Storm Watch - Are We Prepared by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

Sunday, June 24, 2018

by NICK NUNES BEYOND VITALITY, a place of a different path, located on the eastern side of the Central Forest Reserve of Dominica, offers an experience unlike any other, and was the setting of an experience beyond the imagination of the five friends that found themselves trapped by the immensity of Hurricane Maria. Beyond Vitality is a family-run, off-grid ecolodge and homestead, striving for optimal well-being through rewilding, movement, holistic health and sustainable living. According to their website, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Beyond Vitality, we encourage everyone that crosses our path to develop, not just good health, but a life beyond health â&#x20AC;&#x201C; greatness!â&#x20AC;? Last September saw greatness in terrible form for an eclectic group of 20-somethings as they ventured to the serenity of the hills of Castle Bruce, Dominica to hike, experience, and enjoy the awe of nature. Vacation, sightseeing, nature trails, hiking, seeing some pools â&#x20AC;&#x201C; experiencing something different. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were supposed to be there for two weeks but ended up staying longer. The first week was great, but then the rest was turmoil,â&#x20AC;? said Kashka. When Maria had formed and became a category one, she was set to take hold

B%!4 4(% BL!#+/54

2%,)!",% 0/7%2 3/,54)/.3 "9 2)-#/ #!4

of Dominica a mere day or two before the five friends who journeyed together were set to return home. Beyond Vitality is set up in the hills in the plush and full flora of Dominica. There was one entrance to get up to the place and lush forest all around. There was a waterfall running parallel to it. There were a bunch of mature fruit trees, cinnamon trees, carambola, guava, coconuts. On the way up you could literally stop anywhere and pick something to eat. The road was part pavement, part gravel, part mud, like it was being fixed in stages. All around the house were things to eat. Random things put in random places; it was a food forest. They were up high and into the hills; it was beautiful. At that point in the trip, they were five, Kashka, Joseph, Janelle, Dan, and Steve. Someone told Joseph a storm was coming over the phone. They went down to a beach and were talking to a friend, Dafar, who said it had turned into a hurricane and was supposed to hit. He said it was nothing really to worry about, because at that point it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t coming directly for Dominica. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take it too seriously. We left the coast at night and went back to Beyond Vitality and discussed our need to prepare anyway. We went to camp, so we had supplies, but thought weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d prepare just a little bit more,â&#x20AC;? said Kashka.

GOODNESS!

ÂŽ

s 'ENERATOR SETS FOR SALE FROM +6! AND ABOVE s 2ENTAL UNITS IN INVENTORY FROM TO K7 s #OMPLETE INVENTORY OF GENUINE PARTS s (IGHLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS AT YOUR SERVICE s /VER YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

#ALL US NOW AT !DDRESS Searles Factory Christ Church Barbados WI BB17045

www.rimcocat.com

www.gracefoods.com

Sunday, June 24, 2018

The next day most of the group went to Emerald Pool, a trail with a natural pool and waterfall, beautiful waters and serenity. When they returned, the whole group travelled down to Castle Bruce for candles, matches, and top ups on their supply of everything someone camping would need, the same supplies needed for the coming storm. Water, canned goods, oats, rice, all the dry things that you can use in the event that things go far south of ideal for a little while. “We had gear and we were on a self-sustaining nature retreat. “When we got back, we talked about whether we should make the journey down to Roseau or down to the hotel that Dafar was at, or if we should stay where we were.” In the event that water gets cut off, they were by a river. In the event that they couldn’t get to food, there it was all around. There they had tools, an ATV, a gas stove, were using compost toilets, had solar power. They were already off the grid and figured they would be better off where they were. The building the five stayed in had hurricane straps. All the beams had quadruple bracing; it was a properly built structure – it was the only one to fully survive, though barely. That day was preparation, catching water for dish washing and bathing, putting things away, and checking the security of where they planned to weather the storm. “There was a pipe that ran from the river to the retreat, which is how we got our water, but we still had reserves of drinking water that were bought beforehand. We were high up and the river was surrounded by rock so it was clean enough.” From hearing about the storm and then the following day when it was to arrive, the group went to Castle Bruce for supplies and the packing away of things and preparation blurred together. Around two o’clock, they could see things start to happen.

Whether you choose Accordion, Bahama, Colonial, or Roller Shutters from BRC, you’ve made a wise choice to protect your home and family with BRC’s quality and service. Call us at 425-0371 to make your home a safer place.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

A LONG LINE OF STUDENTS and residents boarding the Liberty to leave Dominica. (FP)

The wind started to gust, small trees would bend or fall over. About five o’clock was when the five decided that they should all be inside. “I had a tent set up in the gallery and I moved that to the inside and set it up in the corner of the room,” said Kashka. “It was Steven, Dan, and myself in one room and Joseph and Janelle in another. We all moved inside, the wind started to pick up, the rain started to come through acid. We put all the hammocks inside and got out the

candles.” They had already lost Internet from two o’clock, so there was no knowing what was coming. Sometimes there is comfort in not knowing. “We still thought it was a category one and weren’t studying the danger that was coming. That was good”. “We started hearing odd noises. The wind picked up from a low and constant moaning to a loud growling. It sounded angry, dying, and in pain.”

The water started to come through the wooden walls. The entire building started to shake a little. SHHHH, SHHHH, BANG, BANG, SHHH, SHHH, BANG, BANG. The joints of the structure were moving and water was coming through.You could see the wind. The wind brought with it leaves and carried them back out. “The roof was wukkin’ up”. “It was then we thought that if the roof came off that we’d be in trouble. We devised

a little plan that Steve and Dan would go underneath the bed and I’d pull the bookcase down on top of the bed and then I would rush under as well – a solid place to stand through the storm. “We had the bed pushed into the corner of the room so that it was secure and that pulling the bookcase down on to it would be safer. That’s how we thought we would deal with losing the roof. Thankfully that never happened.”

Sunday, June 24, 2018

At nine o’clock was when it started to get scary.You didn’t hear thunder. The wind was so loud.You saw lightning, but didn’t hear thunder. All you could hear was the angry wind roaring. “We started communicating with Joseph and Janelle through the walls,” Kashka said. Knock, knock. “Y’all good?” “Yea.” knock, knock, “Y’all good?” “Yea.” Knock, knock. “Y’all frighten?” “Yea.” Knock, knock. “Y’all frighten?” “Yea.” It got to the point that they decided they all needed to be together. The groaning and roaring wind picked up to the point where it was screaming. The wind kicked into higher gear. There are few words to describe it. “We opened the door to our room and were shocked and wordless. The door to the common room, well within the house, was pulling and fighting; the pressure was insane. We all had to hold on to each other just to hold on to the door.” Joseph and Janelle were making their way to the room parallel to the wall, hugging it, on top of an elevated bookcase with their packs and torchlights on. That’s when they got to see what was really going on. From the torches and the flashes of lighting they realised the composting toilets were gone when they

HURRICANES set back Dominica and other regional islands economically. (FP)

had been 15 feet from the structure they were standing in. “We could see the mountain tops now, the trees were bare.” What was full of thick lush vegetation was naked. When you looked up before, it was just tree on top of tree cascading forever and now they could see the landscape and just twigs in quick glimpses. There was a hole in the wall and mud began coming in quickly. They got Joseph and Janelle in the room and forced the door shut and began shoving things underneath to blockade it. The plan for hiding under the bed went out with the hole letting the cabin and its rooms fill with mud and water. Within an hour, the whole room filled

with mud and water and the five sat atop the bed, two and a half feet off the ground with the top of the bed covered in water. All five of the group sat around on two single beds pushed together. “I positioned myself to have a view of everything in the room and be secure. I needed to have a plan, to know what I was going to do in any event. I was preparing for everything in some form and fashion. “We sat there. That was the worst panic attack of my life because you just didn’t know.You didn’t know if you were going to die, you have no control, you are at the mercy of the elements of the world. It was rough.

“We had torches on our heads, we hung a light that Steve brought, and we had candles. We had a high bookshelf that we kept important things on. My tent was floating in the corner. “We were frightened and nervous. To calm ourselves we talked about what we would do when this is done. We made plans for the future to ease the stress of the present. I remember thinking ‘if this is a category one, what the hell is a category five like?’ “We’ve never really experienced an actual hurricane in Barbados. This was my first one. We didn’t know that Maria was Category Five. It’s not something that anyone ever wants to experience. It was not pleasant.” There was no going to sleep. They were wet, covered in mud, sitting soaking in two and a half feet of slush and water, the roof shaking, the walls shaking, and the wind roaring like a turbine.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Around midnight the eye came. It went from turmoil to peaceful. They went outside, together, for a proper look at what had passed and for a much needed bathroom break. The lightning and rain were still going, but it was calm. That’s when they saw the devastation. Everything was in flashes. The lightning gave them glimpses.Your eyes dart around to wherever the lightning illuminated most. It was like a strobe light. The cabin next to theirs was gone. That’s when Stephan, who runs Beyond Vitality, came to check on them. Their roof was gone. They had been sheltering under a bookcase and decided to ride out the other half of the storm in their car. “Everything happened so fast. Within twenty minutes the storm started to pick back up again. The area may have been what protected us. A lot of the wind passed over the structure we were in, which probably saved the roof,” said Kashka. The whole place was filled with quick mud. It was like wet mortar. Luckily, they actually became a little more relaxed. They knew at that point what they were in for. The structure had survived and it still looked good, filled with mud but still standing. If it survived the first half then it should survive the rest. It was 12 hours of horror. The walls and roof still shook and the storm raged on. “We were still nervous, but we talked a lot more.” Still outside the storm blasted and roared and banged and screamed. The worst of the storm didn’t pass till somewhere around five o’clock in the morning. Dan took out his dry hammock and strung it up in the common area above the mud and went to sleep. Steve went to sleep on top of the bookshelf in the corner of the room. Joseph and Janelle went to the hired car, the only damage to which was a broken antenna. The cars surprisingly stayed in place; they slept in there. “Three buildings were gone. I stayed in the room and made a plan of what needed to happen,” Kashka recalled.

tropicalshutters@caribsurf.com www.tropical-shutters.com

A SMASHED CONTAINER was one of the first sights Barbados’ rescue mission to Dominica encountered while entering at the Woodbridge Bay Pier. (FP)

Sunday, June 24, 2018

HURRICANE MARIA unleashed her wrath on the Caribbean island of Dominica, pictured here is the force of the water and wind from the Category 5 hurricane. (FP)

e-mail: hatch.jubileesuppliers@gmail.com

BE PREPARED THIS HURRICANE SEASON

Metal handle wheel barrow red 6 cubic feet

Generac GP 3250 portable Generator At first light Joseph and Kashka were up and took stock of what was left. It was proper survival mode. “We went straight to the shed and got cutlasses and started going over to the other cabins going through the rubble looking for any and everything that could be of use”. Everything was blown away. Everything looked like it had been power-washed with mud. There were still solid places. The group immediately started to do anything they could. Gather coconuts from every tree, most of which were broken and downed. They looked at the road and realised they weren’t leaving anytime soon. Hiking through the rubble and downed vegetation they realised the whole road was full of debris. You could see everything.You could see the landscape of Dominica perfectly. The trees became twigs and looked like they had been sandblasted clean. There was no green, everything was brown, black, and burnt. One of the cabins was completely gone, all that was left was the floor. Each of the group assumed tasks. Janelle gathered coconuts, Joseph and Dan looked for canned food, and Kashka hunted for dry clothes. Everything and everyone was wet. The hurricane passed but the rain kept on falling. It never stopped. “I found a raincoat and had two or three dry shirts in my pack. We all had things stored well in our packs”. Socks are important, they keep your feet warm. Having a properly packed bag with emergency supplies can make or break you during a natural disaster. “I took out a dry shirt and put it on to feel at least a little warmth. We searched through everything, garbage bags that were storing things, through all the rubble, and the shack where the house used to be. The small ten by ten kitchen of the landlord’s house was the only area that was slightly liveable. Our kitchen was filled with mud”. “We started cleaning, fixed the roof, and got the gas stove to work. We had to gather up pieces of galvanize that were strewn all over the place to patch the holes in the roof to keep the water out. The first half of the day was spent cleaning areas out to move around safely and gathering water from the gutters”. “Once we got the stove working we used it to boil the rainwater and put them aside to cool for later use. We all had our own water bottles, thank God. That’s one thing people should really have at all times, a good water bottle. This is when we started to ration”. “We used the stove to dry shoes, clothes, and warm ourselves up”.

$179.99

$1626.

Surtek Industrial Shovel

$26.99

Rubber Flashlight Combo Set

(batteries included)

$28.57

Gasoline Container 1 Gallon

$15.99

5 gallon Cooler Tool CartWater 5 drawer 30” 30”

99 $112.99 $1589.

Husquarna Chainsaw 240 14” 28.2cc

$724.99

Tactical Survival Pocket Knife

Warner Aluminum 6 foot Step Ladder (Green)

$179.99

Rayovac Camping Lantern

$34.38

$45.99

Surtek Machete 18”

Cob 3W LED Floodlight (Batteries included)

$12.99

$26.

*Cash prices only

(246) 425-4565 Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados

www.handbhardware.com facebook/handbhardware

PRO-4 Tactical 12 in 1 Multitool Kit

$34.38

Water Rubber boots

$49.99

Sunday, June 24, 2018

The first day was okay, in terms of food. The power had stopped working but the meat in the freezer had only just thawed and they had seasoning and all their supplies were in good form. “We cooked a proper dinner that night. We had a post hurricane feast. Chicken curry, beans, rice- we ate really well that day. That was our most solid meal”. Small comforts are important when nature takes you to task. From then, they would only have one solid meal and then ration and pick at things throughout the process of surviving. “Janelle was amazing,” according to Kashka “We all foraged for anything we could find that was still useable and she made magic with what we had”. After the first and second day and having seen two rescue helicopters pass by but not stop, things started to look bleak. The second day is when the group made a plan to walk to Castle Bruce to see if they could get help, it was the nearest town but still a couple hours away walking through all the debris. Dan and Kashka stayed back to try clearing the road. “We got a chainsaw working and used the ATV to move what we couldn’t physically lift. We probably cleared about three quarters of the road.” All the while they worked under a sheet of rain. They realised they couldn’t clear all of it because the trees were immense and the little chainsaw couldn’t handle all the stress and strain of wet and dense wood. This was a job that would require a crew of men. All the while in rain, they decided to try to clean up at the retreat some more instead. Clearing, cleaning, gathering what they could was pretty much all they did that day. Kashka, Dan, and Steve were living in the kitchen, Janelle and Joseph sheltering in the car, and the other family in their car with their kids. “We wrapped a tarp around where the windows used to be because the rain never stopped. We used a gutter to create a makeshift shower and boiled water in the kettle to get a little warmth. We were constantly washing the mud out of our clothes and shoes and everything.”

Sunday, June 24, 2018

SOLDIERS providing security in the lumber yard. (FP) They kept busy. At this point warm and dry clothes were their greatest luxury. The second evening, Janelle made two coconut, banana, and oats bread loaves. That was to be their breakfast and accompanying food to carry with on their journey to Roseau. They left back food for the family with their kids, as they couldn’t hike with the small children, but the five knew they needed to go and get help and get home. They got their gear together and packed all the essentials. They had no idea what they were getting into. The night before the journey across the devastated landscape of Dominica brought a little reprieve from the sombre trials of the last few days. A bottle of vodka, coconuts, and

a Bluetooth speaker helped raise spirits before a more than 30 kilometre odyssey to Roseau. “We had been keeping our phones off and

just turning them on periodically for checks. There was no signal so there was no point in keeping them on,” Kashka said. They were off the grid and isolated in the truest sense.

Be Prepared this

HURRICANE SEASON

Sunday, June 24, 2018

a Bluetooth speaker helped raise spirits before a more than 30 kilometre odyssey to Roseau. “We had been keeping our phones off and

just turning them on periodically for checks. There was no signal so there was no point in keeping them on,” Kashka said. They were off the grid and isolated in the truest sense.

Be Prepared this

HURRICANE SEASON

10C

Sunday, June 24, 2018

HUNDREDS of Chinese nationals waiting to be evacuated from Dominica. (FP)

(FROM left) Trinidadian Janelle Zakour, Joseph Richards, Stephen Atwell, Kashka King and Daniel Cooper just before boarding a vessel. (FP)

Most intense, highest sustained winds, costliest, and greatest duration as a category five, are some of the top ten lists that Maria has marked her name on. Hurricane Maria is regarded as being the worst natural disaster on record to affect Dominica and Puerto Rico. The tenth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record and the most intense tropical cyclone worldwide of 2017, Maria was the 13th named storm, eighth consecutive hurricane, fourth major hurricane, second Category 5 hurricane, and the deadliest storm of the hyperactive 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. The five set out at first light on this journey. Steven barrelled out ahead bold and ready to face the trek and promptly slipped and gouged out his knee on a rock. After washing it out with peroxide and bandaging it, the quintet started out again on their climb down from the hilly retreat. Looking out and far across the ruined landscape of this beautiful country, it brought to mind a zombie apocalypse. The movies do a good job of what the world would look like after disaster. This is what the word devastation was created to describe. Everything had blown away. Through, under, over, around all the downed trees and telephone poles; to keep a path you had to go tens of metres around things that were just in the way. It was a long walk. “We got a few rides along the way. Wherever there were parts of the road that were passable, sometimes we’d find locals that were kind enough to carry us in their trucks for a bit of the journey as they searched for others in need and anything to be salvaged.” “On our journey, we passed by Emerald Pool. The same place that most of the group had visited the day before the storm. I guess I’ll never get to see it in its natural, former, beauty,” said Kashka. The group went inside and found some water to top up their stores. Whatever they could find they used – dry clothes, anything. Some locals came in and they knew who the five were. They shared information on what was happening elsewhere while they caught their breath and got a reprieve from the rain before heading back out. Setting back out on the path they intended, the group travelled through constant rain to the point when it became too much. The rain became cutting. The sting of the sharp water drove them to again seek shelter for a mere 20 minutes to rest and eat small pieces of the bread they carried. They ate sparsely that day; the odd coconut on the road, a handful of nuts here and there of what was left over. There were shipping containers broken in half, one blown on top of a hill where it had no business to be.

“I DON‛T NEED INSURANCE, GOD ISSA BAJAN”

“THIS HURRICANE CAN HUFF AND PUFF... I HAVE PEACE OF MIND”

NO INSURANCE

“I ONLY INSURE FOR HALF COST OF THE HOUSE... JUST INCASE”

NOT FULLY COVERED

HOME & CONTENTS INSURED Being proactive about securing your home during hurricane season can ultimately save you time as well as protect your contents, your investment and most importantly, your loved ones. That’s why the right amount of insurance coverage for your home is one the most important decisions you can make this hurricane season. Be prepared! Give us a call today at 434-6000 for more details on our comprehensive home insurance policies. #COVERED #AREYOUCOVERED

Our coverage for buildings protects you against the following perils: • Hurricane, earthquake and volcanic eruption • Water damage caused by burst or overﬂowing pipes • Fire and lightning • Flood • Explosion • Theft, vandalism and malicious damage • Sudden, accidental damage from smoke • Burglary • Accidental Damage Some additional beneﬁts to your home policy include cover for: • Professional fees • Alternative accommodation and loss of rent • Theft or attempted theft (including of solar water heaters) • Debris removal • Door locks – replacement and installation

(246) 434-6000

Sunday, June 24, 2018

11C

PASSENGERS dropping off their luggage on the pier at Woodbridge Bay before boarding the HMBS Leonard C. Banfield ahead of the journey home. (FP) On the way down to Roseau, Steve got word on his phone. They were told to go to the port and find the Barbados Defence Force who would be looking for them. The journey and tribulations of the last day built up for each of them. At one point or another, each of them needed to be alone. For the day they were each walking the journey taxed them all as they carried several pounds upon their backs and more than a lot to process of their past few days. The five walked from first light till last. Finally at the port, they found the BDF who set them up outside with a tarp, tuna, biscuits, and water. Later, they were brought inside and slept on the pavement. It had stopped raining. The day that followed was the final leg of their journey home. By ten in the morning they boarded the Coast Guard’s large vessel and were given a warm and welcomed breakfast. No one was asking questions at that point; they were glad to be on their way and past the worst of the journey. “The Coast Guard cooked us a nice meal of lamb stew,” Kashka recalled. The next 22 hours were spent at sea, reflecting, clearing their heads. They passed by all the islands and stopped in St Lucia where the Coast Guard allowed them to go into the town for a little. Back on the boat and a few hours later, they were back in Barbados laden with heavy memories and a scar of experience. According to Dominica News Online in April 2018, “Authorities said 31 people were killed and 34 missing and presumed dead.” Along with Irma, Harvey, and Nate, Maria will be struck from future use as a hurricane name, due to the devastation caused by all four 2017 storms.

12C

Sunday, June 24, 2018

by NICK NUNES

Email: tropicaltreeservices@gmail.com #6 Tweedside Road, St. Michael

BY THIS time last year, three tropical storms had already been formed and two given names. As the record stands, 2005 was the year of the storm. That year, there were 28 tropical storms – 15 hurricanes, seven of which were major storms. The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history, shattering numerous records. The impact of the season was widespread and ruinous with an estimated 3 913 deaths and damage of about $180.7 billion, the second costliest on record, only surpassed by the 2017 season. Of the seven major hurricanes of 2005, Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma caused the vast majority of damage and Wilma now holds many records including most intense hurricane since modern records began. This year, unusually cool waters and dry, dusty air may mean a lessening of intensity from last year’s brutal and haranguing season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its 2018 hurricane forecast, predicting a likely active or above active season in the Atlantic Ocean – though

certainly not on par with 2017’s exceptionally stormy season. Cooler waters tend to depress the formation of powerful storms. Last year’s March saw similar water temperatures, but they warmed by this time of the year. The unusually cool waters may offer a whisper of hope for islands still recovering from devastation in the truest sense of the word. According to Phil Klotzbach, a research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University, “It’s the coldest water temperature at this time over the last 35 years.” Globally, due to the undeniable effects of climate change, waters have warmed. A calmer season may look more likely now, but forecasting the weather months in advance is always challenging, and comes with inherent uncertainties. This year, the NOAA predicts between ten to 16 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four major hurricanes. Looking back on the recent destruction that befell many of our Caribbean neighbours, it’s paramount to prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best as the future will always be uncertain.

www.centuryeslon.com

13C

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Ensure all’s well at home THE ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON has begun, so by now property owners should have given their investments a thorough examination to determine if critical areas like the roof require any repairs. If the integrity of your roof fails during a severe storm, all is lost and efforts to effect any quick fixes in the face of 120 to 130 mile-an-hour winds will not work, that is if there is still a roof to fix. Arrangements should have already been made for the provision of shutters to protect windows and large areas of glass like storefronts. Shutters should be fabricated from metal or wood – masking tape does not cut it. No matter how much masking tape you apply to a window pane it will not stop missiles being blown around by extremely high winds from striking and penetrating. It would be far better to use something like window film which would tend to hold broken glass together after an impact. Being ready for a severe storm or hurricane means ensuring that all necessary supplies are there and at the ready. Adequate supplies of food which need little or no cooking and no refrigeration are an absolute must. If you believe some cooking would be necessary, add a small camping stove to your list of essential supplies. Don’t forget adequate supplies of drinking water to serve the needs of every member of your family. It is often difficult to determine how long dislocation will last in the aftermath of a storm or hurricane and for this reason, relief officials emphasise the need to be self-reliant as much as possible for perhaps the first four days. At this stage, individuals should therefore have stockpiles of necessary medication, blankets, a can opener, a change of clothing for everyone, toiletries, protective gear including work gloves, boots and raincoats, a well stocked first aid kit and water purification tablets. You need the latter because there might be no way of knowing if water from the mains, provided it is still available, has been contaminated or not. When dealing with water in such a situation, always err on the side of caution. If no water purification tablets are available, or you cannot boil the water, add a few drops of regular bleach per gallon and let it stand for at least half an hour before using it. Other essential supplies should include rope, a hammer, nails, a saw, a quality flashlight with additional batteries, a portable radio and a fully charged cell phone of course. If you feel it necessary to move your family to a designated Category 1 shelter, make that decision with plenty of time to spare especially if the system is likely to make landfall after sunset. Plan a primary route to the shelter and ensure that everyone knows it. When flooding occurs during a hurricane or severe storm there is no telling how high the flood waters will rise. If you have misgivings about the area in which you live, consider raising your refrigerator and or freezer a little higher off the floor by using pallets and concrete blocks. It could make a world of difference after the storm has passed.

STOCK up on ideal food supplies. (GP)

SECURE windows on your property.(GP)

14C

WHETHER its crops (below) or livestock, farmers produce are at great risk during the hurricane season (FPs)

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Farming and

BASED on the lessons learned from last year’s hurricane season, many Barbadians, it is hoped, will take very seriously the need for adequate preparation. Memories of 2017’s phenomenally busy and destructive season remain fresh with many Barbadians, who were impacted in some way or the other by one of the many systems that stormed through the Caribbean. Those who went in with supplies and to assist in the relief efforts came away better informed and perhaps shaken by the grim realities we have been spared over the years. But those who actually experienced the horrific power of nature’s might, are likely to carry feelings of dread for a long time to come. Of all the lessons learned, however, the most important is that survival and recovery are very dependent on how well prepared you are. For those who operate in the agriculture and fishing sectors especially, this season can be very worrying, as these are particularly vulnerable areas of enterprise. Damage to, and losses sustained in these sectors have implications for export earnings and the ability of affected countries to feed their populations. Preparation, therefore, is key. Here are a few things to bear in mind. If you’re a livestock farmer who operates in a low-lying area, you may need to identify an evacuation site on higher ground (if feasible) well in advance. • Choose best location for sheltering animals if evacuation is not feasible. • The decision to keep large animals in a barn (pen) or in open field is entirely up to you. However, if you decide to keep them in a barn, the structural strength of the barn should be considered. • Remove items from the aisles and walls of the barn. • Have all animals permanently identified (for example, ear tagged or tattooed), and make a checklist of them. • Keep a well stocked livestock first-aid kit. • Store enough feed and water for about a week. • Store feed at least two feet above ground in a dry, flood-resistant area. • Identify food and water supply sources that do not depend on electricity, unless there is a backup generator. • Secure temporary fencing materials to permit quick fence repairs after the disaster. • Ensure all loose materials on your farm are securely stored away or tied down. • Prune trees/windbreaks near livestock houses.

15C

Sunday, June 24, 2018

fishing industries vulnerable

• Remove and secure covering of greenhouses/nurseries. • Secure inputs – fertilisers, pesticides and so on – ensure that they are stored away from feed and planting materials. • Secure planting material for the post-hurricane period. • Harvest crops which are already marketable. • Secure beehive boxes and take into building. • Remove irrigation lines. • Clean and clear all watercourses. • Disconnect all electrical fixtures on farm. • Secure farm machinery and tools. • Fuel-powered farm machinery should be filled with fuel. After the hurricane... • Visit evacuation site (where applicable) to see if animals are safe and well. • Stay clear of fallen power lines and notify the power company of downed lines. • Check for injured livestock and treat accordingly. • Round up stray animals. • Burn or bury any carcasses. • Assess damage to livestock, buildings and equipment. • Check for damaged fences and repair immediately. • Cut and clear fallen trees from fence lines, but stay clear of fallen power lines. • Remove sharp objects and debris from pastures and holding pens. • Milk cows and collect any eggs from poultry. • Salvage any useable crops. • Do not use food that has been in contact with flood water for your family or livestock. Fishermen and other boat operators • Listen and take seriously all weather advisories issued by the Meterological Office • Make early arrangements to get your vessels to safety. • Don’t wait till the last minute to get the boat out of the water. • Secure all equipment and fishing gear to prevent damage or theft. • Do not attempt to ride out the storm or hurricane on your vessel. • Secure vessels at the mooring or harbour. • Do not leave vessels on the beach – they can be damaged by storm surges. • Liaise with the fisheries officers on site to have the vessel removed by the tractor service. • Make sure there is adequate rope berthing. • Provide additional fenders to prevent boats from crashing into each other. • Ensure that the boat is not in danger from falling trees or branches. • Inform all other fishers at sea through radio, flares and other communication signals. • If time permits, retrieve and secure fish pots. • Secure boats away from the reach of waves. • Remove and secure all gear and safety supplies.

THIS BOAT was washed ashore at Weston, St James.(FP)

INSURANCE BROKERS

16C THERE is no telling the level of damage a storm will actually do when it makes landfall on any given island. It could weaken or intensify, slow down and pummel the island for hours on end, or traverse the territory quickly.You can be sure, however, that when one comes, there will be some dislocation whether due to wind damage, water damage or both. Add looting as a consequence of opportunity for wrongdoing in the case of those with businesses. People, therefore, have a responsibility to see that their buildings are well designed, located in non-vulnerable areas on suitable land, and built with strong construction methods. In addition, it is best to carry as full an insurance coverage as possible, since this will help you to rebuild, refurnish, and recover in a faster time from all types of problems and disasters. Those who have to pay building insurance as a requisite of their mortgages, should continue to keep up their coverage even when their debt to the bank, credit union or mortgage finance company is clear. And if you managed to build without a loan, or perhaps inherited a building, then be sure to insure it. Once your building is strong, you should be able to

Sunday, June 24, 2018

secure it against fire, flood, and damage from the winds of storms and hurricanes. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to include valuable equipment, jewellery, furniture and appliances in your coverage. Having to rebuild after a disaster is a tough challenge; however, the benefits from a good policy will make it that much easier.You should also think about increasing your coverage as building costs rise, especially if you keep your building in a good state of repair and maintenance, or have added to its value. Given that we are a small island in a stream of sister islands, the vision of hurricane preparedness is wider than just Barbados. What happens elsewhere in the Eastern Caribbean affects us in many ways, including future insurance rates, and every country is faced with immediate financial challenges in the wake of a huge disaster.