NEMA warns of hurricane threat

THE NATIONAL Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is advising citizens to prepare for a possible hurricane during the 2004 season. This warning is based on the unpredictable weather patterns that have emerged this year. NEMA’s director Dave Williams explained: “With recent patterns not holding as steady as it was last season, the chance of a hurricane hitting the country has increased.” Director of Meteorological Services Willis Mills said there were 14 named storms, including eight hurricanes and three intense hurricanes predicted for the season. In addition, there are 60 storm days, 35 hurricane days and eight intense hurricane days identified. Based on this information, he said, the 2004 Hurricane Season is expected to be more active than the 1970 - 1994 inactive season and is in line with the average of seven for the last nine years.

Williams said while NEMA and the Met Office had their roles to play, citizens could do a lot to prepare themselves in case of a hurricane. He said an important and necessary preparation was the creation of a  First Aid Kit containing bandages, safety pins, scissors, tweezers, adhesive tapes, antiseptics, baby products, toilet paper, medications, toothpaste and pain killers. He said there should be at least 11 litres of water per person in storage, non-perishable food stuff, a can opener and baby food. Documents such as personal identification cards, land/house deeds, insurance documents and extra money should be sealed in a waterproof container, and safety gear including plastic sheeting, rain gear, blankets, work gloves, flashlights, candles, lanterns, boots, tools, portable radios, extra batteries; and matches or lighters should be included in preparation.

Williams explained that all loose objects should be stored in the house or tied down, windows should be boarded up, flood barriers constructed or flood prone areas vacated. He said checks should be made on elderly persons who may need assistance and  construction sites/work areas should be secured. Citizens have also been advised to stay calm and out of danger during a hurricane, to stay indoors and away from windows and to pay attention to bulletins on the radio. Precautions to be taken after a hurricane has passed include taking care of injured persons, checking for missing persons and informing the police/fire services immediately. People are advised to exercise care near electrical lines, resist the urge to go sight-seeing, boil all water before drinking and refrain from using food from flood water.

Emergency numbers should also be kept within reach. These numbers are the police, 999, fire services, 990, Emergency Health Services, 624-4343 or 639-4444, Coast Guard, 634-4440/ 634-4439 and NEMA, 623-8004, 623-2078 and Tobago 660-7489.