TT needs to prepare for hurricaneSunday, July 23 2006
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Flooding is a major hazard during and after a storm....
MOST OF this country’s population live in areas which are vulnerable to floods, landslides and storms.
According to Paul Sanders, Chief Executive Officer at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), a hurricane is a serious, life-threatening situation and citizens need to make all the necessary preparations to ensure their family’s survival.
“Knowledge and preparedness are key. People must learn to educate themselves about the dangers they could face. What is a tropical wave? What is a tropical depression? How intense is a Category Five storm? They must familiarise themselves with the terminology,” he said.
According to Saunders, in the event of a hurricane, the most important thing is to use common sense.
“Citizens should not rely on the Government, disaster prevention includes modifying your home to strengthen it against storms so that you can be safe as possible. It also includes having supplies on hand to weather the storm.”
He said public awareness is not where it should be.
“When we issue warnings, people do not adhere. The whole ideology that “God is a Trini” has to change. They must show greater readiness,” he said.
Saunders told Sunday Newsday there are major hurricane damage mechanisms in place. The ODPM, with the assistance of the Government, the protective services, the Airport and Port Authorities and NGOs, will provide emergency relief within 72 hours of impact. This includes emergency shelter materials, blankets, bedding, plastic sheeting, emergency accommodation, water, food, clothing and crisis counselling.
Longer term relief and recovery assistance include food stamps or food voucher programmes, emergency housing grants, welfare grants, nutrition supplement programmes and long term counselling.
“Preparedness is not the responsibility of Government alone,” said Saunders. “This means it is important for your family to have a plan and stick with it. Keep a first-aid kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Store important documents in a waterproof portable container. Have clothing, bedding, food and water accessible.”
After the hurricane, if your home has been flooded, pump or bail water out of the house as soon as safely possible. Open the windows to let the house air out and give the walls and floors a chance to dry. Scrub floors and walls with a stiff brush and mild soap and water.
Saunders said boiling water instructions are issued after a hurricane because usually the public water utility has lost pressure in its water moving systems and there is a high risk of contaminants entering water lines.
The ODPM CEO advised that people should be aware of snakes, insects and animals are driven to higher ground by flood water. Make sure all is clear outside and the storm has completely passed before going out.
“It is only a disaster if you are not prepared,” Saunders said.
