opinion

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Here we go --- another hurricane!

by Clarence E. Pilgrim

The lands touched by the Caribbean seas once again faced the threats from two natural forces, Hurricane Dean (the first hurricane for the season) and Tropical Storm Erin. While this was written Dean was threatening the islands of the eastern Caribbean and Erin was drenching Texas, USA.

It is now, more than ever a time to listen to the many voices who have throughout this year and for many years, been advocating the cause of disaster preparedness, through national disaster offices, the Red Cross, community groups and other individuals and organizations. A critical part of the process of preparing for a disaster is the need for eternal vigilance!

It is important to remember the basic formulae for not only survival or a hurricane, but recovery in the aftermath. This formulae's constant value is called preparation.

Preparation is the key to achieve a favorable statistical probability of successfully overcoming the obstacles of destruction, loss of services and social disorder which may exist at the time.

A crucial part of preparation is deciding on whether you should stay at home or evacuate.

Your decision to stay at home or evacuate, should be based on the following considerations:

1: Remain at home

Having assessed the threat and the ability of the construction of your home, as well as other resources (both human and material), you should do a checklist to see if your home can withstand the expected winds, rain and possibilities of flooding. If there are positive answers then you should indeed consider staying at home.

2. Go to a Private Shelter

If you are not comfortable at home for whatever reason, then consider staying with a family member or friend. If you plan to do this, make arrangements in advance.

3. Go to a Public shelter

If you believe that you would like to be accommodated in a public shelter then find out from the local disaster office when the shelters will be open and if possible, become familiar with the shelter in advance. DO NOT wait until the last minute to learn whether your designated shelter is accessible.

Whether you stay at home or go to a shelter, you must have some basic survival supplies. I am re-producing for your information what I believe is an excellent example of what should be contained in a disaster supply kit:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days:

·        non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

·        foods for infants or the elderly

·        snack foods

·        non-electric can opener

·        cooking tools / fuel

·        paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resalable plastic bag --- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

·        proper identification / immunization records / medications

·        ample supply of food and water

·        a carrier or cage

·        muzzle and leash

Let us all work together as individuals, communities and organizations to support the efforts to minimize the actions of natural disasters, and protect our collective interests by respecting each other's rights after a disaster, and help some persons avoid the lure to the temptation of criminal behavior to exploit the conditions of the weak and suffering. Working together in service to humanity is one of the highest ideals we should strive for.

Clarence E. Pilgrim is an educator and civil servant in Antigua & Barbuda

Bernal, Dissent and violence
Gutman, Has America lost its moral compass?
Amnesty International, China lags in implementing human rights promises
Nasser, Gaza beyond the humanitarian and political perspectives
Weisbrot, The western mainstream media and Venezuela
Carmona, Climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean
Pilgrim, Another hurricane season in the Caribbean
Denis, Defending the interests of small states

Kellberg & Duncan, Haiti's cautious government

Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy, Repression in Guyana is a CARICOM issue

Schaeffer & Sánchez, Why Paraguay matters
Schaeffer, A scandal a day in Brazil while Lula was away

Lauer, The CAFTA referendum in Costa Rica

Jackson, Now that they're killing people...