EDITORIAL: Emergency drills important
By later today Barbados would have seen the back of Tropical Storm Elsa, which up to late yesterday evening was forecast to impact the island early this morning. It is hoped that the country would be spared any major infrastructural fallout due to high winds or heavy rainfall and, certainly, that no person was injured or lives lost.
Prior to this latest tropical system, the country would have recorded damage by a “freak storm” two weeks ago which saw over 100 houses being damaged. Subsequent to that, and as is customary from the start of the hurricane season on June 1st, Barbadians were being urged to prepare for any approaching bad weather. These warnings were reiterated earlier this week with the passage of a first tropical wave and the forecast of a second one, which was eventually upgraded to a Tropical Storm.
Practical preparations
Yet, even with words of advice, the average persons considers shopping for food supplies the extent of preparing for a storm. This is not enough. There needs to be practical applications of hurricane preparedness plans before any devastating weather system affects this island.
As stated previously, Barbadians have already been warned to be prepared for any eventuality and not wait until too late and be forced to make last-minute preparations. This warning from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM). However, even with the best intentions, people who prepare themselves for a storm or hurricane may still come upon unforeseen challenges. Therefore, though it is virtually impossible to eliminate all difficulties one might face during an emergency or natural disaster, it would be advisable for individuals to perform simple drill exercises in an effort to reduce the number of possible complications at this time.
For the general public, this would mean executing family and community evacuation plans to ensure everyone knows his/her role and the procedure to be followed when under a storm or hurricane watch. It would also require businesses to do the same by carrying out drills on how to secure important documents, safeguard assets and property from damage and looting and evacuate buildings during an emergency. Hotels and essential services should further make sure that employees are aware of their responsibilities and expectations during a natural disaster and enact steps to be taken.
Similar applications of preparedness plans are carried out on cruise liners and are routine in countries with high incidences of other natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes. They have long been credited with saving lives of many who find themselves in such a crisis. Likewise, in Barbados there are annual drills by emergency services personnel. There are also some simulations by businesses and schools. However, the latter are far too few. More members of the public need to put plans into action.
One recalls an earlier attempt to test an evacuation plan on a larger scale. Back in 2008, the Bridgetown Emergency Traffic Management Plan was put into motion in an effort to highlight areas of improvement to minimise traffic congestion in and around the City environs. Though blasted as being ineffective and chaotic, the simulation allowed the flaws in the plan to become evident.
Therefore, though Tropical Storm Elsa has passed, there is no way to know if the worst of the hurricane season is behind us, so continue to prepare and be vigilant. Stay safe.