13 by Franklyn Michael I have lived through, worked through and also observed the effects of many major storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean. They include Donna, Hugo, Frederic, Luis, Iris, Marilyn, Lenny, Ike, Ivan, Hanna, and Tropical storm Erika. The threat of tropical storms and hurricanes is an inescapable feature of life in most CARICAD member states. We must take the threat seriously and prepare purposefully and competently based on up-to-date knowledge and scientific information. This is my attempt to assist you based on what I lived through and learnt from my work. I have learnt many lessons through experience, direct observation and consultations with colleagues in relation to family preparedness for hurricanes. In the interest of brevity I will highlight some of them here as bullet points. When you are planning for the construction of your own home invest in hurricane resistant design and construction in relation to the shape of the house, water storage, the pitch of the roof, the materials used for the roof, the overhang, the types of windows and types and sizes of glass sliding doors as well as the types of tiles used. Make sure the location, design and construction methods comply with Building Codes and any other relevant regulations. The cost at construction stage is a small fraction of the potential cost of later damage. If your home was not designed for hurricane resistance, invest in retrofitting such as hurricane straps, storm shutters, emergency Families often lose all of their possessions after a major hurricane. (Photo by Fr. Bowe) electricity and water supplies. Such investment is cost effective. Get early advice from manufacturers about securing solar systems and photovoltaic systems. Learn as much as you can about the vulnerability of your home to hazards such as winds, landslides, mudslides, storm surges, coastal flooding or landside flooding. If evacuation is recommended during a storm threat, have a clear plan and process. Do not wait for the last moment if you have to evacuate. Identify the location in the house where the family will ride out the storm if there is a direct hurricane strike and you decide to remain at home. Keep at least three days’ survival food and drinking water at all times. Salt is a common Continues on next page
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