For the next six months, all on this island will be exposed to the potential risks associated with the Atlantic hurricane season – from storm-force winds to flooding.
Simply stated, we must be prepared for any eventuality.
Although predictions call for a mild season, Barbadians must be mindful that it only takes one storm to cause a significant impact. We only need to reflect on the fallout from Tomas in October 2010. To this day some of the houses damaged by that storm are unrepaired.
The severe economic difficulties being experienced mean we cannot all expect to depend on the Government to come to our aid following the passage of a storm which causes great destruction. Rather, we need to take a careful look at the costs and benefits of seeking individual protection while promoting a community approach to disaster mitigation and management.
It is incumbent on every family and business to be prepared. The reality today is that we must be both diligent and prudent. Homeowners or commercial property coverage, including flood insurance, should be in force to provide adequate coverage to pay the full replacement costs.
The importance of the District Emergency Organisations must be underscored as they should lead any post-storm clean-up effort.
This a period of anxiety for many people. It is therefore unfortunate that the Department of Emergency Management has not found it necessary to undertake a national week-long hurricane preparedness exercise. The public needs to practice and prefect the dos and recognise the don’ts. It makes little sense waiting until the approach of a storm to talk of preparation.
Admittedly, this is an exercise that must involve a wide range of non-governmental organisations and should also include general insurance businesses.
One of the game changers has been the access to and application of technology. Every citizen wants to know where to find information about hazardous approaching weather conditions. The idea of controlling or filtering the flow of information is unacceptable. That is why the state broadcaster should consider providing The Weather Channel on a free-to-air channel during the hurricane season.
The facts will show certain common threads among all major hurricane disasters: a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation.
Understandably, individuals, families and businesses who recognise their exposure to any vulnerability will know what actions to take.
These precautions can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
While there is no sure protection against hurricanes, effective preparation can negate some of the fallout from nature’s sting. How we plan and react to the threat of a storm can make a big difference to our recovery efforts. It is important that Barbados earns the reputation as a model for storm preparedness in this region.
