PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

Jamaica's rainy season runs from approximately May-November every year. As consumers, we must make it our duty to be adequately prepared throughout this season. Unfortunately we are often faced with the problem of being unprepared when this season comes around and therefore thrown into panic when we are put on alert. The protection of homes and the stocking up of convenience foods are just a few issues in the preparation problems that consumers face. When stocking up on food and simultaneously preparing for the rainy season, one must keep in mind that there could be shortages in the supply of electricity, water and food during this time. Thus, items being stocked upon should coincide with what is likely to be in shortage at this time of year. Therefore only buy what is necessary.

What Should We Buy?
Food is essential at all times in our lives. The foods to be bought are convenience foods, i.e. Food that is easily prepared, such as tin foods and non- perishable items. Some of these foods are corned beef, tin mackerel, bread and sardines. When going to the supermarket during this time bear in mind that there might be a great number of people rushing to buy food items as well. Nevertheless, you should take time to check expiration dates in order to avoid picking up items that could spoil shortly after purchase.
The storage of water is also a very important aspect that should be taken into consideration. In assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit, one should have at least three gallons of water per person. Water being stored must be boiled and stored in clean, sterilized containers in a clean and safe place.

“First in First Out”
When stocking food into your home, be sure to utilize the First in First out method. Which is simply placing the fresher things to the back of the cupboard and stocking previously bought items to the front. This saves food and prevents spoilage, as food that would be left to spoil would have been used up first. In times of crisis wasting food is not an option. Items should be bought to substitute for electricity such as kerosene oil, candles, matches and batteries. When storing petrol, the bottles should be properly labeled and stored in a safe place so as to avoid contact with small children. Batteries should be bought to put in radios, flashlights and other substitute electrical items needed for this period.

Protecting Our Homes
Homes are the most important places that we need to put out much effort to protect. When a hurricane warning has been received, one should make use of the items already present in our homes that can be used protect against damage from wind and rain. These things include duct tape that is usually put on glass windows, plywood, nails and zinc (it is more cost effective to do your fortifications before the storm arrives). The most important thing to have is an emergency kit. Create and secure an emergency kit which should include a stock of canned or dried foods, drinking water, a can opener, cell phones, first aid supplies, a flash light, rope, life jacket, rubber boots and gloves, a battery – operated radio, extra batteries, sleeping supplies and clothing.

First Aid Medication and Health Concerns
First aid supplies are important at this time, as convalescents are not as amble, as an able bodied person. Get an extra supply of medications, as pharmacies may not be opened at this time. Stock up on fever and cold medicines as it is likely that persons might succumb to illnesses. Families that have members who are diabetic or hypertensive should obtain a special prescription from their physician and have it filled so that there is a ready supply in case there are any dislocations. For insulin dependent persons, your kit should include needles and syringes. Clothing is also an important aspect. Wet clothes should be avoided especially on persons who have asthma, rheumatic fever and other such illnesses and for young children, babies and the elderly. During this period, public waste management services might not be available and so the purchasing of garbage bags is a must. These bags are also needed to store the garbage after the hurricane has passed.
Staying safe and protecting yourself, your loved ones and personal property doesn't have to be hard! Use what you know, play it smart and stay dry!

Tell us what issues you want addressed

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