Suggestions for Public Sector Managers P reparing for hurricanes in CARICAD member states must be done against a backdrop that is different from locations on the mainland of the United States such as Florida or the Carolinas: Most member states are economically dependent on tourism. The numbers of tourists on any given day, may be many thousands in a non-COVID-19 setting Evacuation of islands by road out of the path of the storm is impossible Regional travel will most likely be suspended in the smallest of the member states even before winds get to tropical storm strength Ferry services might have to be suspended because of difficult docking conditions Critical facilities such as hospitals, ports and airports are few Stockpiles or emergency stores of emergency supplies are very limited There is a heavy reliance on imported foods especially long shelf-life food like canned and dried goods Modern house construction styles, although making homes more salubrious, has made the buildings more vulnerable to wind damage – lengthy overhangs, lots of glass, lower pitched roofs, limited used of hurricane straps Continues on next page 17
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