Hurricane Preparation tips for Consumers

Getting ready for an impending hurricane can cause anxiety in the family, particularly among the most vulnerable – the elderly and the very young. Parents should try to reassure the weaker ones by going about the preparations in a systematic way, void of panic and ad hoc decisions.
The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), is playing its continuing role of informing and protecting the consumer by conducting monthly grocery surveys to assist consumers in identifying the most affordable prices for basic food items.

Below is the average price of 15 basic food items for the period April, May and June 2005. This will help customers to determine how much they should expect to spend in building an emergency hurricane basket.
Preparation is key but if you, like many Jamaicans, are heading out the morning after a hurricane warning to get food, hardware items and medicine, be prepared to join long queues at the supermarket, pharmacy and petrol station.
Customers should bear in mind that if the family makes incremental preparations during the periods of no activity, this will reduce the level of anxiety, long waiting in lines and eliminate the possibility of forgetting essential items.

The CAC is aware of the financial constraints which some families are experiencing and suggests that consumers make careful planning before a shopping trip. Little funds and a lack of preparation can contribute to panic and confusion.
Food items should also include some items not included in the CAC survey list:

• Powdered and canned juices
• Canned and pack soups
• Formula for baby

Kitchen Supplies

• Paper plates, napkins
• Plastic cups, knives, forks, spoons
• Can opener

Hardware

• Duct tape (for windows)
• Plastic sheeting (for furniture)
• Ply wood
• Flash light, batteries

Medication & first aid

• Antiseptic solution
• Disinfectant
• Fever, cold medicine
• Diarrhea medicine
• Bleach
• bandages

Go over some basic survival tips with family members and listen to the radio for any changes in the weather pattern that may require change of plans. Then make decisions and move quickly. Have a bag packed with at least three to four days supplies of essential items for babies and the elderly, in the event that you have to be evacuated.

Do you know what hurricane WATCH and WARNING mean?
Watch: Expect hurricane conditions usually within 36 hours. Warning: Expect hurricane conditions usually within 24 hours.

In the event of flooding, what is your evacuation plan?

• Identify the closest shelter in your area. Call a family member or a friend you could go to if you are told to evacuate.
• Keep a list of the telephone numbers of these places as well the route you plan to take. Inform family members of your plans. Plan alternative routes and avoid routes with bridges and canals, which may be flooded.
• Listen to the radio for evacuation instructions. Know your adjoining neighbourhoods and streets to hekp you find your way out of danger. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately!

Assemble an emergency supplies kit to include medicine, food and water or have each family member label and stock their own kit
Make sure to include:

• First aid items and medications for allergies, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, etc Anxiety can trigger an asthma attack or other unexplained reactions in the body.
• Canned food such as corned beef, sardines, and a can opener
• At least three gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, raincoats or plastic bags, and bedding or blankets If your baby sleeps in a crib, simply remove the mattress, cover it with two garbage bags and take it with you to the shelter.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and at least two sets of extra batteries
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members

Before the hurricane, move quickly to secure your home

• Install 4x8 foot sheets of plywood over windows at least ½ inch thick for each window
• Trim trees of overhangs and damaged limbs
• Collect newspapers and old clothes to get rid of water in the event of unexpected leaks in your home
• Bring indoors lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind
• Tape windows to prevent glass from shattering. Hurricane winds may turn shards into and becoming deadly missiles
• After the hurricane starts, stay indoors away from windows
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Remember, the worst part is that quiet period after the eye of the hurricane passes over and the winds begin to blow from the opposite direction.

The CAC wishes that persons would stay safe and dry as the hurricane passes. Remember to be aware of your family’s needs. Try to plan before you take a shopping trip in order to secure the most essential items that each member of the family will need to survive the possible onslaught of a hurricane.

GROCERY SURVEY PRICE

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Send e-mail to: cacjam@infochan.com or star@gleaner.com

Write to us at: 1B Holborn Road, Kingston 10 Or call us at: 926-1650-2 or toll free 1-888-991-4470, ask for our Information Desk