The Barbados Government has put several measures in places to ensure the island can weather a hurricane or natural disaster, but it also needs the community to play its part.
That was the rallying call from Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson as he addressed the media this morning at the press conference to launch Hurricane Awareness Month at the Department of Emergency Management, Warrens, St Michael.
Hinkson said Barbadians needed “to ready their individual selves” and their homes because Government could not do it alone.
This included cleaning the drains and gutters around the home, trimming trees which could cause a problem and removing all old appliances or cars which could be missiles.
Hinkson also told householders to stock up on their non-perishables early and remember the supermarkets would need to close so workers could also prepare. He also urged those who could afford, including chattel house owners, to insure their properties.
Speaking to the theme Prepare and Be Aware, Hinkson listed the measures his Barbados Labour Party Government has put in place to build hurricane resilience.
Other stakeholders from the Department of Emergency Management were also present and fielded questions from the media.