June to November, June to November! Thats the reminder from the radio stations that the 2019 Hurricane Season has started, and it runs from June to November.
Do you have a personal family plan? have you discussed it with your family members?
Here are some tips from PAHO and the National Emergency Management Organization of Belize (NEMO).
- If you don’t have a plan, make one now! Don’t wait until a hurricane is coming or you may not have time.
- Start to put together emergency supplies, such as bottled water, non-perishable foods, prescription medicines, battery powered radio, flashlight, batteries, cellphone charger, among others. Pack important documents (like passports or IDs) in ziploc bags to take with you.
- Do you have elderly, children or family members with special needs? Make sure you have a bag with all their needs too. Include infant formula, medicines and prescriptions, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream etc.
- Pack these items in plastic bags and store them in easy-to-carry containers such as plastic buckets or ice boxes.
- Keep flashlights, candles and storm lanterns handy along with batteries and matches.
- Make sure you know where the nearest shelter is and also the best ways to get there in case you have to leave your home quickly.
- Create a list of emergency telephone numbers. Include your family and friends.
- Start to clean your property. Lock away garden implements, yard furniture and other loose items that can become dangerous missiles in strong wind. Trim large trees in your yard, remove coconuts and seek the help of the electricity company to trim trees that are close to power lines. Do not attempt this yourself!
- Protect your home. Cover up all outside windows and doors. This can help keep you safe from flying debris like zinc roofing. Be ready to turn off your power, if you see flooding or fallen power lines. If you must leave your home, turn off your water, power and your gas.
- Sterilize and fill clean containers with drinking water in case the water supply is cut off during the storm. To be safe, drink boiled or treated water only.
Be ready for floods:
Historically, 90 percent of all hurricane deaths have occurred from drowning and 10 percent from other causes. Therefore, it is very important that all persons should evacuate cayes, beaches and other low lying areas which may be swept by high tides or storm waves. Evacuate to a recommended place!
Remember that the highest tide occurs during the second half of the storm and that the rise of the water may take place very rapidly immediately following the eye of the storm.
- Have your emergency supplies ready and stay tuned to local radio or television stations for updates. Rely only on official news announcements.
- If you are evacuating, leave early so that you are not stranded by flooded roads, fallen trees, electrical wires and traffic jams and make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicle. If your only route to high ground is over a road that will flood, then leave even earlier. Do not run the risk of having to evacuate at the height of the storm. And if you are ordered to evacuate, do it!
- Take only essential items including your emergency supplies with you. Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic. Do not try to drive or walk across flooded roads.
- At shelters, respect the rules and guidelines. Please note: Pets are not allowed at shelters; you need to make your own arrangements for the safety of your pets.
If there is a lull after the ‘eye’ of the storm has passed, stay in a safe place, except to make emergency repairs. The wind may return suddenly with even greater strength.
Let's be safe during this Hurricane season. Let us fend for each other and protect our love ones.
