EDITORIAL: Get practical with disaster preparedness
There needs to be practical applications of hurricane preparedness plans before any future devastating weather system affects this island.
Well into this year’s hurricane season, Barbadians have long been warned to be prepared for any eventuality and not wait until too late to be forced to make last-minute preparations.
However, these words of wisdom are not sufficient. Even with the best intentions, people who prepare themselves for a storm or hurricane
may still come upon unforeseen challenges, especially in light of the ongoing health pandemic affecting the globe, which requires stringent social distancing and other preventative protocols.
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 which can better inform of potential improvements, in an effort to reduce the number of challenges faced when and if a storm is imminent.
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. However there are far too few simulations by businesses and private citizens.
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 evident to be revealed. While an exercise of this magnitude might not be necessary at this time, there needs at least to be a consensus on the closing times for government departments, private sector businesses and other services which, while not considered emergencies, are considered essential – take for instance gas stations and supermarkets.
This type of planning is key to eliminating potential threats to the personal health and safety of each and every Barbadian. And though it might not seem a key concern at present, we must not wait until clear skies turn dark to consider what we should do to safeguard ourselves. Preparation is crucial.