As the 2025 hurricane season is in effect, the St Philip West District Emergency Organisation (DEO) is not only highlighting disaster preparedness, but also the employment of emergency response strategies in the aftermath of a hurricane.
Teaming up with the Barbados Police Service Command Centre’s latest drone technology, which will provide emergency response aid after a hurricane, the DEO hosted a disaster preparedness event at the A1 Supermarket, Emerald City recently in Six Roads, St Philip.
Sergeant Teisha Edghill said the department, which is under the Change Management and Technology Services, continues to be aligned with the use of this technology as drones play a crucial role.
“Drones are very important when we want to relay information to interested entities like the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) or the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) who would want to know what perils or dangers are out there after the passing of a hurricane, such as where there is flooding; where the roads are blocked; where there are fallen trees, power lines, damage to infrastructure and so on. So, instead of sending out manpower into these unknown situations, we now have the luxury of sending out the drones,” she said.
Edghill also said a rapid assessment is done and information from the public is used to pinpoint what is going on in certain areas of interest.
“After receiving information from the public, we send out the drones into the communities and then relay that information to these interested parties. The drones also have technology in which we can start a live stream video, so they are not only hearing the report of what’s going on, but can actually see for themselves what the situation is,” she added.
Also in attendance was the Marine Unit with Constable Kenrick Eversley showing the gear used
in the recovery and rescue efforts.
“After the damage to the fishing complex last year after the passing of Beryl, we are showcasing the equipment used with that recovery effort. So, part of the unit’s response is not only to prepare for disaster, but also to aid in the aftermath with regard to rescue operations. So, on display are gear such as life vests and flares which are part of the recovery aspect, in the event that a fisherman who may be asthmatic requires rescue, we have oxygen to aid them,” he said.
Chairperson for the St Philip West DEO, Natasha Morgan, shared reminders.
“Hurricane preparedness for each household varies. But at the core of it, you should at least have a go-bag that will have all your essentials. So, for example, if you’re a person taking medication, it should have the medication that you absolutely need; in addition you should have things like Panadols . . . a basic, small first-aid kit.
“Additionally, in your go-bag, you should have food and water for at least three days . . . . Stay away from high sugar and highly-salted snacks because during a disaster you do not want your arteries and your body working extra hard trying to regulate those unhealthy items,” she said.
Morgan also said that families should have an emergency plan wherein every member of the household should be on the same page in the event of a disaster.
“If you don’t have electricity; if you don’t have water; if telecommunication services are down, do you know where to go? Do you know where your shelters are located? Can you get to your shelter on foot? All of these things should be predetermined and known and you should have it memorised before an accident happens. And then, generally speaking, throughout the year when we may move away from talking about hurricane season – as we can be impacted at any time of the year due to climate change – always keep this plan and a practice for disaster readiness and safety in mind,” she added.
