As the Atlantic becomes more active, signalling the peak of the Hurricane Season, National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) Abdias Samuel is advising residents and citizens alike not to be caught unprepared.
“We have been monitoring the Atlantic ongoing,” he said, “but more recently, the progress of Hurricane Isaac in collaboration with St. Kitts Meteorological Services. We want to assure communities that in the event of a potential impact, the NEMA is prepared to mobilise every necessary resource to give guidance and assistance to all districts within the Federation.”
As of 11am today, Monday, 10th September, 2018, Hurricane Isaac had sustained winds of 75mph, on a westerly track moving at 14 miles per hour.
According to the Senior Met Officer, Elmo Burke, Isaac is expected to strengthen before beginning to weaken somewhat, by the middle of this week.
“Early projections indicate that conditions across St. Kitts Nevis will begin to deteriorate late Wednesday, 12th into Thursday, 13th September,” he said.
Mr. Burke stated that no warnings or watches are currently in place for the Federation, however persons should continue to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Isaac as conditions can change quickly.
NDC Samuel is also urging persons to be mindful of the source of upcoming alerts and hurricane related messaging.
“In the event that we are under threat of a tropical cyclone,” the NDC said, “The competent authority for weather updates and alerts is St. Kitts Meteorological Services.”
Mr. Samuel added that NEMA works with the Met Office to disseminate weather information to media and other contacts via various platforms. He also noted that audio Updates from NEMA will include the agency’s jingle “Everybody Beware…” and will be voiced by Public Relations Officer, Vesta Southwell in conjunction with other key persons.
“Ensuring that communities remain safe during an event is a critical component of what we do here at NEMA”, he said, “and we invite everyone to partner with us in our effort to keep you safe and secure during an event.”
Is it too late to prepare? According to the NDC last minute steps may still be taken to protect life and limb should Isaac become a direct threat to St. Kitts-Nevis.
- Know your District Volunteers
Contact the NEMA for the list of District Volunteers. Mae sure that each member of your household knows how to contact them.
- Know your Emergency Shelters
Contact the NEMA for the shelters in your district. Have evacuation routes planned to the emergency shelters near you.
- Have a Hurricane Survival Kit
- Protect your windows
Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood–marine plywood is best–cut to fit each window. Remember to label each panel according to its respective window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws.
- Trim back branches from trees
Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.
- Check into your Home and Auto Insurance
Confirm that policies are valid and coverage is appropriate.
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock
Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons.
- Develop an emergency communication plan
Make sure that all family members know what to do. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
