Tip 1 - What to do before, during and after a hurricane

We consider these months as hurricane season due to the great numbers of storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean and make their way to the Caribbean region.
To survive a hurricane individuals and their families must prepare adequately.  
Notwithstanding the modern era we live in, where through technology, we can forecast at which moment a hurricane will hit our island, it is not advisable to wait until the last minute to start preparing. In doing so you will not be sufficiently prepared. When a hurricane makes landfall, many people get panicky and tend not to make the best decisions. Hence, it is essential to prepare in advance.  

Here are some tips to be adequately prepared for the hurricane season.

• Remove all loose objects in the yard, such as wood, cans, garden tools, and patio furniture or tie them down;
• Inspect your roof. Anchor your roof on columns and the walls of the house. Repair all leaks in the roof; 
• Save all the emergency numbers on speed dial on the phone of each family member (like 911, 100 – Police) and the number of close family members (like mother, father, sibling, aunt and uncle, grandparent). During a hurricane, the emergency numbers are very busy. Therefore, a nearby family member can help you faster.

Tip 2 - What to do when there is a significant chance, we will expect hurricane conditions on our island?

When official agencies like the government and the crisis management office inform that in the upcoming days, there is a significant possibility for a hurricane to hit the island, it is essential to prepare 72 hours or four days before it makes landfall:

• Put all essential material and objects in an emergency bag.
• Put your valuables, such as passports, medical history in a waterproof bag and place it in your emergency bag;
• Make sure that you have at home a complete first-aid kit, containing, amongst others band-aids, betadine, gauze, bandages, pain killers like paracetamol or Voltaren and other items you can use in case of injuries that do not require immediate medical attention;
• If you or your family member use medicine daily, make sure you have enough for a few days. Put these medicines in a zip-lock bag in your emergency bag. Also, make sure to keep medical equipment used daily in a safe place. 
• Put some snacks and bottles of water in the emergency bag.
• Assign a person to be responsible for the emergency bag at all times
• Make sure you have a flashlight with batteries, matches and candles at home; 
• Prepare an evacuation plan in case your family has to leave. Do not forget to include your pets in your evacuation plan.

Tip 3 - What to do if hurricane conditions are expected within 48 hours or two days (if a hurricane watch was issued)?

• Prepare a shelter space in your house where your family will stay during the hurricane. The shelter preferably must be a space with few glass, windows, and doors;
• Prepare a space for the pets to stay during the hurricane;
• Fill your car’s tank with gasoline or diesel;
• Make sure to have sufficient drinking water for each family member (2 liters per person);
• Buy plenty of canned food and snacks. Make sure you have at home a manual can opener;
• Turn your refrigerator’s thermostat to the coldest setting and refrain from opening its doors regularly.

Tip 4 - What to do if hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours or one day (if a hurricane warning was issued)?

• Protect all your glass windows and doors with plywood or corrugated metal sheet;
• Charge your pone and essential electronic appliances; 
• Review your evacuation plan;
• Prepare electronic and non-electronic games for your family to entertain themselves during the following hours and days.   

Tip 5 - What to do during and after the hurricane?

• Stay inside in the designated area;
• Listen to and follow official news channels for updates;  
• If you must leave your house for safety reasons, please go with your family to the nearest location;
• Remember to bring the emergency package where your family is going.

After the hurricane:

• Stay informed by following the information by the local authorities;
• Do not go sightseeing in your car in flooded areas;
• Give first aid to whom might need it; 
• Walk cautiously around the house and check if gas pipes, water meters, or electrical wires may be broken. Close or disconnect them if possible;
• Make sure first you and your family are safe. Then you can help those close by that may need help;
• In case of emergency, call 911 or 100.

Tip 6 - Days following the hurricane

The recovery and rebuilding period begins after a hurricane makes landfall.

It entails not only material but also emotional recovery. For many people, experiencing a hurricane can be a traumatic and sad event. Therefore it is essential to listen to others and offer them a shoulder to cry on and pour their heart out when needed.
When rebuilding or restoring your house or property, be cautious when cleaning inside and outside.  

Throw away all food items that can be dangerous to your and your family’s health, like food that got wet by the rain or defrosted food. Remove all broken material, like glass and wood.

The days after a hurricane can be difficult filled with anguish and insecurities. The best advice is to seek a place of refuge, comfort, and support with your close families.

Tip 7 – Protect your pets

During the hurricane season, it is essential to prepare an emergency plan not only for the family but for the pets as well.

The following tips will help you protect your pet during the hurricane season: 

• Prepare a space for your pet that protect it from water and strong winds. It is advisable to keep your pet stays inside since it will help it to remain calm;
• Make sure the space is comfortable with water, food, and the pet’s favorite things. 
• Make sure that your pet has enough water and food for at least seven days;
• Have necessary hygiene products available during the days the pet stays in your house, for example, newspapers, trash bags, and pads to put on the floor.
• If your family must evacuate during the hurricane, take your pet with you and do not leave it behind.

For more information on the hurricane season, follow and like the Facebook page of the Department of Health (https://www.facebook.com/desparuba/) and the Crisis Management Office.