Storm Watch 2010

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 1

2 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 3 SHOULD THE WORST HAPPEN, physically challenged Barbadians will have shelters to go to during this hurricane season.

According to the list put out by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, five emergency shelters with bathrooms accessible to persons in wheel chairs, have been prominently highlighted.

They include, Coleridge & Parry School, St Peter; St Christopher Primary, Christ Church; Lester Vaughn Secondary School, St Thomas, as well as George Lamming Primary and St Ambrose Primary in St Michael.

There are 128 hurricane shelters on the 2010 list including 59 Category 1 public school shelters; 30 Category 2 public school shelters; 20 Category 1 private shelters and 19 Category 2 private shelters.

IT’S about the time of year that you should be checking Category 1 shelters are up on your emergency supplies and restocking. (FP) those which may be used during a hurricane or If you plan to evacuate, plan for your pet as well. other hazard event.

Note that pets are not allowed in public emergency Category 2 shelters may shelters so make prior arrangements for them. be used if they are still in a After the disaster event has passed, be careful in reasonable condition after allowing your pets outside as familiar scents and a hazard event or disaster. landmarks might be altered.

Please note that persons Be aware of emergency shelters located in your area. seeking refuge in shelters, This information can be had from your zonal do so at their own risk, as committee or the Department of Disaster Management. no guarantee can be given Do not attempt to seek refuge in a shelter unless that any building will notified by authorities that it has been officially remain standing or be opened. habitable after a Listen for evacuation advice and leave promptly devastating hurricane, when advised by authorities to do so. other hazard or disaster.

Recognise that a public shelter’s primary function is It is advisable for antiseptic, tape, compresses, non-aspirin pain to provide refuge, that is, a roof over your head. persons to remain in their own houses or seek refuge reliever, anti-diarrhoea medication.

Weapons, alcoholic beverages and narcotics will not in the homes of friends or relatives or in neighbouring • Two coolers – one for food and one for ice. be allowed in a shelter. Circumstances may also require buildings considered to be structurally sound.

• Plastic tarpaulin for roof/window repair or a ban on cigarette or cigar smoking.

If you plan to remain at home, a strong room, screening plus tools, nails and so on.

Before you leave, ensure your family has been fed preferably located downstairs in the middle of the • Water purification kit (tablets, bleach, chlorine before you take them to the home of a friend or to a house should be chosen. (plain) and iodine). public shelter.

Individuals should prepare emergency kits in case • Infant necessities (medicine, sterile water, diapers, Fill as many containers as possible with water and they have to leave their homes. ready formula, bottles). store in refrigerator. Fill bathtub and washing machine Non-perishable food items should be enough to last • Clean-up supplies (mop, buckets, towels, with water – you may need this supply when you for at least three days. disinfectant). return.

Ideally, a disaster supply kit should include: • Non-electric can opener and plastic trash bags.

Shut off water and electricity before setting out.

• Two-weeks supply of prescription medicines.

• Toilet paper, paper towels and pre-moisturised Take small valuables and the following important • Two-weeks supply of non-perishable/special dietary towelettes. papers but travel light: Driver’s licence or other foods.

• Fire extinguisher. identification, bankbook/cards, insurance policies, • Drinking water in containers: one gallon per • Complete set of clothes, shoes, gloves and so on. property inventory and photos, device to convey special person/per day for two weeks.

• Personal sanitary items. medical information.

• Flashlights and batteries for each member of the • Important documents (stored in water-tight plastic Please note shelter managers will not be responsible family. bags). for the storage of valuable items.

• Portable radio and at least seven sets of batteries.

Pet owners are responsible for the protection of Leave early, in daylight if possible and avoid already • First Aid book and kit including bandages, their pets during disaster events. flooded areas.

Smart steps to seeking shelter

Adequate insurance cover key to preparation THE 2010 Atlantic Storm Season has begun and while things are still relatively quiet, all Barbadians should seize the opportunity to prepare for the more active phase.

Every homeowner in Barbados should have adequate insurance cover to protect his or her investment – no matter the size, no matter the value.

Given the low level of rates in Barbados at this time, there can be no excuse for not having adequate

protection.

At the moment the premium for a stone house is based on an average of $6 or less per $1 000 of cover and it is possible to obtain even lower rates if the house is fitted with smoke alarms to guard against fire. Further discounts are also offered to members of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons and, where applicable, credit union members.

If the house is a mix of wood and

wall or is constructed of entirely of wood, premiums would hinge on a rate of $10 to $12 per $1 000 of value.

For fire alone, the rate applied to concrete structure would be in the vicinity of $2 per $1 000 while most other construction would attract a rate of approximately $3.50 per $1 000.

Just because storms bring a lot of water does not mean that you should ignore fire coverage. It is not

unknown for electrical faults to develop during the passage of a storm and electrical faults have the potential to trigger fires.

It is in your best interest to ensure your insurance cover is up to date.

Even if nothing happens between now and the end of the 2010 Atlantic Storm Season, the peace of mind of knowing that coverage is in place is worth far more than you would be asked to pay.

4 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Category 1 public shelters Christ Church Category 1: Milton Lynch Primary, Accommodation 55.

Senior Warden: William Grazette, 425-4667 (H), 428-8032 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden: Maxine Husbands, 424-3973(H), 428-5276 (W).

Senior Warden Owereal Linton, 420-2502 (H), 423-6582 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden, Clinton Kirton 423- 2419 (H), 423-6582 (W).

Reynold Weekes Primary, Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Joseph Clarke 416-4096 (H), 416-4648 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Tyrone Marshall 624-0027 (H), 416-5116 (W).

St Christopher Primary, Accommodation 75.

Senior Warden: Anthony Graham, 428-6593 (H), 428-7273 St John Category 1 (W), The Lodge School, Deputy Senior Warden: Edwin Weekes, 420-5981 (H) 428-7273 (W). Accommodation 50.

THIS HURRICANCE SEASON don’t leave anything to chance, plan with your safety in mind. (RC) Senior Warden Trevor Pilgrim 423-6982 (H), 423-3834 (W).

The Arthur Smith Primary, Deputy Senior Warden Vasco Accommodation 75.

Dash 420-4235 (H), 423-0086 (W).

Senior Warden: Jennifer Hoyte, 422-9350 (H), 427-1072 (W).

St John Primary, Deputy Senior Warden: Cecily Clarke, 416-4096(H), 427-1072 (W). Accommodation 55.

Senior Warden Wendy Antrobus 423-1104 (H), 433-1655 (W).

Gordon Walters Primary, Deputy Senior Warden Patrick Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden, Jennifer Lavine- Clarke 416-4656 (H), 433-1665 (W).

Hinds, 423-7997 (H).

St James Category 1 Deputy Senior Warden, Alphine Good Shepherd Primary, Farley, 420-9051 (H), 420-1149 (W).

Accommodation 84.

Senior Warden Lorna Bynoe, Christ Church Girls School, THE 2010 Atlantic Storm Season storm could cause that much status of their insurance cover.

424-7864 (H),417-5862 (W).

Accommodation 90. is here and as always the best havoc, visualise the likely impact It might also be wise to Deputy Senior Warden Carlton Senior Warden, Heather Bryan, line of defence is to be prepared of something larger like examine the adequacy of the Reid, 424-1064 (H), 417-5862 (W).

428-9861 (H), 428-8030 (W). for anything.

Hurricane Ivan which passed to cover based on current Deputy Senior Warden, Celestine Queen’s College, Smith, 420-9533 (H), If a severe storm comes, home south of Barbados and went on replacement costs.

Accommodation 100.

429-8030 (W). and business owners should not to devastate Grenada.

Being under-insured can hurt Senior Warden Dr, David be caught unawares.

As far as damage goes the almost as much as having no Browne, 428-8368 (H), Christ Church Foundation, 424-9960 (W).

Granted these are early days 2009 Atlantic Storm Season in insurance at all.

Accommodation 160.

Deputy Senior Warden Juanita Senior Warden, Robert yet but this is the time that the eyes of many was a dud.

This is the time to consider Wade 443-9985 (H), 424-9965 (W).

Cumberbatch, 424-3668(H), everyone should be thinking There is another side to that the effectiveness of the drainage 428-9323 (W). about what could possibly coin as well. system in your area. Do you live St Alban’s Primary, Deputy Senior Warden Jennifer Accommodation 45. happen.

The insurance industry was in one of those districts which Goddard, 428-4995 (H) Senior Warden Angela Ramsay 428-9323 (W).

This is not the time to argue not called upon to pay out large experiences problems even if 438-4500 (H). that preparations were made for sums to honour claims so there there is minimal rainfall?

Deputy Senior Warden Wendy Philip Category 1: the hurricane season last year has been no need to adjust Most of us are content to wait St Hilda Alleyne 425-4161 (H), 439-8204(W).

Skeene Primary, and it fizzled. insurance premiums upwards. for government to send crews to Accommodation 32.

St James Secondary Senior Warden, Ivan Clarke This is not the time to start By extension local insurance clean the gutters and drainage Accommodation 80. making statements about God companies have not had to wells in the various communities 437-5303 (H), 423-6135 (W).

Senior Warden Joy Henry 438Deputy Senior Warden, Medford being a Bajan and point to the contend with higher reinsurance but the annual hurricane season Kirton 423-5517 (H), 423-1299 (W). 4525 (H), 432-0136 (W). fact that the last major impact costs based on the outcome of is always a good time to Deputy Senior Warden Jefferson Phillips 439-7484 (H), 432-0136 (W). occurred here in 1955 – almost the 2009 season. demonstrate some self reliance.

Princess Margaret Secondary, 55 years ago.

If there was a downside Why not get together and trim Accommodation 60.

St Michael Category 1 Senior Warden, Dr Wismore Anyone who adopts that line emerging from last year it would the trees in your area which Grazettes Primary, Butcher, 423-7608 (H), should remember 2002 and the have to be the lower than appear to be dangerously close to 423-6660 (W).

Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Nola Cumminsdamage which was caused to a expected precipitation levels. houses?

Deputy Senior Warden, Denton Lewis 421-6796 (H), 425-1177 (W).

Brathwaite, 423-4405 (H), number of houses by Tropical Rainfall was a lot less than If the worst happens in Deputy Senior Warden Moreen Storm Lili – a system which was normal and earlier this year, a Barbados this year, it could take 423-5262 (W).

Parris 433-4027 (H),425-1177 (W). rated as a minimal storm. number of Caribbean countries three to five days for a state St Mark’s Primary, Harrison College, If a minimal storm was were facing drought conditions response to kick in.

Accommodation 35.

Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Keith Ward, capable of damaging but there are ways of preparing Residents in their various Senior Warden Winston 423-0269 (H), 423-7340 (W). approximately 200 homes, what for those situations. communities must be able to Deputy Senior Warden Winstone Crichlow 429-3821 (H), does that say about the overall Given that things are still fend for themselves for at least 426-4542 (W).

Proverbs, 423-9744 (H), quality of our housing stock? relatively quiet, now is the time three to five days after an impact. 423-7340 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Joseph Maynard 420-1469 (H) What does that say about our to check individual situations.

The hurricane season lasts for 427-2261 (W).

St Philip Primary, construction standards?

Business owners and home six months – be prepared for Accommodation 45.

Best defence a great offence

Think about it, if a minimal

owners should all be aware of the anything at anytime.

• Continued on page 15.

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 5

Christ Church Category 2

Category 2 public shelters

St David’s Primary, Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Donna Allman 427-3309 (H) 437-1874 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Leila Puckerin 423-0312 (H) 437-1874 (W).

St Lawrence Primary, Accommodation 2.

Senior Warden Gloria Bryan 423-6448 (H) 429-7644 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Loleta Griffith 428-0319 (H) 420-7644 (W).

Vauxhall Primary, Accommodation Senior Warden Lionel Stoute 423-4132 (H) 437 -0447 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Petrina Husbands 228-9110 (H) 437-0447 (W).

St Bartholomew’s Primary, Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Merline Padmore 435-6121 (H) 428-8079 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Petrona Holder 428-3122 (H).

St John Category 2 Mount Tabor Primary, Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Wayne Drakes 428-9801 (H) 433-1747 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Elvia Stuart 433-2831 (H) 433-1438 (W).

St Margaret’s Primary Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Hetty McClean 426-5800 (H) 433-1197 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Shirleen Payne 425-2690 (H) 433-1197 (W).

Society Primary Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Cynthia Greaves 437-9657 (H) 423-0067 (W).

Nancy Herbert 424-4177 (H) 423-0067 (W).

St Michael Category 2 Belmont Primary Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Jacqueline Holder 436-5496 (H) 429-4311 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Erskine Watson 421-6194 (H) 429-4311 (W).

Deacon’s Primary Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Shirley Marshall 425-8122 (H)425-9312 (w).

Deputy Senior Warden Dr Sandra Anderson 424-1669 (H) 425-9312(W).

Parkinson Memorial Accommodation 75.

Senior Warden Orson Alleyne 420-8122 (H) 427-2553 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Maxine Mayers 429-8656 (H) 427-2553 (W).

Grantley Prescod Memorial Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Marlene Abrams 424-0675 (H) 426-0772 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Vaman Harbin 428-7225 (H) 426-0772 (W).

St Giles’ Primary Accommodation 120.

Senior Warden Claudette Moseley-Clarke 428-5797 (H) 426-0105 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Frederick Bailey 423-6915 (H) 427-0173 (W).

Wesley Hall Infants’ Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Sylvia Scantlebury 424-7464 (H) 429-3813 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Wendy Barrow 426-4747 (H)429-3813 (W).

Wesley Hall Junior Accommodation 65.

Senior Warden Maureen Reid 425-5438 (H) 4265681 (W).

Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary Accommodation 120.

Senior Warden Margaret St Hill-Pinder 428-2134 (H) 431-9604 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Livingstone Jones 438-2636 (H) 429-4511 (W).

St Mary’s Primary Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Jennifer Robinson 428-0693 (H) 427-2997 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Marvaline Chadderton 424-8414 (H).

Hindsbury Primary Accommodation 70.

Senior Warden Etwyn Bynoe 438-1258 (H) 427-3657 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Anderson Forde 426-0425 (H) 431-2129 (W).

Eagle Hall Primary Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Marcia Best 425-8503 (H) 429-5971 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Emelda Bell 424-4190 (H) 421-7515 (W).

St Paul’s Primary Accommodation 165.

Senior Warden Sandra Small-Thompson 426-2583 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Harriet Hunte 416-5154 (H) 426-2583 (W).

St James Category 2 St James Primary Accommodation 58.

Senior Warden Margaret Branford 425-1413 (H) 432-1341(W).

Deputy Senior Warden Barbara-Ann Broome-Bailey St Silas Primary Accommodation 35.

Senior Warden Eugene Eastmond 432-9408 (H) 422-3560 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Colleen Phillips 432-9054 (H) 432-9408 (W).

West Terrace Primary Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Ovid Gibbs 421-7101 (H) 4383000 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Delores Collymore 4383000/01 (W).

St Lucy Category 2 Half Moon Fort Primary Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Judy Sobers 424-5649 (H)

439-8274 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Anderson Boyce 438-2359 (H) 439-8274 (W).

Selah Primary Accommodation 150.

Senior Warden Beverley Burrowes 438-3540 (H) 439-8204 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Anderson Bishop 438-2321 (H) 439-8204 (W).

St Lucy Secondary Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Stephen Jackman 489- 6949.

Deputy Senior Warden Verna Cozier 419-0189 (H) 439-8561 (W).

St Thomas Category 2 Holy Innocents’ Primary Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Marjarita Sobers 439-8428 (H) 438-6625 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Herbert Millar 428-5009 (H) 438-6625 (W).

Welches Primary Accommodation 45.

Senior Warden D’orsus Barker 424-6478 (H) 421-6106 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Carmeta Small 421-6500 (H).

St George Category 2 South District Primary Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Orry Butcher 423-6710 (H) 4 37-4804 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Jacqueline Sealy 438-3604 (H) 437-1874 (W).

St Andrew Category 2 Chalky Mount Primary Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Glendene Thompson 422-6473 (H) 422-9271 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Katrina Wooding-Small 421-9800 (H) 422-9271 (W).

St Peter Category 2 Alexandra School Accommodation 155.

Senior Warden Jeffrey Broomes 432-9294 (H) 422-22654 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Beverley Neblett-Lashley 425-0907 (H) 422-2265 (W).

6 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Category 1 private shelters Christ Church Category 1 Private Cane Vale Seventh Day Adventist Church Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden: Pastor Leon Phillips 427-2632 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden: Charles Legall 428-6808 (H)426-0016/15 (W).

Christ Church Parish Church Hall Accommodation 70.

Senior Warden Pathwrick Gaskin 428-8963.

Deputy Senior Warden Canon Austin Carrington 428-9147 (H) 428-8087 (W).

St Christopher Church Accommodation 55.

Senior Warden Rev. Canon Henderson Guy 420-4651 (H) 420-4269 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Stanley Greaves 428-6375 (H) 420-4269 (W).

St Philip Category 1 Private

THE DECISION to issue tropical storm and hurricane warnings 36 hours before conditions are expected was taken to give residents living in vulnerable areas more time to access their situation and move to safer ground. (AP Picture)

Experts to give earlier warnings SOME new initiatives are being implemented this hurricane season.

The Florida-based, National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has implemented changes for 2010 to give areas in the path of a severe storm or hurricane more time to evacuate. The experts also plan to break down storm threats by hazards.

According to NHC’s warning coordination meteorologist Daniel Brown: “We know there are more people on the coast, people need more time to prepare, more time to evacuate. So with those two factors we decided we could issue these watches and warnings a little bit earlier.”

Watches and warnings for both tropical storms and hurricanes will now be issued 12 hours earlier than previous years.

From this year, the alerts will be issued 48 hours before tropical storm or hurricane conditions are

anticipated.

Tropical storm and hurricane warnings will be issued 36 hours before the same conditions are expected.

Officials suggested that a hurricane warning issued 24 hours before the expected arrival of a storm was not enough time to get large populations to safer ground.

Giving his take on the situation, NHC director, Bill Read said: “The 24-hour warning has been in our lexicon since way back in the 1960s. The skill has almost tripled since then and unfortunately during that same time frame our population growth has been by factors of ten or more. We can’t get people out of harm’s way in 24 hours.”

Another major change this year will affect the scale on which storm surge is based.

The Saffir-Simpson scale which categorises hurricanes was originally meant for wind speed

only. Over the years, storm surge was attached to the wind scale.

Previous storms such as Hurricane Ike, demonstrated that attaching specific storm surge values to wind speeds could be misleading.

Director of the National Weather Service Southern Region offices Bill Proenza said: “Storm surge is not directly linked all the time to wind. For example, a Category One storm or Category Two ... can have a very significant storm surge.”

The phenomenon is highly dependent upon the shape and slope of the coastline.

In the United States, Louisiana has a very gentle sloped coastline, making it very susceptible to flooding due to storm surge.

This year, the experts plan to separate the individual risks associated with a hurricane, including: winds, storm surge, rain, tornadoes, and waves.

Six Roads Church of Christ Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Joy-Maire Auguste 423-5481 (H) 227-2110 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Alan Thorpe 423-9019 (H).

Rices Methodist Church Accommodation 55.

Senior Warden Bertie Mullin 42305220 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Joan Lynch 423-1161 (H).

Six Roads Seventh Day Adventist Church Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Birtwin Hunte 416-4206 (H) Deputy Senior Warden Ashton Greenidge 416-5338 (H).

St Michael Category 1 Private St Mary’s Church Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Rev Von Watson 423-1782 (H) 426-3746 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Francis Worrell 425-1933 (H) 426-3746 (W).

Black Rock Seventh Day Adventist Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Stephen Forde 422-3766 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Lionel Nowell 424-9176 (H) 436-0955 (W).

Dalkeith Methodist Church Accommodation 34.

Senior Warden Anthony Armstrong 427-1527 (H) 426-2223 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Edward Williams 429-8037 (H) 436-9914 (W).

Emmanuel Baptist Church Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Rev. Vincent Wood 428-8090 (H) 426-2697 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Dennis Jemmott 425-6546 (H) 436-3952/53 (W).

Haggatt Hall Wesleyan Holiness Church Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Rev Mitchie Nurse 426-8997 (H) 427-2156 (W).

St Barnabas Day Care Centre Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden James Marshall 429-2260 (H) 431-7623 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Cynthia Alleyne 437-3707 (H) 436-2099 (W).

St James Category 1 Private Garden Seventh Day Adventist Church Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Charles Beckles 422-2434 (H) 432-2411 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Francina Griffith 422-3566 (H) 427-7355 (W).

Orange Hill Church of God Accommodation 155.

Senior Warden Rev. William Maynard 432-9479.

St John The Baptist Church Accommodation 54.

Senior Warden Maurice Foster 424-2146 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Michael Haynes 262-5988 (C).

St Lucy Category 1 Private St Lucy Parish Church Accommodation 150.

Senior Warden Rev. C Goodridge 439-8299 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Hamilton Cumberbatch 439 9585 (H) 431-6835 (W).

Pentecostal House of Prayer Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Stephen Strickland 439-6190 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Shannon Leacock 439- 2456.

Hope Road Church of the Nazarene Accommodation 150.

Senior Warden Rev. Caswald Jemmott 439-6190.

Deputy Senior Warden Judy Alleyne 439-7481.

St George Category 1 Private St George Parish Church Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Rev. Gregston Gooding 429-0372 (H) 436-8794 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Gilmore Mitchell 429-0154 (H) 436-6185 (W).

St Luke’s Church Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Rev John Rogers 423-3826.

Deputy Senior Warden Dennis Clarke 426-1764 (W).

St Jude’s Church Hall Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Rev Peter Boxill 433-2143.

Deputy Senior Warden Cecil Dawson 433-2911.

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 7

www.time4lime.com

The business of naming A phone for tropical storms any weather.

THE SELECTED STORM NAMES for the 2010 Atlantic Storm season are: Alex; Bonnie; Colin; Danielle; Earl; Frances; Gaston; Hermine; Igor; Julia; Karl;Lisa; Matthew; Nicole; Otto; Paula; Richard; Shary; Tomas Virginie; Walter.

Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists created by the National Hurricane Centre.

These names are now maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The original name lists featured only female names but in 1979, male names were introduced and they alternate with female names.

Six lists are used in rotation hence the 2009 list will be used again in 2015.

The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm proved to be so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be deemed inappropriate for reasons of sensitivity.

If that occurs, then at an annual meeting by the WMO committee – called primarily to discuss many other issues – the offending name would be stricken from the list and another name selected to replace it.

Several names have been changed since the lists were created.

On the 2007 list which will be used again in 2013, Dorian has replaced Dean, Fernand has taken over from Felix and Nestor has made it at the expense of Noel.

A number of storm names have met the retirement criteria over the years.

They include : Agnes - 1972; Alicia 1983; Allen - 1980; Allison - 2001; Andrew - 1992; Anita - 1977; Audrey 1957; Betsy - 1965; Beulah - 1967; Bob - 1991; Camille - 1969; Carla - 1961; Carmen - 1974; Carol - 1954; Celia 1970; Cesar - 1996; Charley - 2004; Cleo - 1964; Connie - 1955; David 1979; Dennis - 2005; Diana - 1990; Diane - 1955; Donna - 1960; Dora 1964; Edna - 1968; Elena - 1985; Eloise - 1975; Fabian - 2003; Fifi 1974; Flora - 1963; Floyd - 1999; Fran 1996; Frances - 2004; Frederic - 1979; Georges - 1998; Gilbert - 1988; Gloria 1985; Hattie - 1961; Hazel - 1954; Hilda - 1964; Hortense - 1996; Hugo 1989; Inez - 1966; Ione - 1955; Iris 2001; Isabel - 2003; Isidore - 2002; Ivan - 2004; Janet - 1955; Jeanne - 2004; Joan - 1988; Juan - 2003; Katrina 2005; Keith - 2000; Klaus - 1990; Lenny - 1999; Lili - 2002; Luis - 1995; Marilyn - 1995; Michelle - 2001; Mitch - 1998; Opal - 1995; Rita - 2005; Roxanne 1995; Stan - 2005; Wilma - 2005.s In the event that more than 21 named tropical cyclones occur in the Atlantic basin in the course of a single season, additional storms will take names from the Greek alphabet: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and so on.

If a storm forms in the off-season, it will take the next name in the list based on the current calendar date.

For example, if a tropical cyclone forms on December 28th, it would take the name from the previous season’s list of names.

If a storm formed in February, it would be named from the subsequent season’s list of names.

2009 the lull before an active season?

GO CHECK THE RECORDS and don’t be surprised if the 2009 Atlantic Storm Season is listed as one of the most uneventful in a long time.

At the start of the season residents of the Caribbean Basin and the east coast of the United States were warned to expect a pretty active season.

Approaching the halfway point, an analysis emanating from the Florida-based National Hurricane centre (NHC) described the situation in the Atlantic as “pleasantly quiet”.

The agency noted that there had not been any named storms in the Atlantic tropical cyclone

season to that point in 2009.

Acording to NHC it was the latest start to the season since 1992 which saw the formation of Tropical Storm Andrew formed on August 16, the latest date for a named storm.

By contrast in 2008 Tropical Storm Arthur was churning its way across the waters during the last days of May. The Florida-based agency also noted that a new forecast for the 2009 Atlantic Storm Season was on the verge of being issued by the research team at Colorado State University and it would lower the previous estimate of the number of storms

anticipated from 14 to ten.

The research team headed by Dr Phillip Klotzbatch and professor William Gray cited the rapid development of El Niño as the primary reason for reducing the forecast numbers.

Stronger westerly winds aloft in El Niño years create unfavorable wind shear for tropical cyclone development in the Atlantic.

Klotzbach and Gray also warned that even though 2009 was shaping up to be a ‘down’ year for hurricanes, the Atlantic basin remained in an active multi-decadal hurricane phase expected to last another ten to 15 years.

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8 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Shelter rules

Christ Church Category 2 Private Hawthorn Methodist Church Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Curtis Durant 426-4398, 426-0449.

Deputy Senior Warden Adrian Yard 433-6180 (H) 429-2131 (W).

St Matthias Church Accommodation Senior Warden Rev Devere Murray 427-7389 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Fernando Yearwood 438-2562 (H) 424-9959 (W).

Salvation Army Church (Wotton) Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Patricia Linton 428-8931 (H) 436-1114 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Joyce Ward 420- 8044 (H) 416-5500 (W).

St Philip Category 2 Private St Martin’s Anglican Church Accommodation 70.

Senior Warden Canon Siebert Small 416-5319 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden David Hinkson 416-3925 (H) 428-1670 (W).

St Mark’s Church Hall Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Ewart Barrow 423-4309 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Angela Watson 423-1040 (H).

St Catherine Church Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Arthur Adams 423- 8369 (H) 423-6231 ext 210 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden John Clarke 423-4489 (H).

Gemswick Nazarene Church Accommodation 48.

Senior Warden Stanley Arthur 416-3818 (H) 426-9693 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Errol Davis 428-8563 (H) 417-3800 (W).

Ruby Nazarene Church Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Victor Nurse 437-4398 (H) 426-5973 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Rev Samuel Elcock 433-3004 (H).

Foursquare Nazarene Church Accommodation 35.

Senior Warden Bernice Gittens 420-1614 (H) 423-6620 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Gweneth Weekes 420-1114 (H).

St John Category 2 Private Codrington College Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Rev Dr Ian Rock 423-1166 (H) 423-1140 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Errol Maxwell 423-4349 (H) 423-1141 (W).

St Gabriel Church Accommodation 20.

Senior Warden Edward Eastmond 423-2718 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Juwane Brewster 423-3311 (H).

St Michael Category 2 Private Chapman Street Church of God Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Richard Lorde 424-4019 (H).

CODRINGTON COLLEGE is one of the Category 2 Private shelters in St John. (FP)

Category 2 private shelters Deputy Senior Warden Malcolm Marshall 417-7702 (W) .

Government Hill Seventh Day Adventist Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Pastor Sheldon Brome 439-9035.

Deputy Senior Warden Tyrone Marshall 435-2144 (H) 423-3888 (W).

Haggatt Hall Wesleyan Holiness Church Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Rev Mitchie Nurse 426-8997 (H) 427-2156 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Oswald Belgrave 436-4706 (H) 436-0990/1 (W).

St Matthew’s Church Accommodation 70.

Senior Warden Priestly Burke 436-0398.

Deputy Senior Warden Rev Hugh Sandiford 424-0882 (H) 427-3712 (W).

Fairfield Gospel Hall Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Franklin Browne 424-2681 (H) 429-4699 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Tyrone Jones 417-9016 (H) 430-4441 (W).

St Paul’s Church Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Rev Wayne Isaacs 435-3489 (H) 426-3106.

Deputy Senior Warden 420-4149 (H).

Whitehall Methodist Church Accommodation 55.

Senior Warden Timothy Lokey 438-3532 (H) 426-1756 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Cyrus Worrell 424-3935 (H).

St Peter Category 2 Private St Philip-the-Less Accommodation 45.

Senior Warden Gordon Thompson 439-6712 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Roosevelt Belgrave 439-9263 (H) 436-4800 (W).

ONCE INSIDE any emergency shelter, the senior warden is the supreme authority in the shelter and his/her decision is final.

The emergency shelter warden or other shelter warden designated by the senior warden will be responsible for the facility in the absence of the senior shelter warden.

The warden is entitled to call upon any occupant of the shelter to assist in its operation and every occupant is expected to cooperate to the best of his or her ability.

If a State of Emergency is proclaimed at any time under the Emergency Management Act 2006-20, all persons within the shelter shall be subject to orders made under the Act and will be liable for such penalties as may be imposed for failure to comply.

The senior warden and all assistants are forbidden to accept responsibility for any item of personal property of any occupant of the shelter.

The department of Emergency Management will not be liable for any damage to, or loss of any property belonging to any occupant.

Any person who is seen defacing or in any way damaging the shelter or any item of its furniture or equipment will be prosecuted.

Unseemly, indecent or unsocial behavior including violence, profane language or drunkenness will not be tolerated and will result in prosecution where any such offence is contrary to the law.

No smoking of any kind will be allowed in an emergency shelter.

The consumption of alcohol or other alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden in an emergency shelter.

No firearms nor offensive weapons will be allowed in an emergency shelter.

Ministry of Agriculture

ather e w t curren om the the r n u o o y r s f t e s Ge rvic ebsite e recast S o f l a d an gic lture’s W o l o r o Mete stry of Agricu Mini tistics

Sta ides v d o n r a p ageryet Services m I e t atelli services M s t e G e See th

pth e d ion n s i s t u c e s G r di e h t a we

www.agriculture.gov.bb

MA

The Ministry of Agriculture

Active season expected ACCORDING TO the experts the 2010 Atlantic Storm Season is likely to be “active, to extremely active”.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in collaboration with the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) and the Hurricane Research Division (HRD) have spoken of an 85 per cent chance of an above normal season.

According to the outlook there is only a 10 per cent chance of a near normal season this year and a five per cent chance of a below-normal season.

The outlook is indicative of an anticipated set of conditions including exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which are very conducive to increased Atlantic hurricane activity.

Such conditions have historically given rise to very active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic.

According to the experts, the remainder of the season could well see activity comparable to a number of extremely active seasons which occurred since 1995.

If the 2010 activity reaches the upper end of the predicted ranges, it would be one of the most active seasons on record.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, NOAA has projected a 70 per cent probability of the following ranges: • Between 14 to 23 named storms with top winds of 39 miles per hour or higher.

• The likelihood of eight to 14 hurricanes with top winds of 74 miles per hour greater and of these three to seven could develop into major hurricanes – Category 3, 4 or 5 with winds of at least 111 miles per hour.

“The main uncertainty in this outlook is how much above normal the season will be. Whether or not we approach the high end of the predicted ranges depends partly on whether or not La Niña develops this summer,” said lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Centre, Gerry Bell, Ph.D. “At present we are in a neutral state, but conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for La Niña to develop” he noted.

NHC director Bill Read in giving his impressions of the 2010 season expressed concerns for the people of Haiti, thousands of whom still live in makeshift housing following the devastating earthquake on January 12.

He said heavy rains could trigger serious flooding and mudslides in that impoverished nation which was without an evacuation plan for the already displaced communities.

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 9

Beware lightning’s deadly touch FOR some strange reason lightning seems to strike males four times more often than females.

Determining if there is a valid scientific reason why, has proven kind of hard to nail down.

According to one study carried out in the United States using statistics recorded between 1959 and 1994, it was revealed that 84 per cent of the fatalities involved men as well as 82 per cent of the injury cases.

If it is any comfort, the number of deaths and injuries attributed to lightning strikes has declined in recent years, and researchers believe that improved forecasts and warnings have played a role.

According to Storm Data, a

publication of the National Weather Service, at least 3 239 deaths and 9 818 injuries were recorded during the period investigated.

Only flash-floods rivers and bursting their banks caused more casualties.

Lightning strikes were also investigated by a French agency and it was concluded that in just 20 per cent of cases, were victims immediately struck dead.

It was also disclosed that many doctors were unsure of how to treat the injuries sustained by the other victims who survived.

The conclusion reached suggested that the pathology of lightning also known as

LIGHTNING CAN KILL say Met Office officials, so people should avoid being out in the open during thunderstorms.

(FP)

keraunopathy, was familiar to just a few specialists.

The investigations suggested that most doctors were more familiar with electrical shocks, like those which occur in industrial settings when workers have an accidental encounter with high-voltage equipment.

Injuries caused by lightning are not the same as electrical shocks.

The contact voltage of a typical industrial electrical shock could be 20 to 63 kilovolts, while a lightning strike delivers about 300 kilovolts.

Industrial shocks rarely last longer than half a second because a circuit breaker opens or the person

• Continued on Page 20.

10 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Hurricane straps can save your roof THEY ARE relatively inexpensive and best installed during the construction phase and hurricane straps are more than worth their weight in gold.

During stormy weather, hurricane straps provide extra security for the roof of a house.

If high winds compromise your roof, generally all that you own may be lost due to water damage.

As simple as they look, hurricane straps can keep your roof in place in the face of 100 mile per hour winds or a Category Two storm system.

Hurricane straps should ideally be installed during the construction phase of a building but retro-fitting of already existing structures can be accomplished.

Top quality hurricane straps are made from galvanised steel and they should be attached to both the trusses and wall plates.

It is best to put a hurricane strap on each truss or each rafter in the roof.

Even though Barbados has not been hit by a hurricane in almost 55 years, a few lesser episodes in the interim years have shown up the value of incorporating hurricane straps into the construction of a home.

When hurricane experts sit down to discuss the destructive power of a severe

storm, the discussion ultimately turns to the lessons learnt from the devastation which Hurricane Andrew left in its wake.

A team of experts examined homes that had failed as well as others which had survived. They found specific areas including the roof, windows and entry doors which should be checked for weakness.

During a hurricane the force of the wind literally pushes against the outside of a house.

This force is transferred from the roof through the outside walls and eventually to the foundations.

If this energy is not properly transferred to the foundation the force of the winds can cause your house to be severely damaged if not destroyed.

The type of roof can also influence how well a home would survive a hurricane.

Flat roofs may be the cheapest option to build but they are also very vulnerable to the lifting forces created by high winds.

Perhaps the best option to go with in a hurricane belt is the parapet roof which was a design common to plantation houses in Barbados.

The edges of the roof are hidden behind a wall which

HURRICANE STRAPS (below) are relatively inexpensive and they help to keep roof tops (above) in place in face of strong storm winds. (FPs)

makes it impossible for the wind to get under the edges and lift.

If that design appeals to you take particular to keep the drainage channels free of leaves and other debris.

Next in line would be the four-sided hip roof with

minimum overhang.

This design tends to be more aero-dynamic and more resistant to the uplift forces so typical of high wind situations.

If your home has a gable roof – two-sided pitched roof – the end wall may take a beating during a hurricane.

Typical framing methods create a vulnerable ‘hinge’ line at the joint between levels and if not properly braced, the gable roof may fail.

Proper bracing of gable end walls can prevent wind from pushing or pulling the gable end at that weak point.

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 11

DURING the passage of a severe storm or hurricane, ordinary every-day objects can become dangerous missiles.

There was a time when residents of the Atlantic basin heard a storm was approaching, they would heavily tape the panes of glass in their homes with masking tape or other tape.

Experience has shown that tape is ineffective and shutters are a much better option.

There are a number of different types available today.

So the question is, which type of shutters are best for you.

Often the answer comes down to price.

Accordion shutters mount on the inside of the window frame.

They slide out to cover the window and provide protection when needed, otherwise they are stored out of the way against the window facing.

They are easily deployed in a few minutes and require no storage.

Aluminium awnings are mounted on the outside of the house above the window or door.

They provide shade for the house outside of the storm season.

When used for storm protection, two support rods are released and the awning is lowered and bolted down.

Once bolted into place, the awning completely covers the window.

Bahama shutters are large louvered panels attached just above the window

Shut out the storm and held away from the house by two support rods.

They are permanently mounted to the side of the house.

When a storm threatens the support rods are released and the louvered panels lowered and attached to the house.

A point to note – Bahama shutters cannot be used to protect sliding glass doors.

Colonial shutters were once a common sight on houses in Barbados.

They flank a window – one on either side – and many times they are used only for decoration.

When used for protection they swing inward on hinges to protect the window.

Hurricane panels are made from either aluminium or steel that are stored until a storm threatens. They slide into place on permanent tracks fastened to the walls above and below the window or door.s Roll shutters are mounted in a box permanently attached to the house above each window and door. Using a hand crank or electric motor the shutters of plastic or steel are lowered into place and anchored down for protection.

Caribbean Sea

Atlantic Ocean

HURRICANE TRACKING CHART

12 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

extinguisher nearby. An alternative is a bucket of sand.

• Fire can be a serious problem. Have a good fire

on hand.

• Be sure you have plenty of non-perishable food

large water container in the bathroom. Toilets will not flush if water supply is interrupted. Fill bathtubs and sinks.

• Fill clean containers with drinking water. Put

very careful if you use candles and/or portable cooking equipment.

• Keep your flashlight in good working order. Be

POLICE EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . .211 DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY DEFENCE FORCE MANAGEMENT . . . . .427-8513 EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . .436-6185 OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .438-7575 FIRE EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . . . .311 OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .422-7725 Q.E. HOSPITAL . . . . . . . . . .436-6450 COAST GUARD EMERGENCY – 427-8819

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

photographs of the damage for Insurance purposes.

• Make a list of storm damage to you home. Take

necessary until power is restored.

• Stay home! Do not drive!

• Open freezers and ice chest only when

broken and low-hanging power lines. Notify police or the utility company of the damage.

• Make certain your car is safe – preferably in a

garage. Fill your tank with gasoline.

• Stay away from disaster areas! Stay away from

precautionary steps must be taken after a hurricane passes.

• Keep your radios tuned to a local station. Many

AFTER

stay inside! The winds will return suddenly – possibly with even greater force.

• Use your telephone for emergency calls only.

• If the eye of the storm passes over your house,

side of your house. If a window breaks, go to an interior room to avoid injury from flying glass.

• Keep one window slightly open on the leeward

wires and flooding.

• Stay inside! Leave only if ordered to evacuate.

• If you must drive, watch for falling trees, fallen

Do not try to secure your boat in rough water.

• Boats should be hauled out or moored strongly.

electrical pool equipment. Add extra chlorine to avoid contamination.

• Do not drain your swimming pool. Turn off all

securely or taken down. Board up windows.

• Lock garage doors. Awnings should be tied

cans, garden tools, furniture and plants. Remove tree limbs that could fall on your house or power lines.

• Store anything that could blow away: garbage

areas which may be swept by high tides or storm waves. Leave early! Roads to high ground may become impassable hours before the hurricane hits land.

• Stay away from beaches and other low-lying

station for frequent hurricane updates.

• Keep your radio tuned continuously to a local

• Keep your radios tuned to one of the local

stations. Make certain the batteries are fresh in your portable radio.

DURING

BEFORE

Time (CDT)

Forward Speed (mph)

Central Pressure (inches Hg.)

Maximum Wind (mph)

Lon gi (°Wtude )

HOW TO TRACK A HURRICANE

Date

Forward Speed (mph)

Direction

Intensity

Battery-operated radio Functional flashlights Batteries for radio and flashlights Candles and plenty of matches Car tank filled with gasoline Extra ice in freezer Gas for your cooking unit Extra drinking water Tubs and sinks filled with water Fire extinguisher

Pets inside or otherwise protected Loose outside objects stored or secured First aid kit with bandages, adhesive tapes, antiseptics, etc.

Extra supply of prescription or emergency medications Tree branches tied or cut TV antenna taken down Plenty well stocked: canned goods, milk, dry cereal , baby food, powdered drinks and lots of EVE products

CHECKLIST FOR A HURRICANE WARNING

When any disaster threatens, THE NATION is your port in the storm. As soon as a hurricane is brewing in our area, you get on-the-scene coverage from THE NATION’s award-winning reporters and photographers. Get all of the story – the whole picture – in THE NATION and SUN.

Always keep your radios tuned to a local station since they give regular & reliable bulletins When a hurricane forms radio stations in Barbados will provide its eye position by latitude and longitude. (For example, latitude 12.5 degrees north and longitude 40.6 degrees west).

When the stations broadcast a hurricane advisory, use the chart below to note the pertinent information. Then mark the location of the hurricane on the tracking chart.

A Hurricane Watch is posted for Barbados when a hurricane or an incipient hurricane condition poses a possible threat to the island. A Hurricane Watch does not indicate immediate danger. However, safety precautions requiring more than 18 hours to complete, should be started immediately.

A Hurricane Warning is issued when forecasters believe the island will suffer hurricane damage. A Hurricane Warning is issued when winds are expected to sustain 74 mph or higher within 24 hours or less. When a Hurricane Warning is issued listen to your radio stations continuously and take all safety precautions.

A Tropical Storm Warning is issued for areas not directly affected by the hurricane. A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when possible sustained winds within the range of 39 to 73 mph are expected within 24 hours or less.

Your best protection is to stay informed by getting the details from radio bulletins.

Storm Name

Direction

Movement Increasing

HURRICANE PRECAUTIONS Lat itu (°N) de

Forecast

Decreasing

Position

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 13

14 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Readiness not to be taken lightly THERE IS such a thing as being too relaxed and in Barbados far too many of us are guilty of that.

The 2010 Atlantic Storm Season is here and thousands of us are yet to fully shift into the preparedness mode.

Although it is highly unlikely that anything serious will come across the ocean this early in the season, we all need to prepare for any eventuality.

A good point to start would be the sourcing of several large plastic containers for storing water – enough for each member of the household for three to five days.

When hurricanes impact a small island, expect interruptions in the power supply at the various pumping stations and reservoirs.

If landslides occur, there is always the possibility that water mains could get broken and supplies contaminated so play it safe.

If you must use water from the mains, boil it first or purify it using a few drops of regular household bleach.

Just apply a few drops to each gallon and let it stand for at least an hour before use.

Sometimes cooking is impossible immediately after the passage of a severe storm due to interruptions in electricity supply or breaks in gas lines.

Stock up on non-perishable food items which require little or no cooking.

It might not be Sunday lunch but food items like biscuits, sardines and corned beef will keep away hunger pangs quite effectively.

Depending on how seriously the hurricane has impacted the country, an immediate state response might not be forthcoming so self-reliance is key.

If there is a baby or an elderly person in your household – ensure that additional supplies of medication or special items are secured well ahead of any adverse weather.

While you are at it, put together a first aid kit because you never know.

An emergency ambulance response may be rendered impossible by flooded roads, downed power lines, interrupted communications or fallen trees.

When the hurricane seasons arrives, we all must develop the art of thinking ahead, the ability to anticipate adverse outcomes. It is better to prepare for an event which never occurs than to be caught totally unaware by a rapidly developing system.

So what must you do to be adequately prepared for the duration of the Atlantic Storm Season?

First thing, make a list.

Include a couple of clothing changes for every one in the family as well as towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other personal care items.

Batteries and flashlights for emergency power are a must.

Include a portable radio and ensure that everyone’s cell phone is fully charged because if the land lines go down, they may be the only link with the outside for sometime.

Excessive rainfall and flooding are always characteristics of severe storms so raincoats and boots are a must.

If you plan to assist in the post-storm clean up, throw in some heavy gloves because you don’t know what might be out there.

How fast your area recovers from the onslaught of a hurricane will depend of the level of cooperation which exists there.

Now is the time to determine how many 4x4 vehicles are there because with their road clearance and off road capability, they could be worth their weight in gold.

Meet with your neighbours, come up with an emergency response plan and know how many portable generators are around, how many chain saws and who

has lifting equipment.

It has been a very long time since Barbados was last impacted by a hurricane, if it occurs this year, it will be a real learning experience for the vast majority so start your preparations now.

Distributed by

RATHER than waiting for the issue of a tropical storm or hurricane warning to rush with everyone else to the supermarket to stock up on non-perishable supplies, why not buy an extra food item each time you go shopping and gradually build up your stores. (FP)

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 15

Category 1 public shelters • From page 4.

Lawrence T Gay Memorial, Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Beverley Parris 422-1655 (H) 425-1083 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Marlene Russell 422-1658 (H), 425-1083 (W).

Luther Thorne Memorial, Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Philip Roach 421-6559 (H), 436-0811 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Odessa Downes 416-4224 (H).

426-0520 (W).

St Stephen’s Primary, Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Winona Price 439-5948 (H) 425-1178 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Mary Lucas 424-2945 (H) 425-1178 (W).

Barbados Community College, Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Dr Gladstone Best 428-2066 (H), 426-3186 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Dr Sylvia Hackett 424-6261 (H), 429-5607 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Cheryl Forde 435-6061 (H).

435-0786 (W).

Combermere School.

Accommodation Senior Warden Vere Parris, 429-0113 (H), 429-2822 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden June Browne 429-0833 (H), 4293685 (W).

Eden Lodge Primary, Accommodation 70.

Senior Warden Sandie Worrell 424-9054 (H), 425-1192 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Beverley Piggott 420-59-29 (H) 425-1192 (W).

St Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary, Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Joseph King 420-2681 (H), 427-2997 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Karl Rawlins 428-0441 (H).

Bay Primary Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Marielon Gamble 427-7252 (H), 436- 6073 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Jennifer Sealy 424-6622, 436-6073 (W).

Ellerslie Secondary School, Accommodation 55.

Senior Warden Idelle Austin 424-0095 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Ronald Leacock 425-0450 (H), 425-1094 (W).

St Matthew’s Primary, Accommodation 45.

Senior Warden Eleanor Brathwaite 420-9754 (H), 426-0520 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Angela Edwards 422-6115 (H),

Charles F Broome Memorial Primary.

Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Hortence Carrington 424-3677(H), 429-3361 (W).

Garrison Secondary, Accommodation 150.

Senior Warden Matthew Farley 426 -5414 (H), 427-0597 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden

Courtney Senhouse 416-5162 (H) 427-0597 (W).

Springer Memorial Secondary, Accommodation 110.

Senior Warden Pauline Benjamin 437-1473 (H), 429-2531 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Beverley Bancroft 423-4900 (H), 429-3673 (W).

University of the West Indies, Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Oral Reid 416-9358 (H).

Deputy Senior Warden Charles Boyce 243 5590 (H) 417-4159 (W).

Westbury Primary, Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Michael Alleyne 429-5019 (H), 429-3804 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Patricia Lovell 435-7442 (H), 429-4171 (W).

The St Michael School, Accommodation 105.

Senior Warden, Shelton Perkins 420-1567 (H), 426-3116 (W).

US no stranger to storms’ fury AFTER VIDEO and stills of the devastation caused in 1992 by Hurricane Andrew in the United States ere aired, a lot of viewers world wide, were left breathless by the scale of the devastation.

How could such happen in one of the richest and most developed countries and technologically advanced on the face of the earth?

For many years, the risk of significant property loss due to hurricanes seemed small. Many homes along the United States East and Gulf coasts were built during the 1970s and 1980s – a period of relatively inactive hurricane formation, hence many property owners were blissfully unaware of the destructive potential of tropical storm system.

Many people living in coastal areas during the period grew up and never experienced the effects of an intense hurricane.

After all, Florida the state most at risk from hurricane damage, had not seen a major hurricane since Betsy in 1965.

Hurricanes were therefore seen as infrequent events, and storms that did occur had been low in intensity.

Consequently, both homeowners and government agencies regarded the risk of widespread hurricane damage as manageable and within the scope of private home insurance and federally subsidised flood insurance.

When homes were damaged by hurricanes, they were usually repaired to their pre-storm condition, but scarcely upgraded to reduce or mitigate damage from

will bring more intense hurricanes – Categories three to five on the Saffir-Simpson scale – to the United States East and Gulf coasts.

In a September 11, 1995, interview with Time magazine, Professor William Gray said “we’re going to see hurricane damage like we’ve never seen it before”.

Gray is known for his research into Atlantic hurricanes and his increasingly accurate annual predictions.

In his paper “Strong Association Between West African Rainfall and Insurance counted losses United States Landfall of Intense The property insurance industry Hurricanes,” Gray presented which had in 1986, presumed that evidence of a high positive two US$7 billion hurricanes would correlation between rainfall in the be the most catastrophic loss the West African Sahel and the industry could expect in a given incidence of intense hurricanes year, was stunned by the US$15.5 making landfall along the United billion loss from Hurricane States east coast.

Andrew.

Gray found that during periods The size of the losses from of West African Sahel drought Category Five Hurricane Andrew there were few intense hurricanes demonstrated that the damage that making United States East Coast a single hurricane could do had landfalls, while during rainy been seriously underestimated. periods in the Sahel, a greater Along with a heightened number of intense hurricanes awareness of the risks to property make United States east coast posed by hurricanes, there was an landfall. increased appreciation of the Increased Sahel rainfall likelihood of catastrophic damage, produces slow-moving squall in view of escalating population systems-easterly waves – which and development in hurricanecan promote hurricane formation. prone areas.

The frequency of intense In the last two decades, the Atlantic hurricanes also doubles population along high-risk during periods of Sahel rainfall. coastlines has increased As far as the Caribbean is significantly. concerned what has implications Concurrent with population for the United States during the increases in hazard-prone areas, annual storm season, may have there is evidence that the future consequences for us too. the next event.

The hurricane risk during those 20-odd years may not have seemed sufficient to warrant the increased investment but hurricanes Hugo (1989) and Andrew (1992) redefined the way the public and the United States government regarded the risk of hurricane damage to homes.

Hugo and Andrew were the strongest hurricanes to hit the United States East or Gulf coasts since Hurricane Camille battered Louisiana in 1969.

Deputy Senior Warden Noel Gittens 425-1656 (H), 436-7863 (W).

George Lamming Primary, Accommodation 72.

Senior Warden Barbara Grant 428-4508 (H) 430-2927(W).

Deputy Senior Warden Pamela Small-Williams 422-0149 (H) 430-2927 (W).

St Ambrose Primary, Accommodation 70.

Senior Warden Jacqueline Andwele 432-6268 (H) 436-6060 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Everton Hall 424-0340 (H) 436-6060 (W).

St Peter Category 1 All Saints’ Primary, Accommodation 42.

Senior Warden Keith Headley 422-3863 (H) 422-6506 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Grace Gill 439-8354 (H) 422-6506 (W).

Coleridge & Parry School, Accommodation 165.

Senior Warden Vincent Fergusson 422-1994 (H), 422-3323 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Seymour Worrell 422-4481 (H).

Gordon Greenidge Primary, Accommodation 50.

Senior Warden Angela Smith 439-7982 (H) 422-4298 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden George Francis 432-9327 (H) 422-4298 (W).

Roland Edwards Primary, Accommodation 35.

Senior Warden Michael Watson 422-8023 (H), 422-2873 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Veronica Best 432-6853 (H) 422-2873 (W).

St Lucy Category 1 Ignatius Byer Primary, Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Priscilla MIllar 438-2532 (H) 439-8359 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Peggy Gilkes 422-8733 (H) 439-8359 (W).

St Lucy Primary, Accommodation100.

Senior Warden Cynthia Robinson 439-8937 (H) 439-6298(w).

Deputy Senior Warden Sandra Fields 429-7685 (H) 439-8298 (W).

St Thomas Category 1 Sharon Primary, Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Ronald Bradshaw 428-5899 (H) 425-0167 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Stephney Proverbs-Bennett 439-8355 (H) 439-7247 (W).

Lester Vaughn, Accommodation 115.

Senior Warden Diana Wilson 420-6733 (H), 417-9250 /51(W).

Deputy Senior Warden Mildred Bourne 424-9606 (H) 417-9250/51 (W).

Hillaby/Turner’s Hall, Accommodation 35.

Senior Warden Karen Best 420-3861 (H) 438-7900 (W) Deputy Senior Warden Sheldeen Gibbs 425-3351 (H) 438-7900 (W).

St George Category 1 Cuthbert Moore Primary, Accommodation 60.

Senior Warden Eudora Mascoll 428-4784 (H)

437-7897 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Deborah Waithe-Jones 428-2313 (H) 437-9778 (W).

Ellerton Primary, Accommodation 100.

Senior Warden Leslie Gamble 428-5167 (H) 429 -0228 (W) Deputy Senior Warden Shona Gill 416-4791 (H) 429-0228 (W).

St George Primary, Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Verna Greaves 420-5257 (H) 429-4280 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Patricia Springer 416-3698 (H) 429-4280 (W).

St George Secondary, Accommodation 70.

Senior Warden Catherine Jordan 424-9884 (H) 429- 4787 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Shirley Harper 422-1057 (H) 429-4787 (W).

St Jude’s Primary, Accommodation 30.

Senior Warden Mercilla Wood 429-0096 (H) 433-1545 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Catherine Eastmond 420-6405 (H) 433-1545 (W).

St Luke’s Primary, Accommodation 35.

Senior Warden Angela Dowridge-Browne 420-2733 (H) 427-2537 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Anita Brathwaite 420-9042 (H) 427-2537(W).

Workman’s Primary, Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Anthea Newton-Gadbsy 435-1391 (H) 429-0071 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Glendene Hayde 433-3929 (H) 429-0071 (W).

St Joseph Category 1 St Bernard’s Primary, Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Yvonda Hurley 424-0197 (H) 433-8354 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden George Maynard 433-8378 (H) 433-8354 (W).

Grantley Adams Memorial, Accommodation 135.

Senior Warden John Mascoll 424-6090 (H) 433-1324 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Reginald Banfield 433-8473 (H) 433-1324 (W).

St Joseph Primary, Accommodation 45.

Senior Warden Cloda Alleyne 437-6182 (H) 433-4768 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Shirley Thomas 435-1797 (H) 433-4678 (W).

St Elizabeth Resource Centre, Accommodation 20.

Senior Warden Stephen Clarke 433-9437.

Deputy senior Warden Nigel Oliver 433-9325.

St Andrew Category 1 Alleyne School, Accommodation 80.

Senior Warden Cheryl Wade 424-4900 (H) 422-9230 (W).

Deputy Senior Warden Erwin Boyce 422-9153 (H) 422-9329 (W).

St Andrew Primary, Accommodation 40.

Senior Warden Cheryl Watts 438-2363 (H) 422-9024(W).

Deputy Senior Warden Jesford Francis 421-9889 422-9024 (W).

16 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

DURING PERIODS of calm weather, there is nothing as idyllic as living within sight and sound of the sea.

All this can change in a few hours after an announcement that a storm system is coming across the water.

Now that the 2010 Atlantic Storm Season is here, people living and working in coastal areas should be on their guard.

While it is true that very little generally happens during the first half of the six month hurricane season, there can be no excuse for complacency.

Individuals should be prepared to evacuate and seek shelter further inland as soon as word of an approaching system is received.

All evacuations should be completed well in advance of the onset of high winds and heavy rainfall which can easily flood roads, making escape difficult or near impossible.

It is also advisable that residents move to safer ground, during daylight hours when they can still see any potential hazards like downed trees or power lines.

Those whose lifestyles and livelihoods are closely connected to coastal areas should pay attention to any developments which might occur between now and the close of the 2010 hurricane season.

Buildings close to the shore can suffer major damage due to phenomena like storm surge but the urge to exploit the economic potential and allure of the clear water and white sand, often seems to overwhelm all else.

For those who have never seen it, storm surge is nothing to ignore.

It occurs when water is pushed ashore by the force of the winds associated with a strong tropical storm or hurricane.

This advancing surge combines with normal tides to

Coastal residents at greater risk create a hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more.

Added to that, wind driven waves are superimposed on the storm tide.

So significant is the rise in water level that it can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with normal high tides.

The potential for economic loss at such times is something which insurance companies are well aware of and should there be a major event in Barbados, owners of affected coastal properties should expect premium increases down the road.

It has been said that few areas in the world are as vulnerable to climatic influence as the small states of the Eastern Caribbean.

The small land masses are extremely vulnerable to hurricane and tropical storm impacts.

Human activity including extensive land development and high population densities in coastal areas, has not helped the situation much either.

As we go forward the likely impact of climate change could influence activity in coastal areas.

Rising sea levels and a greater probability of more intense hurricanes are likely to be among the most serious impacts and if they occur, many Caribbean countries could face major consequences along or near

THE OCEAN can be a treacherous place when storm systems begin to head our way. (FP) their coast lines.

In the last 35 to 40 years, Caribbean states have become extremely dependent on tourism dollars for their economic survival but in the race to remain competitive, some have compromised their natural assets.

The need to act decisively and protect coastal areas is overwhelming but whatever is done must recognise the demands which tourism places on the coastal environment.

The trouble is, that most Caribbean states have not been able to identify another economic driver with the potential of tourism and if the degradation persists, tourism will suffer.

Given how the Caribbean has been marked over the years with major emphasis on the white sandy beaches and clear waters, it could be extremely hard to move future tourism accommodation and facilities further inland but something has to be done.

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 17

TALK TO ANY experienced seafarer and he or she would tell you that the last place to be when a hurricane or severe storm approaches is out on the open water.

Safe harbour is vital at such times but life being what it is, you can’t always get what you want.

Over the years several cruise ships have been out on the water when a major storm formed.

When something like that happens an experienced captain will do all that he or she can to put maximum distance between the storm and the vessel.

Any vessel traversing international waters should carry forecasting charts from the Tropical Prediction Centre (TPC) of the Florida-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC).

TPC’s most widely known function is the issuance of forecasts and warnings for tropical cyclones and storms.

TPC also has year-round responsibilities beyond those related to tropical cyclones.

It is involved with the TPC/NHC outreach initiatives, as well as applied research and development by the Technical Support branch and marinebased forecasts and warnings issued by the Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB).

The latter issues on a daily basis, 104 marine and tropical weather-based products including a suite of text and geographical forecasts plus subtropical and tropical surface analyses, tropical weather discussions and satellite-based rainfall estimates.

TAFB is considered an integral part of NHC, providing operational and forecasting support during the hurricane season.

Stormy seas no friend The charts it produces help seafarers to determine how a hurricane might move so they can manoeuvre and avoid it.

Ships with cutting edge technology on-board are able to receive digital images which gives them a good idea of what to expect in terms of the system’s movement.

During the hurricane season, captains of large ocean going vessels would have two potential courses plotted should a system change course and an alternate route becomes necessary.

The basic rule says if it is a 24-hour hurricane forecast – a distance of 100 miles away from the storm is recommended.

If it’s a 48-hour hurricane forecast, a distance of 200 miles away from the storm is the recommended norm.

When a 72-hour hurricane forecast is in the equation, the recommendation is a distance of 300 miles away.

A ship’s captain would decide the wisdom of leaving or returning to port when a hurricane is approaching.

With enough advance warning, there should be enough time to remove a ship from its position of anchor when a storm is nearby and moor it in a safer location.

Should the system be deemed too close, it is best not to set out from port.

A hurricane that is up to 100 nautical miles away from a dock site can potentially be very dangerous, so sailors considering returning to port must take that into consideration in making a final decision.

If you are at sea when a hurricane forms you should take every possible step to put as much distance between the vessel and the storm as possible. Avoid the path of the hurricane at all costs.

It is better to delay a trip and get home safely another day than to take the risk of sailing into a hazardous environment.

Here in Barbados, virtually all our boats are small by comparison.

Even the ice boats used by the fishing industry, would be deemed small alongside a large ocean going vessel.

The challenge would be to either get the fishing fleet to safe harbour or haul the smaller day boats out of the water altogether and secure the larger ones.

To prevent loss of or damage to their

THIS BOAT was washed over the wall at the Bridgetown Port during Hurricane Ivan's fury. (FP)

investment, local boat owners would be well advised to put arrangements in place well ahead of any crisis and decide which haul up point would be best should they be out to sea.

Before leaving and seeking personal shelter, fishermen and owners should do their utmost to make boats remaining in the water as watertight as possible.

Remove all electronic equipment and other valuables before leaving for the final time.

Ensure that your insurance cover is valid as well as your registration documents.

If you can, take a photo of the interior of the boat ahead of the storm and place it with a written description of all items normally kept on board.

18 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Agricutural sectors at risk during season WHEN HURRICANES BEAR DOWN on the Caribbean basin, the potential for damage to property and infrastructure is not the only major concern for the various administrations.

The agricultural sector is often hard hit and the losses sustained have implications for export earnings and the ability of affected countries to feed their populations.

Approximately three years ago (August 2007), Hurricane Dean took aim at Jamaica and wreaked havoc on the island’s agriculture sector.

In his post-hurricane assessment, agriculture minister Roger Clarke was quoted as saying that the system destroyed all of the island’s major export crops.

He said the production areas in the south of the country had suffered “major dislocation”.

Outlining the grim situation Clarke pointed not only to the physical destruction of farmland and the financial ruin of farmers and vendors, but also to the growing reluctance of international financiers to reinsure and do business with the Caribbean.

Jamaica was among a group of Caribbean territories which had signed up for a catastrophic risk insurance programme promoted by the World Bank prior to being impacted by Hurricane Dean.

On assessing the damage, bank officials determined that the devastation was not enough to trigger a pay out.

They also declined to indicate on what scale damage would have to be for Jamaica to receive monetary compensation.

At the national level, a special catastrophe fund established by the agriculture ministry was deemed by Clarke as “too young” to provide any significant compensation in the wake of the disaster.

Looking at the overall situation, aid agency Oxfam International, estimated that as many as 300 000 Jamaicans were displaced by Hurricane Dean. Between 15 000 to 60 000 families were said to require immediate assistance with home repair, water, food and shelter.

Electricity was out for prolonged periods in several areas and damaged cell towers made communication difficult.

In the capital Kingston, roads were blocked by trees and other debris and some roads were rendered impassable including the stretch connecting Kingston to Norman Manley International Airport.

Water shortages created stress in several Jamaica’s residential areas forcing those who could to resort to rivers and streams for washing and other domestic activities.

HURRICANE DEAN impacted Jamaica's coffee, vegetable, banana and fruit crops, causing the government there to have to consider increasing their imports in order to help feed the island’s 2.6 million people. (FP)

ALTHOUGH THE PASSAGE of a hurricane or severe storm lasts no more than a few hours, the toll on the human body can be serious indeed.

It is common for people to experience very strong emotional reactions with the arrival of a hurricane and afterwards when viewing damage to homes and community infrastructure.

Although defined as protective responses by the body, shock and denial are typical responses to traumatic events and disasters, especially immediately after the event.

Shock is a sudden and often intense disturbance of your emotional state which may leave you feeling stunned or dazed.

Denial involves your not acknowledging that something very stressful happened, or not experiencing EVEN THE TOUGHEST of individuals can be dragged into despair fully the intensity of the event. when the realities of a disaster finally hit home. (FP) As the initial reaction of shock subsides, reactions will vary from one person to another.

Feelings may be intense and often unpredictable.

You may become more irritable than usual, or your mood may change back and forth dramatically.

There could be signs of anxiousness, nervousness or even depression.

Some people may react irrationally to a traumatic episode like a hurricane and there could be repeated and vivid flashbacks to the event, triggering physical reactions such as rapid heart beat or sweating.

Individuals may find it difficult to concentrate or At times like these, interpersonal relationships often make decisions, or become easily confused.

Dealing with the stress may even impact eating and become strained and greater conflict, such as frequent sleeping patterns and recurring emotional reactions are arguments with family members and associates, would not be uncommon. possible.

On the other hand, affected persons might become Reactions may be triggered by sights and smells withdrawn. which remind you of preparing for or responding to Stress is no laughing matter. the hurricane.

Storm’s effects far-reaching

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 19

Physical symptoms including headaches, nausea and chest pain may accompany the condition and medical attention could be required.

Pre-existing medical conditions may worsen at these times too.

There is no standard pattern of reaction to extreme stress caused by traumatic experiences.

Some people respond immediately, while others could have delayed reactions.

Symptoms might persist for a long period in certain people, while others recover quickly.

Reactions can change over time too.

Some may be energised initially by the event, only to become discouraged or depressed later.

A number of factors affect the length of time people need to recover from the effects of something like a hurricane including the degree of intensity and loss.

There are a number of steps you can take to help restore emotional well being and a sense of control in the wake of a hurricane or other traumatic experience.

Recognise that it is a challenging time but one that you can work to manage.

If need be, allow yourself time to mourn the losses.

Take a news break.

Watching replays of footage from the hurricane may aggravate your stress.

Some people are able to cope effectively with the emotional and physical demands of the hurricane by using their own support systems.

It would not be unusual however, to find, in some cases, serious problems persisting and impacting daily living.

Some might feel nervousness or lingering sadness which adversely affect interpersonal relationships and job performance.

Individuals with prolonged reactions which threaten to disrupt daily functioning should consult with a trained and experienced mental health professional.

Psychologists and other mental health providers can discuss normal responses to extreme stress.

These professionals work with individuals affected by trauma to help them deal with the emotional impact.

20 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Stay out of harm’s way If he or she survives the shock, the victim must face the consequences of the electrical burns. Industrial shock is thrown far from the live conductor. burns can lead to kidney failure, Lightning strikes have an even infection, muscle and tissue damage, or shorter duration, lasting just a few milliseconds. Most of the current from amputation. Lightning burns can be exceptionally life threatening. a lightning strike passes over the To avoid being struck by lightning, surface of the body – a phenomenon you should seek shelter when you hear called external flashover.

Both industrial shocks and lightning even the faintest thunder. Some of the strikes result in deep burns at point of best places to take refuge are enclosed buildings, or cars and buses, as long as contact. In industry the points of contact are usually on the upper limbs, you don't touch any metal surfaces.

If there are no safe spaces nearby, hands and wrists, while for lightning bend into a crouching position until they are mostly on the head, neck and there is a break in the activity. shoulders.

Isolated trees, telephone booths, and Industrial shock victims sometimes open structures like gazebos or porches exhibit deep tissue destruction along the entire current path, while lightning make poor lightning shelters.

If there is a tall object nearby, move victims’ burns tend to centre at entry as far away as possible – at least two and exit points. Both industrial shock metres or seven feet. and lightning victims may be injured Standing next to tall isolated objects as a result of falling down or being like poles or towers makes you thrown and the leading cause of vulnerable to secondary discharges immediate death for both, tends to be coming off those objects. cardiac or cardiopulmonary arrest.

• From Page 9.

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 21

June storms not unheard of WHEN WE THINK of the annual Atlantic Storm Season most of us tend to believe that nothing ever happens during the month of June but is that necessarily true?

If we go back to 1957, the records will mention a system called Audrey which once held the record for being the earliest storm to reach Category 4 strength in the Atlantic basin.

According to the record books Hurricane Audrey caused $1 billion in damage but at today’s value that figure would be closer to $147 million.

The system also claimed 419 lives and was ranked as the sixth deadliest hurricane to strike mainland United States since 1900.

The system developed maximum sustained winds of 145 miles per hour on June 27 prior to making landfall near the Texas/Louisiana border.

The system eventually went extra-tropical moving northeast into the Ohio Valley and northwards towards Canada.

With Category 3 strength, Hurricane Alma took aim at Florida on June 9, 1966.

It was the earliest hurricane to impact the American mainland since 1825 and in terms of strength, it was second only to Hurricane Audrey.

The damage estimate was $210 million with 90 deaths.

At Category 1 intensity, Hurricane Agnes was known more for its torrential rains and flash flooding rather than its wind speeds.

The storm produced more than 15 inches of rain across central portions of Pennsylvania causing one of the worst floods in the history of the

Susquehanna River.

Agnes came onshore across the Florida Panhandle on June 19, 1972 as a Category 1 system.

Weakening to a tropical depression, it moved swiftly through central Georgia and into the Carolinas.

Agnes regained tropical storm status on June 21 and moved back into the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of North Carolina. The storm turned northwest and moved inland into the mid-Atlantic region near New York City on June 22.

Agnes merged with a non-

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tropical low on June 23, pummeling Pennsylvania and upstate New York with torrential rains.

Agnes claimed 128 people across eight states- most of them flood victims.

Pennsylvania recorded 48 fatalities, followed by New York State with 24. Extensive flooding was felt as far west as Pittsburgh.

Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia and Florida, were deemed disaster areas.

Do you still share the view, June too soon?

22 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

Give more thought to health NATURAL DISASTERS including hurricanes, can pose major public health challenges.

Preparations usually focus on how to evacuate people from affected areas; how to organise transportation, shelter, food, and water for evacuees; and how to prevent injury and infection that may develop in crowded living situations.

All of these preparations are vital, but are they enough?

Consideration should be given to caring for people whose health was compromised before and who would be more vulnerable than normal to the stresses and disruptions caused by natural disasters.

Groups affected by disasters may carry a large and measurable burden of disabilities and chronic diseases, especially heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disorders.

Chronic illnesses are exacerbated by the conditions caused by a disaster – lack of food, a shortage of clean water, extremes of cold or heat, physical and mental stress, injury and exposure to infection.

Natural disasters may also put people with limited mobility as well as women who are pregnant and their unborn foetuses at increased risk for adverse health outcomes.

Elderly people with multiple chronic conditions and being treated with multiple medications, are particularly at risk.

People of low socio-economic status, individuals without health insurance, and those with mental illness or disabilities may also be open to higher morbidity and mortality during disasters.

Similarly vulnerable are ischemic stroke survivors, diabetics on insulin, heart attack patients, people with severe lung disease and patients receiving haemodialysis for kidney failure.

Lack of access to routine health care could be a leading cause of mortality after disasters.

In addition, indirect effects – loss of electricity – could lead to exposure to extremes of heat or cold or interruption of supplemental treatment.

Many people living with disabilities rely on routine health care services to maintain their quality of life and live independently.

Without access to these services, they may experience adverse health events.

Although individual patients and their families need to be well prepared with clear recommendations to make preparations, many others must help them.

To ensure an adequate response, disaster preparation should be coordinated with all partners, roles should be well defined, and procedures should be clearly stated.

Responsibilities for each element of the response should be assigned in advance.

An adequate means of communication and standardised health procedures should be available.

HURRICANE PREPARATIONS should also take into consideratio people whose health may be compromised, or exacerbated, as the result of a natural disaster.

(FP)

JUNE 27, 2010 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 23

KNOWING where a hurricane will strike and how intense it will be, are fundamental challenges which confront meteorologists year after year.

The public listens to their predictions in deciding how to respond to what might be coming across the water – when to evacuate and how far.

The advances of the last 50 years have been nothing short of phenomenal since more accurate information has helped to significantly limit loss of life from systems coming across the Atlantic Ocean between June 1 and November 30 each year.

Hurricane forecasts were once solely dependent upon relatively sparse observations of sky and water conditions, along with occasional ship reports of turbulent weather in the ocean.

In the absence of an adequate analysis of current weather patterns, plus insufficient knowledge of tropical meteorology, forecasts for tropical storms and hurricanes were deficient.

These limited forecasts left little time for preparation before a hurricane made landfall.

Many of the hurricanes which have impacted the United States mainland in the last 100 years have found a place on history’s page largely because the overwhelming majority, occurred before hurricane prediction efforts were abl e to provide the level of information needed to initiate an adequate

Tracking made easier with technology response.

On that list would be the 1900 hurricane which struck Galveston, Texas, claiming at least 12 000 lives.

The 1928 Lake Okeechobee, Florida hurricane was responsible for at least 2 500 fatalities and the 1936 system which struck Long Island, New York, and New England with a mere four hours advance warning and left approximately 600 deaths in its wake.

As a result of today’s technological advances, the outlook is much more reassuring.

Routine hurricane track forecasts for the Atlantic Basin – the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea – began in 1954 but they could only provide information one day into the future.

Forecasts were expanded to give two days advance notice in 1961 and three days by 1964.

Three days was the standard for advance hurricane forecasts up until 2002.

In 2003, boosted by more reliable computer models, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), began issuing forecasts up to five days in advance.

24 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | JUNE 27, 2010

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