At the start of the hurricane season:
- Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and repair where necessary.
- Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.
- Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.
- Keep handy a supply of lumbar, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
- Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.
- Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary
- Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.
- Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.
- Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration.
- Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.
- Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include waterboots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches. Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.
During a hurricane…
- Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary. When the winds get very strong, you are in danger of being hit by flying objects.
- Children should not be taken outside, since they may be in danger of being blown away.
- If you are away from home, remain where you are until the hurricane has passed. Many people have lost their lives trying to go from one place to another.
- Keep a hurricane lamp burning, as it may make the night more tolerable.
- If the house shows signs of breaking up, stay under a table or stand in a sturdy closet.
- Be prepared for material falling from the ceiling.
- If your glass windows have not been boarded up, place a large heavy object in front of the window to protect yourself and others from splintering glass.
- Be calm! Your ability to act logically is important.
- Listen to the radio for information on what is happening.
After the hurricane…
- Seek medical attention at first-aid stations, hospitals or clinics for persons injured during the storm.
- Do not touch loose or dangling electrical wires. Report these to the power company, the nearest police station or parish council.
- Report broken sewer or water mains directly to the parish council, the public works department or water resources authority for your area.
- Water which has been stored should not be used immediately after the storm for washing houses, cars and watering gardens until normal water services have been restored.
- Do not empty water stored in bathtubs or other receptacles until safe drinking water is restored.
- Boil all drinking water until you are sure that a safe water supply has been restored.
- Watch out for fallen trees. Collect fallen branches and other debris and pile them where they can be easily collected.
- Do not go outside barefooted. Avoid wearing open shoes and watch out for broken glass.
Your Hurricane Survival Kits
Survival Kit 1: Water
- Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day.
- Keep at least a seven-day supply of water for each person in your household. Do not forget water for your pets. They are also members of your family, if you have any.
Survival Kit 2: Food
Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation of cooking and little or no water.
These types of foods include:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Canned juices
- Crackers
- Jamz
Survival Kit 3: First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit should include:
- Adhesive bandages in all sizes
- Sterile gauze pads
- A small pair of scissors
- Needle and thread
- Assorted safety pins
- A supply of prescription medication, if you are taking any
- A supply of non-prescription medications such as over-the-counter painkillers
- Alcohol
- Cotton
Survival Kit 4: Tools and Supplies
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Candles
- Lanterns (Home Sweet Home lamps)
- Flash lights, one per person, with extra batteries for each
- Cash
- Can opener
- Utility knife
- Plastic sheeting to protect valuable documents, etc.
Survival Kit 5: Sanitation
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene products
- Plastic garbage bags
- Plastic bucket with a tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household bleach
Survival Kit 6: Clothing and Bedding
- Include at least three complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Sturdy shoes or workboots.
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Adapted from the Caribbean Disaster Readiness Manual, 1997-2007 |