EDITORIAL: Be prepared

NO one enjoys dwelling on natural disasters. They are terrifying occurrences that cause despair, destruction and sometimes even death. We may sympathise with and seek to assist those around the world who face these challenges but, admittedly, most persons would rather think positively – that our country would be spared such a fate.

While there are great benefits to the power of positive thinking, it also pays to be prepared in the face of all eventualities. Just look at the exceptional example set for society by the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, both of which have as their motto “Be prepared”. Furthermore, no one can dispute the fact that preparation is important in lessening the severity of a hazardous outcome. So, where natural disasters are concerned, while it may not be possible to predict their occurrence, it would still be wise to do some general preparation and put an emergency plan in place.

Here in the Caribbean, we are well aware of the threat of hurricanes and storm systems and their associated consequences like storm surges and flooding. However, in addition to these, earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, the threat of resultant tsunamis, and more recently, a volcanic eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, highlight the various natural disasters that threaten the region. It is evident then that a country’s preparation must be wide-ranging and inclusive of various sectors, the government and the public.

‘Be storm ready’

We welcome then the Department of Emergency Management (DEM)’s public awareness campaign, ‘Be Storm Ready’, as the latest initiative to assist in disaster preparedness on the island. Launched earlier this week during a virtual press conference, it aims to “co-ordinate a comprehensive disaster management system to ensure a more resilient Barbados through a consultative, proactive and participatory process”. This as that organisation continues programmes and public outreach to focus on how to manage the multiple hazards that affect us. Other sectors like the Ministry of Health have also initiated meetings to look at disaster preparedness in light of the current pandemic.

However, while meetings and planned strategies are key to national preparedness, one wonders at the actual implementation of a disaster plan. One only has to remember the panic and confusion across the island, especially in our City, after the 2007 earth tremor on this island. Persons could be seen standing for long periods outside buildings or sitting in long lines of traffic waiting to leave the City. There was also disruption of cellular service due to congestion and a general sense of indecision about how to proceed.

With regard to hurricane and storm preparedness, warnings are given each year well before the start of the Hurricane Season for people to get prepared, yet every year there are long lines of last-minute shoppers to be seen and several homeowners battening down before the storm. One must also consider the financial challenges being faced by members of the public currently as a result of COVID-19 and the lockdowns, which may impact their ability to prepare effectively.

In light of this, we look forward to the messages and programmes implemented going forward, designed to help Barbadians establish a plan of action for their families.