Hurricane Tips and Facts
Pastor Kemar T. J. Douglas
June 1st marks the beginning of the hurricane season. Here are some interesting facts and safety tips that, if used both at work and home, could make a big difference as it relates to reducing risks, minimizing costs and increasing your chances of surviving a hurricane.
INTERESTING FACTS
FACT 1: A hurricane is a violent warm core
tropical storm with a minimum wind speed of 119 km or (74 mph), rotating in a
counter-clockwise spiral around a region of low pressure called the centre, or eye.
FACT 2: The word hurricane was derived from the name for the Arawak God
of Stormy Weather "Huraken", and the Spanish word "Huracan"
meaning ‘big wind’.
SAFETY TIPS
At the start of the hurricane season:
· Check, thoroughly, the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and make repairs where necessary.
· Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house/ building is properly fastened.
· Ensure that your office and home have an extra stock of plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.
· The Office of Repairs and Maintenance should keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
· Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.
· Ensure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary for use in case disaster strikes.
· Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.
· Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.
· Ensure that you have extra food at home. Store food that can be readily prepared or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be turned off during a hurricane.
· At home, place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.
· Ensure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include water boots, raincoats, flash-lights, batteries, a portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches. Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.
May God watch over us as we go through this period.
Always remember: One person’s oversight could be another person’s tragedy.
Special Thanks to
THE OFFICE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
at Northern Caribbean University
For this information.
Communication, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director,
Central Jamaica Conference,
58 Brunswick Avenue, Spanish Town,
St. Catherine, Jamaica, W.I.
Telephone: (876) 984-2044/5576-7; Cel.: (876) 527-4565; Fax: (876) 984-8589
Website: www.centralja.org