EDITORIAL: Be careful

Another year is rushing by and as we continue to grapple with Covid-19 and more recently the fallout from the volcanic eruptions at La Soufriere in St Vincent, we must continue to function cautiously. Frantic movements and decisions can lead to dangerous situations and injuries.

During the critical early stages of the clean-up effort after the volcanic eruptions, there were many vehicular accidents as people sped through the streets to conduct their business. It was well publicised that the ash could make driving more dangerous because the roads become slippery; and in the case of wet ash, the mixture could cause sludge which is even more hazardous when driving. These warnings were broadcast all over the media and still they were not heeded. Luckily, it does not appear to have produced any severe injuries from those accidents or loss of life, and it is hoped that the drivers involved and others who witnessed the incidents would begin to practise safer driving on our roads. All persons should drive at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions and try not to become distracted – even if they are extremely competent drivers – because even if they are comfortable risking their own lives, others have not agreed to take such a risk. This includes other drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians and home occupants who may be impacted by accidents caused by reckless driving.

Although many islands in the region consistently experience worse flooding than we do here in Barbados, we are not spared. At certain times of the year, rescue missions are launched to save people whose houses and businesses are dangerously surrounded by water, preventing them from safely leaving the premises and causing damage to vehicles and household items.

In an effort to prevent flooding caused by clogged drains, residents have been asked to follow strict protocols for disposal of accumulated ash. These instructions are: to lightly dampen the ash and remove it by sweeping or shovelling it up. After removing the ash from roofs and guttering, it should all be placed in sealed garbage bags and persons should not dump the ash in the streets. In one press conference, the Prime Minister explained that the bagged ash will be collected for proper disposal.

Whilst completing cleaning, homeowners also need to take extra care to avoid accidents. Persons should ensure that if they are uncertain about how to do a certain task, especially if it is electrical, a professional should be contacted.

Ash will continue to be in our atmosphere for some time, so children and the elderly should be encouraged to wear the advised N95 masks which block the ash particles, or wear two cloth or disposable masks to limit the amount of ash inhaled.

Although volcanic eruptions in the region are relatively rare and therefore significant ashfall in Barbados may occur once or twice in a century, a plan can still be put in place to assist residents in preparation for such events. For this reason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has decided to add ashfall as a hazard in the island’s updated disaster management plan.

The Atlantic Hurricane season approaches again and it is expected that it will be another active one. The Prime Minister has already given clear instructions to the public to make sure that the on-going cleaning of volcanic ash not be allowed to jeopardise future safety of residents. This would occur if ash is collected and dumped into open drains and gullies.

In terms of preparing for further disasters, plans must also be put in place to keep everyone safe. Barbadians have been inundated with negative news lately and are not interested in receiving any more of it. No matter what you do, remember to keep safety at the forefront so that we can all continue  to live healthy and happy lives in these uncertain times.