Emergency supply list
Water, enough to last 2 weeks
Foods that do not require cooking:
Canned or salted fish and meat
Packaged oats
Biscuits and crackers
Condensed or powdered milk
Canned soups and vegetables
Juices
Cereals
Coffee, Tea.
Flour, Rice, Cornmeal, Sugar and Salt
Infant formula
Bread
Others
Battery-operated radio
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Matches and candles, Hurricane lamps
Bleach and other cleaners
First Aid Kit: petroleum jelly, aspirin, eye wash, bandages, cotton,
diarrhoea medication, antacid , laxative
Tissue, soap, sanitary napkins
Disposable cups, plates, utensils
Can opener
Large plastic trash bags
Containers for water and fuel storage
Coal or oil stove, barbeque grill
Cooking utensils
Portable cooler
100 feet of rope, Tape
Needle and thread, scissors
Blankets and towels
Mosquito repellent
Tarpailin (canvas or plastic)
Storage tips for water and food
Store enough water to last 2 weeks for each person in your household. A normal active person requires a minimum of 1 litre of water per day for drinking and food preparation.
Water should be stored in clean, well covered containers.
Label the containers with the current date and renew your drinking supply each month.
Store emergency food in waterproof containers.
Arrange items so that those stored first will be used first.
Observe expiration dates on packaged foods.
Wrap bread, cookies and crackers, dry good in plastic bags and keep in tight containers.
Your storage area should be dry, cool and free from contamination by insects, poisons and other chemicals.
General preparation tips
Look over your insurance policy to insure it provides adequate coverage.
Check the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
Make an inventory of possessions.
Photograph your house and all the rooms inside for insurance purposes.
Make sure your roofing is properly fastened and secure. make all necessary repairs.
Obtain lumber, plywood, and concrete nails for battening up.
Know your evacuation route.
Organize a place to meet with your family should you become separated during the storm.
Clear your yard and drains of debris.
Prune trees limbs that are close to your house. They can cause damage to your home or utility wires during a storm.
Find a place to move your boat in an emergency.
If your home is at risk, plan in advanced where you will stay. Listen out for GIS advisories for the location of the nearest hurricane shelter.
When a hurricane threatens
Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest level. Freeze water in plastic containers.
Sanitize bath tubs and fill with water.
Tie down or bring in all outdoor objects (such as awnings, patio furniture, garbage cans).
Secure or remove satellite dishes, TV or radio antennae from roofs.
Pick fruits such as coconuts, mangoes etc., from trees. Clear your yard and drains of debris.
Remove all pictures, clocks, books, figurines, tools, office equipment, appliances and important papers (passports, birth certificates etc.); wrap them in plastic or in waterproof containers; and store in a safe room.
Turn off electricity at the main switch and remove TV and radio antennae from roofs.
Stock up on water and non-perishable foods. Refill prescriptions needed.
Fill your car with gas to avoid long lines after the hurricane. Also fill containers for portable generators.
Park your car in a place that is safest from falling trees and utility poles.
If you are in a high-rise, know the location of the nearest stairways. Don't use the elevator.
Batten down windows and doors with shutters or lumber. Wedge sliding glass doors with a bar.
Turn off electricity from main switch 24 hours before the storm is expected to hit.
Unplug major appliances.
During the hurricane
Be calm! Your ability to act logically is very important.
Stay inside. Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary.
Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. A windowless or interior room or hallway is usually the safest.
Listen to the radio for information.
If you are in a two-storey house, stay on the first floor.
If you are in a multiple-storey building, take refuge on the first or second floors. Interior stairwells and areas around elevator shafts are usually the strongest part of a building.
If your house shows signs of breaking up, stay under a table or stand under a door frame.
Do not go outside during the calm when the eye of the hurricane is passing.
After the storm
Wait until you hear on the radio or television that the dangerous winds are definitely out of your area.
Do not go sight-seeing.
Do not go outside barefooted. Avoid wearing open shoes and watch out for sharp debris.
Do not use phones or CB radios unless vital. Keep lines clear for emergency calls.
Bury all dead animals as soon as possible.
Beware of downed power lines, weakened bridges and washed-out roads, and weakened trees.
Purify drinking water by boiling or by adding bleach, 2 drops of bleach per litre of water, 4 drops if the water is cloudy. Do not purify all your water at once.
After adding bleach, let water stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
Use perishable food first , then non- perishable foods and staples after.
Do not cook more than is needed for one meal.
Be alert to prevent fires.
Report broken sewer or water mains to local authorities.
Be sure to check your house for structural damage before moving back in.
Important websites
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency
National Hurricane Centre
Atlantic Satellite
NASA Satellite
Important Emergency numbers (Barbados)
Police - 211
Fire - 311
Ambulance (QEH) - 511
Barbados Light and Power - 436-9000
Central Emergency Relief Organisation - 427-8513
CERO Weather Hotline - 976-2376
1 comment:
Thanks! Hopefully the worse has passed.
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