PREPAREDNESS EFFORTS BEGIN BY THE DEM

With forecasts pointing to a potentially active Atlantic hurricane season, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has already begun ramping up preparedness efforts, while urging Barbadians to strengthen their own readiness.

Speaking to reporters during a presentation to four charities benefiting from last weekend’s Tsunami Run 5K, director Kerry Hinds said the agency has intensified its measures following a series of extreme weather events last year.

Her comments come against the backdrop of the November 16 floods, when up to nine inches of rain fell across the island, claiming a life at Charles Rowe Bridge.

“Barbados can rest assured that we have started to increase our preparedness efforts,” Hinds said, noting that key planning meetings are already underway. “Just on Monday we had one of the key meetings… and we will continue next Tuesday to hear the various updates and to put the necessary measures in place.”

While the official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, she warned that systems have formed outside that period, underscoring the need for constant vigilance.

Hinds highlighted ongoing work with the island’s 30 district emergency organisations, including training and community outreach. “We have upcoming meetings… and we are anticipating our May annual chairpersons’ meeting,” she said, adding that these initiatives are critical to strengthening readiness at the community level.

She also pointed to continued improvements in emergency communication systems, an area identified as a recurring challenge.

“After every event, we have what we call a ‘hot wash’… and you find there are a number of issues… particularly with emergency communications. That is a work in progress,” Hinds said, noting efforts to expand telecommunications networks and integrate new technologies.