelly Johnally.

HE CAME, HE FLOODED, HE DESTROYED... Though Tomas was just atropical storm when he visited Barbados last year, he left a trail ofdestruction in his wake. (RC)


Ongoingtrainingkeepsteamsprepped THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT isthe umbrella body which combines Government forces,specialist agencies, and private professionals andcommunity volunteers into a cohesive unit which canrespond to damage from storms, hurricanes, and otherdisasters.

These combined groups practice their ability to copewith keeping crowds in public order, and to organise theresponse and management of massive road accidents,large events such as Cricket World Cup,Kadooment Day, Rihanna’s LOUD concert andothers. If everything goes smoothly many patrons maybe unaware of the presence of some members of theemergency team, however they spring into action whennecessary, such as assisting the 60 people who faintedduring LOUD and were in need of first-aid and/ormedical attention.

Training is on-going in various ways throughout theyear, not only at the administrative and communicationslevel of emergency management but within the groupsmaking up the team. This includes the recent workshopheld in marine rescue for fire officers which wouldcome in handy when they have to cope with floodconditions and take part in rescuing people from deepor rushing waters.

Knowing that we have such dedicated and trainedpersons waiting to respond during the HurricaneSeason should not influence us to become overly relianton them, but we should take responsibility to prepareourselves and families in whatever ways we can.Volunteers, especially those with rescue skills and four-wheel drive vehicles, those who are willing to be trainedin first-aid, and professional construction personnel, arewelcome to join the District Emergency Organisation.

WE ARE HALFWAY THROUGHthe hurricane season, and canconsider ourselves lucky that wehave not had a severe battering bystorm or hurricane forces, justsome short periods of moderate toheavy rainfall and bits of flooding insome areas. However, there is stillthe possibility of having a dangerousencounter in the next threemonths.

Two leading experts who makeannual predictions for the TropicalAtlantic Cyclone Season, Professor

William Gray and Phil Klotzbatch,warned that this region couldexperience 17 named storms (sevenof which have occurred, we got a bitof rain when Emily passed andscarcely knew when Gert blew upnorth).

Nine hurricanes could form outof those storms with winds of 74miles per hour, or higher, with twoor three going up to Category 3 to

5. Two of the factors influencing thisyear’s predictions are warmerwaters in the Atlantic and anabsence of El Niño conditions, withLa Niña the dominant feature, whichmeans more wind shear,encouraging hurricane development.

Tropical Storm Tomas lastyear gave us a graphic reminder thatwe can experience torrentialrainfall, flooding, and wind damage

to lots of trees and crops, plusdestruction of roofs and houses orconsiderable damage, especially tostructures which were old andpoorly constructed.

Tomas seemed to be goingunder our island and heading out tothe Mexico peninsula when itsuddenly decided to swing upwardsto visit Barbados, and so swiftly didthis occur that it left little time for

people to close businesses, put upshutters, and get home to securetheir houses.

Those who had already a level ofpreparedness since the end of May,before the June 1 start of the officialseason, would have been better ableto avoid having to make purchasessuch as food and beverage, collectwater, and fill up their vehicles. Theycould have concentrated on gettingthemselves and their families home,and would not have been caught onthe roads when driving rain started.

ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY have made weather forecasting,including storm and hurricane tracking easier and more reliable,and this means that modern society is much better off than in days of yore when such events may have hit peoplewith little notice.

This is not to say that it is an exact science and that changesin windspeed or direction do not happen, hence the need tokeep checking during the hurricane season.

In addition to getting advisories from Florida, there is aCaribbean Doppler Radar system, including a site in Barbados,which adds to the information we can gather, thus giving usenough preparation time before a severe storm or hurricanehits. To a lesser extent, while some may not pay attention, thereare people who follow daily weather predictions about rainfall,tropical waves and depressions, if they work outdoors in construction, farming, fishing and other occupations. Or some just like to know if they should walk with an umbrella or raincoat.

In addition to news through the print and electronic newsmedia, locally, regionally and internationally, some people are nowalso checking Internet sites which have weather predictions tokeep themselves up-to-date with storm and hurricane tracking.

Predictions favour increased activity

New technologiesmake tracking easier

THE DOPPLER RADAR system. (FP)

OWNERS of four-wheel-drive vehicles can volunteer to assist the DEO with transportation. (RC)

EVERY INDIVIDUAL or family needs tohave a plan for storms, hurricanes and otherdisasters, with everyone involved knowingtheir role in preparations, action during theevent, and in the aftermath.

Whereas assistance can be expectedfrom emergency services, public and private,such personnel cannot be exposed todanger during the passage of severeweather, and may be delayed in gettingabout afterwards due to broken bridges,damaged roads, fallen trees and vehiclesstuck on flooded streets.

Your plan should start with considering ifthe house is strong enough to stay in, orwhether you need to seek alternativeaccomodation at relatives, neighbours orfriends who live in sturdier structures. Onceyou’ve decided, get their permission andfind out if you need to bring food oranything else with you. If the decision is togo to a shelter, then a list of foods, andother items you need to carry should alsobe made, and containers in which you cancarry water kept at the ready.

If you live in a strong building but haverelatives, neighbours or friends who are notas fortunate, then you can speak with themabout possibly coming to your residence toride out a hurricane. Do not assume theywill know if you expect them to bring food,beddings, towels, and so on, but make itclear what items you need them tobring with them.

As the earth tremor ofNovember 2007 demonstrated, wecan also have incidents in whichour telephone services are affectedand we cannot reach loved ones.Therefore a family plan should alsoinvolve a meeting point to get to,or which house to go to, as trafficblockages could also prevent youfrom being able to pick up familymembers, but they may be able toget to the agreed home or meetingpoint with other privatetransportation, publictransportation, bicycling or by walking.

Preparations such as having extra non-perishable foods, firstaid supplies, and other items needed during the hurricaneseason should be done well before warnings and watches, andvehicles should be kept in running order, with petrol and oilfilled before being empty. This removes your need to spendtime in supermarkets, gas stations, hardware and conveniencestores in a last minute exercise, having to stand in long lines, or

perhaps being able to get items which are sold out by the timeyou get there. Such delays can prevent you from being able togo straight to schools or workplaces to pick up loved ones,and, even worse, can find you still on the road when the fury ofsevere weather descends on the island.

The whole idea behind preparedness is to leave as little aspossible to be done in the last 24 hours (or less) prior to a storm or hurricane strike. Having discussions and plans

for this season can also include your plan for coping with other emergencies such as fires, floods outside of the season,storm surges or high tides (if you live on or near the beach),and tsunamis.


BROKEN ROADS may delay emergency personnel ingetting to you quickly. (RC)

AUGUST 28, 2011. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 5HAVE YOU EVER asked yourselfwhat type of risks you and yours are likely to face when ahurricane is about to hit Barbados,or even a moderate or severe storm?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you live in a ramshackle or weak house?

• Is your roof lacking in strength and loose in parts?

• Is the house just resting on the ground or bricks?

• Have you placed the building on or near a water course?

• Is the spot you live on at the edge of a drop-off in an area known for land- slippage?

• Do you live in an area famous for flooding?

If you answered yes to thesequestions, then you need to facethe fact that you are at great riskduring highly inclement weatherand need to take specialprecautions.

Of course, the best solution toimprove the odds would be if youcould build a stronger house, withfoundation and a hurricane-resistant roof.

However, you may not have themoney or be able to access thefunds to do so right now, even ifyou hope to do so in the future.

Therefore, if the weatherreports and emergency advisoriespoint to extremely high winds andvery heavy rainfall, you need tosecure the house as best as youcan, and move to family,neighbours or friends who agreeto let you stay at them until thedanger has passed.

Unless they have assured youthat they can afford to feed you,offer to take some food andbeverages with you. If you areunable to make such anarrangement, then you need to goto a shelter, and you are asked tobring your own food, water,sanitary supplies. Remember totake your medications andimportant documents with you.

Hoping and praying that yourresidence is not destroyed is allwell and good, but it is your dutyto take action to protect your lifeand to seek what help you need.

BUILDINGS with weak or old roofs are at high risk for damage during hurricanes. (RC)

IF LIVING in a flood pronearea, ensure the propertypremiter is free of garbageor blocked drains. (RC)

WHETHER OR NOT to go to a private or Governmentshelter prior to a hurricainehitting the island is a matter of personal choice, and peopleshould listen to their radios(battery operated) to makesure the shelters in theirdistricts are open, and to get there before the full brunt of the onslaught.

Those who live in wellconstructed houses withstrong roofs and hurricaneresistant building methods, or who simply prefer toremain at home, perhaps afraidof robbers breaking in, may decide not to go to shelters.Others will ask family, friends or neighbours who live in solid structures if they can ride out the storm at them.

However, there is still a need to have shelters open to thepublic, for those who think it is their best choice to go there.Category 1 shelters are used for hurricaines or otherdisasters. Category 2 may be used if buildings so designatedhave weathered the storm and remain in good enoughcondition to be used after a disaster.

There are some shelters which can accomodate disabledpeople and these include: Coleridge and Parry School, St Peter;St Christopher’s Primary, Christ Church; Lester VaughnSecondary School, St Thomas; and George Lamming Primaryand St Ambrose Primary in St Michael.

However, one can be proactive by informing CommunityCouncils, District Emergency Organisations, and any groupsgiving special attention to the disabled, weak and geriatric, of the location of such persons in the community, astransportation may have to be organised for them to take them to the shelter.

People who are very poor may also need to be provided with food and other items to take with them. In the case of vulnerable persons insisting on staying in their homes, and who live alone, neighbours should check on them after the bad weather has fully abated.

When planning to go to a shelter or supervising thepreparation of taking someone to a shelter, there are somethings to bear in mind, according to the regulations, so thateach person can cover his or her needs for three to four days,at least:

• Charge your cell phones but avoid use during lightning.

• Battery radio and music player with earphones but be cautious during lightning.

• Fill water containers to leave in the house.

• Have a neighbour keep valuables if possible.

• Shower, wash hair and eat before leaving home.

• Let your close neighbours know you will not be at home.

• Wear comfortable but modest clothing and carry a change.

• Wear or carry boots or enclosed sneakers, gloves, rainwear.

• Take water.

• Take non-perishable, ready to eat, non-messy, easy to open food.

• Take essential sanitary

products, including wipes and sanitizers.

• Baby care items if applicable.

• Foods and snacks for children.

• Quiet playthings such as books and puzzles.

• Alcohol use or smoking is not allowed.

• Do not carry weapons or illegal drugs.

• Prescribed and first-aid medications can be packed.

• Important documents and ID should be taken.

• In a notebook list contact numbers and medical information.

• A small torch and batteries may be useful at night or after the storm.

• Keep your cash carefully.

• Be protective, patient, understanding, tolerant and kind while in the shelter.


KEEP A LIST of the emergency shelters nearest youhandy in the event of a disaster. (FP)


WHEN THINKING of foods tokeep during the Hurricane Seasonthere are two groups you need toconsider. Firstly, the food, beverageand water you need for riding outthe storm’s duration; then whatyou will need during the first andsecond week after the passage ofthe severe weather.

DURING STORMSNon-perishables which require nopreparation are best, such asbiscuits, breads, nuts, fresh anddried fruit, corned beef, luncheonmeat, canned ham, canned tuna,sardines, cereals and cereal bars,cookies, peanut butter, jam orjelly, canned corn, othervegetables and beans; juices andother soft drinks and lots ofbottled and stored water.

Water purification tablets canbe added to stored water or afew drops of bleach. Look forcanned foods with peel-off topsand be sure to have a hand-operated can opener and bottle opener.

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol duringbouts of very bad weather as you need to haveyour mind sharp if faced with dangeroussituations in which you have to make quickdecisions. You also cannot take alcohol into theshelters.AFTER PASSAGE

Since electricity will be shut off before andduring a serious storm or hurricane anddamage to poles, lines or other equipment maymean having to wait for service to berestored, it is a good idea to have a grill whichcan be used outdoors with a gas bottle, coals

or wood. Simple meals, especially one-pot creations,

just as our fore-parents did in the days ofcoalpot cooking; or just place groundprovisions or canned meats wrapped in foil to grill meals.

Basic foods such as rice, pasta, corn meal,ground provisions, breadfruit (picked beforethe storm), and canned meats and fish, ordried saltfish, dried peas and beans, cannedvegetables, dried herbs, a dash of salt, and a bit of ketchup can provide nutritious anddelicious meals.

Canned soups are easy to warm up or you

can boil a pot of soup withdried and canned ingredients.Oats and other dried porridgesand cereals, along with cannedmilk, and a bit of sugar or driedfruit can be made into good, healthy breakfasts. Don’t forget coffee, tea, cocoa or other beverages.

It is a good idea to keep a stock of picnic

type food containers, plates, bowls, cups andcutlery so that you do not have to use yourstored water to wash up dishes. Of course,you need a good supply of plastic bags withties and paper towels or napkins.

IN ADDITION TO water, food and essentialmedication, there are other items which oneshould keep during the storm season, asthese will be most useful in riding out thebad weather and surviving during the aftermath.

• A generator is a good investment.

• First aid kit.

• Non-electric radio and batteries.

• Non-electric torches and batteries.

• A lighter and matches.

• Fully charged cellphone.

• Keep fire safety in mind if using candles.

• Coolers for food, beverages and ice.

• Cleaning supplies for use in and aroundhouse.

• Plastic tarpaulin for quick fix of brokenroof/window.

• Hammer, nails, screws, saw,

• Water proof containers for documents.

• Gloves, boots or sturdy sneakers.

• Gloves, goggles, rainwear.

• Have extra garbage bags.

• Toilet paper, wipes and sanitary products.

• Books, puzzles, cards, and so on to passthe time.

• Notebook and pen.

• Fill up petrol and oil before empty.

Useful items to have on hand

BOOTS, otherprotectivegear andtools will beneeded toclean up in theaftermath.(RC)

LANTERNS (preferably battery-operated), andtorchlights are much needed essentials during the

hurricane season. (FP)

WHEN AN EMERGENCY OCCURS,YOUR DECISIONSARE CRUCIAL.

The tranquility of your home or business comes first beyond anything. RIMCO BARBADOS gives you and your family the reliable power for your tranquility.

We give you the quality and reliability you need, plus services you can count on.

Call us today for more information at 246.418.3600 or visit us at Searles Factory,Christ Church, Barbados

Complete Power Solutions:

OWNERS AND MANAGERS ofworkplaces and other businessesneed to have special plans for copingwith disasters such as fires, floods,and the high winds of hurricanes.Those on or near the beach alsohave to consider the danger posedby very high and rough seas, orstorm surges which are activated bypowerful winds.

Insurance for commercial entitiesshould cover flood, wind, storm,hurricane, and fire damage and alsoinjuries, to staff and customers.

Some essential checkpoints to follow:

• Are back-up or duplicate records or valuable documents kept in another location, and high off of the ground in the headquarters?

• Roofs should be kept in good condition and any leaks or loose areas repaired immediately.

• Shutters to protect glassfronts, glass doors, and windows should be ready for swift installation or activation.

• Generators need to be checked periodically.

• First aid kits should have full supplies.

• Do you have computer continuance in case of electrical shutdown? Are wireless laptops, notebooks, and other mobile communications items available for use.

• If you are unable to use computerised or automatic cash registers and accept debit and credit cards, do you have

calculators for handling cash and receipt books?

• Keep cell phones charged.

• Have company vehicles kept in good condition, gas tanks filled, and so on.

• Glow in the dark lighting strips or signs should mark exits.

• Use your public address system to inform staff about the impending bad weather, the times they can leave work and the official closing time.

• Light and loose items outside the building should be kept inside when a storm is expected.

• Staff who travel by public transport should be among the earliest allowed to leave before closure.

• Those with their own vehicles or being dropped home by company transport can leave a bit later.

• In some types of businesses, a few members of management and staff may agree to stay on

plant for security of the premises or quick repair work, for which basic tools such as saws, hammers, and nails will be needed, as well as rope, masking tape, brooms, mops and buckets.

• Some of those in the media, medical services and security or

emergency services will also be called upon to work.

• Food supplies such as canned meats and fish and biscuits, cereal bars and so on, water, juices, coffee and tea should be available to workers.

• Flashlights will be needed as well as battery operated radios and extra batteries.

• Those who need to go into the open need boots, gloves, and rainjackets or raincoats.

Businesses can have a specialteam to co-ordinate proceduresbefore, during and after disasters, and this can be the same group who function as fire wardens during drills, or the health and safety committee.

Protocols can be designed andfollowed for: Hurricane

Preparedness; Hurricane Watch;Hurricane Warning; and After The Hurricane.

Strong storms may also requiretaking appropriate steps, especially ifthe location of the plant, shop, mall,hotel, restaurant, office or othercommercial building is near theshore or in a flood-prone area.

It is also a good idea to have a listof contact numbers and addressesfor all staff so that calls can be madeto ensure their safety and to letthem know if they need to come in to work, and when.

Depending on the condition of the roads some people may need transportation to get to work, while others may be injured and receiving medialattention and needing to be on medical leave.


St Andrew

Category 1 publicschool sheltersAlleyne SecondarySchoolSt Andrew PrimarySchool

Category 2 publicschool shelterChalky MountPrimary School

St Joseph

Category 1 publicschool sheltersSt Bernard’s PrimarySchoolGrantley AdamsMemorial SchoolSt Joseph PrimarySchool

St LucyCategory 1 public school shelters

Ignatius Byer Primary SchoolSt Lucy Primary School

Category 1 privately-ownedsheltersSt Lucy Parish ChurchPentecostal House of PrayerHope Road Church of the Nazarene

Category 2 public school sheltersHalf Moon FortSelah Primary SchoolSt Lucy Secondary School

Hurricane shelters in your area

THERE ARE STORIES in themedia about some peoplewhose homes are damaged ordestroyed by a passing storm, aswith Lili, and more recently,Tomas.

These are mostly poorlybuilt wooden structures withlittle or no foundation and nohurricane resistant measures inplace. In addition ownersusually have no insurance, thesevictims call on the Governmentin power to assist them inrebuilding, or, in some cases,relocating them into state-owned housing. All of this is atthe taxpayers’ expense.

The people involved willhave to find temporaryaccommodation and wait theirturn on the official list of thosewho have been approved forassistance, such as pensionersor the unemployed, or personswith disabilities or illnesses thatprevent them from earningenough to pay for their ownrepairs or rebuilding. Somewere in such dire straits beforethe storms that they could notimprove their homes towithstand storms.

However, there are twomyths which need to beremoved from the minds of thepublic: fristly, that one cannotbuild wooden or mainly wood

and some wall buildings withhurricane resistant features; andsecondly, that owners of woodbuildings or mainly wooden,cannot obtain insurancecoverage.

Buildings made mainly ortotally of wood, which havesolid foundations and the use ofhurricane straps, harnesses, andties; with purlin attachments tothe ceilings, and roofs designedto resist lift-off, can usuallyqualify for all categories ofinsurance coverage. The cost ofthe premium will be related tothe market value of thestructure, that is, the rebuildingcost, and a clause will specifywhat percentage the owner hasto pay in case of damage ordestruction.

The money you spend out ofyour own pocket for homeimprovement (or the interest

you pay on a loan under thatheading) can bring you incometax benefits when you file your returns.

Whereas the broadestinsurance coverage is part ofthe mortgage agreement withbanks, credit unions, and financeinstitutions, some home ownersmake the mistake of notcontinuing insurance after theyhave finished the loan payments;or avoid seeking this financialassistance if they have built orbought homes with their ownfunds. So if fire, flood, winddamage or destruction occur,they will be dependent on theirown savings or begging relativesor the government for help.

The “I don’t need buildinginsurance” attitude, or “I don’t

think I can get insurance so Iwon’t even enquire” is totallyridiculous when one observesthat these same people will askabout warrantees or insurancecoverage for appliances theyare purchasing, or theirtelevisions and otherelectronics.

Since your home, and/orbusiness premises, are thebiggest investments you aremost likely to make in yourElifetime, it is wise to use bestbuilding practices; haveretrofitting done in oldstructures; and seek the widestand best insurance coveragethat can be obtained.

Ensure that you haverevaluations done from time totime and update your coverage.


ST PHILIP

Category 1 public school shelters

Hilda Skeene Primary SchoolPrincess Margaret Secondary SchoolSt Mark’s Primary SchoolSt Philip Primary SchoolReynold Weekes Primary School

Category 1 privately-owned shelters

Six Roads Church of ChristRices Methodist ChurchSix Roads Seventh Day Adventist Church

Category 2 public shelter

Bayley’s Primary School


St Mark’s Anglican ChurchSt Mark’s Church HallSt Catherine’s Anglican ChurchGemswick Nazarene ChurchRuby Nazarene ChurchFour Square Nazarene Church

ST JOHN


St John Primary School


Mount Tabor Primary SchoolSt Margaret’s Primary SchoolSociety Primary School

Category 2 privately-owned sheltersCodrington College St Gabriel Church

INSURANCE will help you repair and/or rebuild. (RC)

Trade/wholesale available at:

Solite NS40ZL

$240.88

Solite NS60L

$293.75

Maintenance Free

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. AUGUST 28, 2011. 1110. AUGUST 28, 2011. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL.

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AUGUST 28, 2011. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 12YOUR HOME is your veryown castle, be it ever sohumble or grand, so ensurethat you fortify your castleto survive storms andhurricanes; that you havethe most comprehensiveinsurance you can secure,and your payments aremade.

You should have builtyour house with hurricane-resistant features and thestrongest roof possible, butyou also need to keep it in goodrepair and to maintain the buildingand grounds.Here are some reminders:• Loose spots on the roof should

be fixed.

• Drains around the roof as well as drains in the yard or around the perimeter should be cleared.

• Shutters or plyboard pieces for nailing over glass windows and doors, and the necessary nails and screws should be on hand.

• Light patio and yard furniture, bicycles, outdoor toys and potted plants should be moved indoors.

• Trim trees and if hurricane warning is announced and your glass doors and windows are in the firing line of fruits or breadfruits and coconuts, you could consider picking them and keeping the useful ones inside and burying the rest.

• Is there an extra bedroom or bathroom, or a spot in the house, perhaps the laundry

room, where you can keep the pets inside – be sure to have enough dry pet food and water for two weeks during Hurricane season. Do not take pets to shelters.

• If you have livestock they can be left in their pens but do not tie them with rope as they can strangle themselves in fright. Some animals may run away and come back later on.

• Unless you have a generator, unplug electrical appliances and television.

• Have lamps and torches handy and be cautious of using candles to avoid fires.

• Ride out the storm in a central part of the house, or even a bathroom, where you are least likely to be injured if windows

are broken and glass or objects

fly indoors.

• Remember you will have a period of severe bombardment, then a calm spot which is the Eye of the Hurricane, but do not go outside of the house or shelter as the second part of the hurricane circle will then hit.

• Have water, radio, first aid supplies, phone, laptop or other wireless notebook or mobile, and emergency food near to you. Important documents such as insurance papers, ID, passport, drivers licence, and so on, should also be near to hand and in a waterproof container.

• After the bad weather abates, check your natural gas lines and water line, if broken, shut off valves and report if necessary.

• After electricity has been restored in your area, if you still do not have power, report this as well. Mobile networks and landline service may also be affected for awhile.

Christ Church

Category 1 public schoolshelters

Milton Lynch Primary SchoolSt Christopher Primary SchoolArthur Smith Primary SchoolGordon Walters PrimarySchoolChrist Church Girls SchoolChrist Church FoundationSchool


Cane Vale Seventh DayAdventish ChurchChrist Church Parish ChurchHallSt Christopher AnglicanChurch

Category 2 public schoolshelters

St Lawrence Primary SchoolVauxhall Primary SchoolSt Bartholomew’s PrimarySchool


Hawthorn Methodist ChurchSt Matthias Anglican ChurchThe Salvation Army Church,Wotton

Shelters in your area

TREES that are close to buildings and electrical wires should betrimmed. (RCs)


IF YOUR ROOF BLOWS duringa storm or hurricane then youand all your possessions will be exposed to the brunt of thesevere weather, and you may alsolose the walls in that scenario.

Therefore having a welldesigned, strongly constructedroof, with hurricane straps is apriority when you live in an areawhere for half of every year you

can be battered by storms and hurricanes.

Those with weak or old roofs should consult engineersand contractors about have some rebuilding orretrofitting done, with hurricaneresistant harnesses and purlins,to improve their odds of surviving storms with their structures intact.

St George

Category 1 public school sheltersCuthbert Moore Primary SchoolEllerton Primary SchoolSt George Primary SchoolSt Jude’s Primary SchoolSt Luke’s Brighton Primary SchoolWorkman’s Primary SchoolBlackman Gollop Primary School

Category 2 privately-owned sheltersSt George’s Parish ChurchSt Luke’s ChurchSt Jude’s Church Hall

Category 2 public school sheltersSouth District Primary School

St Thomas

Category 1 public school sheltersSharon Primary SchoolLester Vaughn Secondary SchoolHillaby Turner’s Hall PrimarySchool

Category 1 privately-owned sheltersClifton Hall Moravian Church

Category 2 public school sheltersHoly Innocent’s Primary SchoolWelches Primary School

Strong roofscan savebuildings

THE DESIGN and strength of roofs will determine whether itresists gale force winds or flies off in storms. Losing a roof(right) exposes all possessions to rain and wind.


St Peter

Category 1 public schoolsheltersAll Saints Primary SchoolColeridge Parry SchoolRoland Edwards Primary

Category 2 public schoolshelterAlexandra School

Category 2 privately-owned shelterSt Philip The Less Church

St James

Category 1 public sheltersGood Shepherd Primary SchoolQueen’s CollegeSt Alban’s Primary SchoolGordon Greenidge Primary


Garden Seventh Day AdventistChurchOrange Hill Church of God

Category 2 public sheltersSt James Primary SchoolSt Silas Primary SchoolWest Terrace Primary School

Shelters in your area

OUR ISLAND is so small that by international standardsvery little of our land mass would be considered outsideof a coastal zone. However, everything being relative, wetend to regard the sea itself, the beachfront, and the nearshore area as having a highly risky profile when it comesto high tides, wind driven storm surges which can add 15feet to normal tides and push a lot of power, and theability of the waves to attack boats on the water andbuildings close to shore.

Boat owners try to get their vessels into safe harbour,and fishermen or those on other small boats will try tohave them put into a somewhat sheltered area, or hauledup on land. Owners and operators should remove allvaluables from boats which have been hauled up.

Of course it also follows that it would not be wise toset out on a fishing or pleasure trip while the island isunder warning or watch advisories, and, if out at seawhen you hear those directives, then do not approachshore but try to put distance between the vessel and thestorm path.

Large ships such as the cruise vessels which usuallystop here for a day, will stay out at sea when stormy seasare predicted, in order to avoid damage to the ship andplacing passengers lives in greater danger if they cameinto the near shore waters to deboard and reboard. Soduring the hurricane season it happens now and thenthat we are by-passed, if severe weather threatens.

Vesels transversing international waters should carryforecasting charts from the Tropical Prediction Centre ofthe Florida-based National Hurricane Centre whichenable analysis of storm paths and assists in re-plottingof courses should captains need to use alternate routes.

Owners, managers, permanent and temporaryresidents of buildings on the beach or across from thebeach should also consider the area to be at high risk forinvasion by strong waves and possible erosion of sandand soil. Unless there is a very well constructed “raft” or“floating bridge” type of foundation, the building itself canbe endangered by strong and persistent surge tides. Wealso have some small ground floor residences, some ofthem quite old and weak on or near the beach and thosewho live in them should not stay at home when a strongstorm or hurricane is expected.

Therefore, it is best if everyone in such areas beevacuated further inland. Whereas some visitors mayhave flown out of the island in advance of the storm,those who remain need to be moved to shelters.

As wonderful as the ambience is on or near thebeach, and as great the potential for fishing, and leisuresailing on the seas, when storms abound, those areas arefull of danger and extra precautions need to beexercised.

VISITORS WHO STAY HERE during hurricanes will needto be evacuated from beach areas. (RC)


ONCE UPON A STORM, only names of females were used,perhaps because it was all or mostlymen doing the naming, and ladieshaving the same name, as say,Janet, were teased about how“dangerous” they were.

In 1979, the WorldMeteorological Organisation(WMO) began alternating male and female names, and although a bit of fun was still had at the expense of Frederick or Ivan the teasing did die downconsiderably.

A later decision was made to makethe names more diverse by includingsome non-Anglophile selections.

The names for 2011 storms still unused are: Jose, Katia, Lee,

Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Phillippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vinceand Whitney.

Every year a list of 21 names is set out, with the Greek alphabetthen being used if necessary, thusAlpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and so on.

Whereas the official AtlanticHurricane Season or Tropical CycloneSeason runs from June 1 for six

months, a rare out of season system will be given the next name in line, even if occurs in December.

Whereas names of non-damagingstorms are repeated after some years have passed, the most massivelyimpactful hurricanes which causedextreme destruction are retired,since they can bring back such negative memories.

St Michael shelters

Category 1 public schoolsGrazettes Primary SchoolHarrison CollegeLawrence T Gay Memorial SchoolLuther Thorne Memoral SchoolSt Leonard’s Boys SchoolSt Matthew’s Primary SchoolSt Stephen’s Primary SchoolBarbados Community CollegeBay Primary SchoolCharles F Broome Memorial SchoolCombermere SchoolEden Lodge Primary SchoolEllerslie Secondary SchoolThe Garrison Secondary SchoolSpringer Memorial Secondary SchoolUniversity of the West IndiesWestbury Primary SchoolThe St Michael SchoolGeorge Lamming Primary SchoolSt Ambrose Primary SchoolParkinson Memorial Secondary School

Category 1 privately-owned sheltersBlack Rock Seventh Day Adventist ChurchDalkeith Methodist ChurchEmmanuel Baptist ChurchSt Mary’s Anglican ChurchSt Barbabas Day Care Centre

Category 2 public sheltersBelmont Primary SchoolDeacon’s Primary SchoolGrantley Prescod Memorial SchoolEagle Hall Primary SchoolHindsbury Primary SchoolSt Giles Primary SchoolSt Mary’s Primary SchoolSt Paul’s Primary SchoolWesley Hall Infants SchoolWesley Hall Junior SchoolWilkie Cumberbatch Primary School

Category 2 privately-owned sheltersChapman Street Church of GodFairfield Gospel HallGovernment Hill Seventh Day Adventist ChurchHaggatt Hall Wesleyan Holiness ChurchSt Matthew’s Anglican ChurchSt Paul’s Anglican ChurchWhitehall Methodist Church

What’s in a(storm) name?

THE NAME KATRINA has been retired from the list ofstorm names that can be used because of thedevastation the hurricane caused – it is on record asone of the most damaging storms in recent history. (GP)

WHEN SEVERE STORMS,hurricanes, and otherdisasters do major damageand destruction ofresidences, businesses, crops,roads, water and electricalservices, and lootingdecimates food supplies, orflooding destroys somefoods, the result is a lot ofhuman suffering.

In addition to those withexisting chronic diseases,there is a spike inopportunistic colds and flus,wet conditions andhomelessness or make-shifthousing leads to morerespiratory infectionsincluding pneumonia.

Lack of clean water andadequate food can result ininfections such as gastro-enteric disorders, vomitingand diahorrea.

There is always thedanger of an epidemic oftyphoid or cholera whentoilets and sanitary suppliesare limited, and there is notenough water for frequenthand washing.

Some people will have been injured in thedisaster and will requiremedical attention andaccommodation in alternativebuildings if health institutionsare damaged or destroyed.

Others will be sadlysearching for relatives andhaving to cope with thesudden deaths of loved ones.

Feelings of loss,bewilderment, denial of thereal situation, powerlessnessand hopelessness can resultin mental and emotionalbreakdowns and traumaticstates, even shock.Frustration can fuel angerand mood swings, especially ifyou have lost your house,business or belongings.

An overload of stress andloss of sleep for severalnights, and a continued

feeling of being unsafe andinsecure can all triggerreactions in some people.

People can sufferheadaches, nausea, aches andpains, confusion, difficulty inconcentrating, anxiety anddepression, with somebecoming suicidal.

Overly aggressive feelingscan result in rage andattacks, including robberiesand rapes on the weaker andmore vulnerable.

Some of the mentaltrauma can be overcome byhelping others who areworse off, or involvingyourself in rebuilding efforts.Avoiding looking at replays ofthe disaster can also helpyou to get back to yourbalance.

Those who are believerswill find comfort and hope inprayer and meditation.Playing with children,indulging in simple games andsports, singing and makingmusic can also lift spirits.

However, those who areunable to function normallylong after a disaster shouldseek or be referred topsychologists or trainedcounsellors to help themovercome grief or trauma.Group sessions puttingtogether people who havehad similar losses can also behelpful.

Children who have lostparents or parents who havelost children need specialcounselling. Psychiatric helpwill most likely be neededfor those who hadpreexisting mentalconditions, including thosewho suffer from dementia, orwho have low IQ challenges.

Therefore, while they maynot be thought of as first-lineemergency personnel in thesame way as those dealingwith physical health, mentalhealth personnel and

volunteers with counsellingtraining will be neededduring the aftermath ofdisasters to help people copeand get back to the best levelof normalcy they canmanage.


Human traumainevitable in a disaster

THIS MAN was one of many who fought for their lives whenraging flood waters took over the streets of New Orleans inthe aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (FP)

THE PEOPLE of Grenada suffered more than physical damage when Hurricane Ivanstruck the island several years ago. (FP)

DURING DISASTERS such as storms, there will be a certainperiod of time while the bad weather is raging, and in theimmediate aftermath (when roads may be flooded, bridgesbroken) that people need to handle their health challengesin the best way they can, before medical personnel and first aid volunteers can reach them.

Of course, the more people who learn first aid thebetter and this can be done through various organisations.Even if you do not become a District Emergency volunteer,at least you will be better able to help yourself, neighbours,and family.

People who have chronic illnesses which require dailyprescribed medications need to have at least two weeks toa months supply when a hurricane is approaching andestimated likely to affect the island.

Those who need to keep medications cool should have a small cooler for this purpose in which the insulin or othersuch drugs can be kept, with a frozen ice pack and/or ice inside.

It is best for those with heart conditions, diabetes, highblood pressure, asthma, or any serious illness to informfamily, close friends and neighbours about their challengesand symptoms, and to have one or two people check withthem periodically to ensure they are okay.

They should also have a list of their conditions andmedications taken in their wallets, bags or diaries so thatmedical personnel who are unfamiliar with their cases canbe aware what they may have taken.

Many diabetics have personal glucose testing kits andsome hypertensives also have blood pressure testing

equipment which can guide them about medication or first-aid measures.

In general, there are other, non-prescription medicationswhich should also be kept throughout the year andespecially during the storm season, such as headache tablets,flu or cold remedies, non-aspirin pain killers (aspirin cannotbe taken by some people and is not to be used if denguefever is suspected), aspirin (to be taken to thin blood if aheart attack is suspected), allergy medicines, and essentialsupplements.

A first aid kit, whether bought in a package, or put

together in a waterproof container should be part of yourhurricane preparedness.

Some of the items to be included are:

• Tape, plasters and bandages.

• Scissors.

• Alcohol and cotton wool.

• Antiseptic.

• Sterile water to wash wound.

• Antibiotic ointment.

• Anti-itch ointment.

• Anti-diarrhoea medication.

• Stomach upset medication.

• Clean washcloth, hand towel.

• Individually wrapped sanitary pad,which can be used to staunch bleeding wound.

• Wipes, gel/liquid cleansers.

• Liquid tears or eye washes.

• Pain spray.

• Insect repellant.


IF GOING TO A SHELTER remember to take medicinesalong with you. Use a small cooler to store medicationthat require refrigeration. (GP)

A FIRST AID KIT –like this one from the Red Cross –should be on your checklist of emergency supplies. (GP)

Handling healthissues in a crisis

HURRICANE READINESS should begin long before the eventoccurs, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area. It is saidthat “a person can live about a month without food, but onlyabout a week without water”. Make sure that should a systempass over the island, you have enough water for yourself andyour family to survive.

You can prepare far in advance for the possible loss of watersupply amidst other challenges. Keep several clean, air-tightcontainers to store enough drinking water for several days —about five gallons for each person in your household shouldserve for several days.

To keep drinking water safe from contamination, it should bestored in clean, non-corrosive, tightly covered containers.Remove all commercial labels from the bottles or clearly markthem ‘drinking water’ so that children do not mix up bottlescontaining hazardous substances with bottles being used fordrinking water.

To increase the shelf life of the stored water, group bottles indark, plastic trash bags to keep light out or store the containersin a cool, dark location.

When you stock your home with supplies that may beneeded during the emergency period, you should includedisposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" and handsanitiser for the family to use in case bathing or cleaningfacilities are not immediately available.

Clear sewer linesDuring and after a hurricane, the Barbados Water Authority’s

( BWA) sewerage system may become compromised. To ensurethat there are no problems with the connection between yourhome and the Authority’s sewer lines after a natural disaster,take the following precautions in the pre-hurricane stage:

• Ensure that all drainage pipes/sewer lines are flowing freelyby using a sewer snake, wire or hose to clear any blockagesthat might occur within the line.

• Do not dispose of any hand paper, sanitary napkins, towels,diapers, plastic bottles or bottles in any plumbing fixture or drain.

• Check and clean your grease-trap, removing and collectingany oil or grease collected in a bag for disposal as solid waste.

•Any difficulties being experienced while cleaning outside theproperty or its junction box should be referred to the BWAfor attention.

When a watch is issuedWhen the hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Review your emergency plans and replenish supplies;

• Fill your clean water containers;

• Fill any available sinks or bathtubs with water for non-drinking uses should the normal supply through the tapsbe interrupted;

• Clear and clean all debris from guttering and ensure thatyou place containers under the down pipes to catch therainwater and have it available for use if needed.

Prepare for evacuationAnticipate that you may need to evacuate and prepare for it.

If you have time, turn off all utilities including water. You can turn off the main water supply to your home by

turning off the ball valve. Make sure everyone in your homeknows where this valve is located and how to turn it off.

Take only essential items with you to the shelter includingample food and water as well as a radio with batteries.

Don’t forget food and water for any pets.Practice conservation — limit the water you use for washing

dishes, brushing your teeth, or preparing food — you will needto keep some to drink.

It is critical to remember to practise basic hygiene during anyemergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and cleanwater or use hand sanitiser before eating or handling food.

After the stormAfter the storm has passed, listen for public announcements

regarding the return of the water supply to your area if it hadto be turned off. Ensure that any saved water is still safe beforeusing it.

Use any water from storage tanks and other types ofcontainers with caution, ensuring first that they are clean andsanitized.

Following the passage of a storm, the water supply to yourhome may have become contaminated and unfit to drink. Shouldthe water have become unsafe to drink due to infiltration ofcontaminants via broken pipes, a “Boil Water” notice will beissued by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the BWA.

If this occurs, boil the water vigorously for three to five minutesand let it cool. You can add a pinch of salt, or pour back andforth between two containers to improve the taste. Boilingwater kills harmful bacteria and parasites.

Do not waste stored waterOnce the water supply has been restored to your area and

you have no further immediate need for the stored water,please do not waste it by simply throwing it away. Use it fornon-potable purposes in the house.

Submited by the Barbados Water Authority.


THERE ARE a number of containers that can be utilised— either for home or business – to store water. (GP)


ONE OF THE FACTORS in flooding in some districtsis the clogging of wells and drains and the ensuringpooling of water.

Whereas Government does attempt to clean wellsand drains, they do not stay that way for long, asaccumulations of garbage indiscriminately discardedplus waste materials from construction, demolition orroad/sidewalk repairs, and soil runoff, all combine toreclog the clear pathways that excess rainwater shouldbe able to take.

However, area residents can get together to keeptheir district clean of trash and help to avert majorflooding.

If necessary, Sanitation Services Authority (SSA) canbe called and an arrangement made for a day whenthey can send trucks to pick up bulk garbage fromeveryone in the district.

Able-bodied people and community groups can alsooffer to clean up the yards of the disabled, ill orgeriatric people who have no family help or whocannot afford to pay for such work.

When storm or hurricane warnings and watchesare issued garbage should not be put out on sidewalksand verges as bags of trash will only add to the debrisbeing washed around in flood waters.

After the heavy weather has abated, and as long as roadways are passable, the SSA will resume pickups.

Cleandrains to preventflooding

GARBAGE, cut grass, and other materials can clogdrains.

THE SIDES of roads and property fringes can become clogged andcontribute to flooding. (Pictures by Rawle Culbard.)

EARLY PREPARATION can help you to get home ahead of the last-minute traffic jam.


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SHOCKS FROMELECTRITICY and lightningwill burn humans and cancause various degrees ofdamage, sometimes resultingin unconsciousness and comaor even death.

For these reasons it iswise to take precautions to avoid both types oftragedies.

Technicians who workwith electricity andelectricans are trained in thetype of protective gear theyneed, including wearingrubber soled footwear, nothaving wet or damp hands,and turning off electricalpower sources when doinginstallations and repairs.

Most other people ignorethe danger of coming intocontact with live electricity.However, during and afterstorms and hurricanes, whensome wires are down, andespecially if in water, one canhave a shocking experience if walking or wading in thewater, especially if barefootand not wearing rubberboots.

Electrical appliances,especially if not connected totransformers or protectiveplugs to control resurgeswhen the electrical supply

goes off and then returnsmay be affected, so it is bestto turn off electricity when a storm or hurricane is near.

When bad weathercomes along with lightning,(usually followed by thunder)people should take sensible

precautions, and try to getinto a building, (patios andgazebos do not offer goodprotection) or a vehicle(refraining from touchingmetal), to avoid being struck.

If out in the open, avoidstanding close to isolated

trees or towers in anotherwise flat landscape.Move far away from thesetall lightning attractors, atleast by six or seven feet.

Crouching down to makeyourself a shorter target mayhelp you to avoid a strike,

Wait for a break in thelightning activity and thenmove quickly into a buildingor car.

One should also becareful when using thetelephone, land line or cell,during lightning, as therehave been cases where thelightning conducts through

the device and shocks theuser. In any event, in ordernot to overwhelm networks,calls should be kept as shortas possible.

Reports of fallen trees,and electrical outages canalways be made when thestorm or hurricane has abated.

LIGHTNING and gasoline makes for an instant fire. Last year this fire at the Colonial Pipeline Company tank farm in the United States began after lightningstruck a tank of gasoline. (FP)

WHEN lightning strikes a house it can cause damage to elecrtical equipment, or worse yet, a fire. (FP)

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Storm Watch 2011