By Clarence E Pilgrim

The lands touched by the Caribbean seas are once again facing the threats from two natural forces, Hurricane Dean (the first hurricane for the season) and Tropical Storm Erin. While Dean is presently threatening the islands of the eastern Caribbean, Erin's bands of rain are drenching Texas, USA.

Clarence E Pilgrim

It is now, more than ever, a time to listen to the many voices who have throughout this year, and for many years, been advocating the cause of disaster preparedness, through National Disaster offices, The Red Cross, Community Groups and other individuals and organizations. A critical part of the process of preparing for a disaster is the need for eternal vigilance!

It is important to remember the basic formulae for not only survival or a hurricane, but recovery in the aftermath. This formulae's constant value is called preparation.

Preparation is the key to achieve a favorable statistical probability of successfully overcoming the obstacles of destruction, loss of services and social disorder which may exist at the time.

A crucial part of preparation is deciding on whether you should stay at home or evacuate.

Your decision to stay at home or evacuate, should be based on the following considerations:-

1: Remain at home

Having assessed the threat and the ability of the construction of your home, as well as other resources (both human and material), you should do a checklist to see if your home can withstand the expected winds, rain and possibilities of flooding. If there are positive answers then you should indeed consider staying at home.

2. Go to a Private Shelter

If you are not comfortable at home for whatever reason, then consider staying with a family member or friend. If you plan to do this, make arrangements in advance.

3. Go to a Public shelter

If you believe that you would like to be accommodated in a public shelter then find out from the local disaster office when the shelters will be open and if possible, become familiar with the shelter in advance. DO NOT wait until the last minute to learn whether your designated shelter is accessible.

Whether you stay at home or go to a shelter, you must have some basic survival supplies. I am re-producing for your information what I believe is an excellent example of what should be contained in a disaster supply kit::

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards - banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, books and games

Important documents -- in a waterproof container or watertight resalable plastic bag -- insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

Let us all work together as individuals, communities and organizations to support the efforts to minimize the actions of natural disasters, and protect our collective interests by respecting each other's rights after a disaster, and help some persons avoid the lure to the temptation of criminal behaviour to exploit the conditions of the weak and suffering. Working together in service to humanity, is one of the highest ideals we should strive for.

About the writer
Clarence E Pilgrim, is an enviromentalist, advocate for human rights, educator, a senior officer in the Antigua & Barbuda Civil service and volunteer for various non-profit organisations. His pen and speeches are consistent platforms for Caribbean Integration, social policy issues, enviornmental protection, development of alternative energy and the careful management of our natural resources.