Be Prepared: 2024 Atlantic hurricane season set to begin

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasted to be above-normal, is on the horizon, scheduled to start tomorrow. The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is urging residents to prepare for what could be a challenging season.

NODS advising residents to “ensure that emergency supplies are in place, which should include non-perishable food, such as canned items, water, flashlight and important documents” and “try as much as possible to ensure that their homes are resistant to the effects of a hurricane, trim overhanging branches, secure windows and doors, acquire shutters or plywood to cover windows and clear the yard of items that could become missiles.”

Additional tips include:

• Have a family disaster plan.
• Know your evacuation route
• Know the nearest shelters and other critical facilities such as police station and health centres
• Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc
• Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary
• Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.

In observance of the season’s official start, NODS will join the Bible Speaks Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Valley Road tomorrow for a service at 11:00 am. They will also host a media briefing on Monday.

NODS has released the names of 50 structures that will be used as shelters during the season, which runs until November 30.

The list is available on NODS’ Facebook and Instagram pages and has been shared with media houses across the island.

 It includes the names of 17 district disaster coordinators and deputies who volunteer in various communities on behalf of NODS.

Residents are reminded that public shelters should be a last resort, and they should seek shelter with family or friends if possible.

Those going to public shelters should bring food, water, emergency supplies, clothing, bedding, and any other necessary items, as these will not be provided.

Pets are not allowed in shelters, so arrangements should be made for them elsewhere. Rules are in place at shelters for the safety and well-being of occupants.