Personal responsibility this hurricane season

Tue, Jun 5. 2012

Even before the 2012 hurricane season officially began on June 1, this country has, over the last two weeks or so, been experiencing heavy rains, flooding and landslides.

And already, there have been two named storms for the season: Alberto on May 19 and Beryl on May 27, even though forecasters have predicted a “less active” season of one to three major hurricanes this year.{{more}}

Despite what has been forecast, our particular situation and experience over the last few years should teach us the importance of being prepared.

Although we were especially hard hit by Hurricane Tomas in 2010 and the flash floods of April 2011, we have not had a direct hit from a full-fledged hurricane in many years. Consider what would be our plight if we sustain a direct hit from a hurricane, such as what happened in Grenada in 2004.

With all the challenges we presently face as a nation, the last thing we need at this time is to have to cope with the devastation a hurricane could have on our infrastructure and agriculture, not to mention the threat it could pose to human life.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has stepped up its awareness campaign for this year, and we would do well to heed their advice for individuals, families, businesses and organizations.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves too, in his message to mark the start of the hurricane season, urged families to do what they could to reduce the risks in the face of hazards to their families.

Searchlight joins NEMO and the Prime Minister in urging Vincentians to take steps to secure their families and communities. While the government and NEMO have their responsibilities, we too have a responsibility to ourselves, our families and our neighbours.

Now is is the time to ensure that our family emergency plans are up to date and that each member of the family is familiar with what to do in the event of an emergency. Stock up on non-perishable food items and medication, cut overhanging branches and carry out repairs to vulnerable areas of our homes.

If at all possible, homeowners should ensure that their homes are insured. There are some persons for whom this may not be possible, but it may surprise some to know that owners of quite substantial homes in our communities gamble that they will never need the insurance coverage.

Much of the damage to homes is caused by flood waters. With increasing deforestation and our topography forcing more and more persons to construct homes on our hillsides, we, as homeowners, should be mindful of the damage which run-off from our property can do to our neighbours’ homes, and take steps to ensure that our drains are clear and that waste water is effectively channelled away from others.

Let us not be caught unprepared, and let us not cause distress to ourselves and others by not taking the steps we know we should.