EDITORIAL

Education, preparedness important

We have entered the annual hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, but Barbadians are always being advised to be prepared for an active season. Even now, on some radio stations, advisories and relevant advertising can be heard encouraging citizens to get their act together before it is too late. However, it appears, more so every year, that we in Barbados are becoming more complacent in our preparations for such a potentially destructive act of nature. The growing sentiment in some quarters is that since our country has not had a particularly destructive system in many years, we are in a ‘good’ place. This mindset is complicating the roles of those who work in emergency management who are stepping up their efforts to educate us on the wisdom of being prepared throughout the next six months.

Several years ago, Barbadians were advised to take the initiative to ready themselves for the season. They were told that the “role of the Department of Emergency Management is not seen simply as that of rendering ‘salvation after the storm’, but rather to encourage, equip and accustom the people from all walks of life to work together for their preservation. This is critical if we want to keep the effects of any
disaster to a minimum.

Every year, even though there has not been any significant hurricane activity, at some point there is flooding and high winds. Hence, everyone should play their part by ensuring that drains close to their homes are cleaned and that litter around the household is removed so that these items do not become missiles in the event of high winds.

Focus is generally placed on hurricane shelters and the process of moving into one closest to the home if necessary. However, focus should be placed on securing one’s home firstly so that the hurricane shelter is strictly the last resort. Information about hurricane shelters are always listed in the press and announced via radio during this time. An official of the DEM once noted that “your home should really be the place that you should shelter in, but we are aware that there are a lot of vulnerable housing, especially in the lower income brackets, and we are trying to make sure that the capacity within the schools can deal with that particular challenge”.

Everyone should also make an effort to stock up on non-perishables and to store water and other necessities in the event that there are electricity and water cuts. The habitual scramble for these items at the time warnings are issued only adds to the belief that Barbadians are not serious about hurricane preparedness. Many of us have wrapped ourselves in a ‘blanket of false security’, which, more often that not, leads to unnecessary confusion in emergency situations.

Parents should also ensure that their children are educated on disaster management and encourage them to get involved in the preparations so that their sense of urgency is fostered from a young age. It does not benefit us to be flippant with matters of such grave concern to the country. Education and preparedness are key at this time for all of our safety.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000