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Tips For The Hurricane Season

Here are some tips to get you prepared for the hurricane season. Also find out how to keep safe before, during and after bad weather.

Before the Storm

Protect your windows from the threat of flying debris, by installing shutters.
Ensure that your roof and foundation are secure.
Check for termite damage.
Trim tree branches.
Have an up-to-date insurance policy.
Secure emergency supplies and important documents in water tight containers.
Have a portable first-aid kit.
Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter.
Monitor the amount of rainfall outside.
Secure emergency supplies and important documents in water tight containers.
Keep on hand lumber, a hammer, torchlight, masking tape, medicine, boots, rubber gloves, raincoat, nails, rope, wires, plastic sheeting, and sandbags.
Have enough water stored in sealed plastic containers to allow for cooking, bathing, washing and other domestic chores for two weeks.
Have canned foods and dried goods and a portable transistor radio.
Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advisories.
Always have a plan for your home as well as your office.
Persons living in low-lying areas should move household items to higher levels and prepare to evacuate when the water begins to rise.
Turn off all electrical appliances.
Remove TV antennas from the roof.
Have emergency cash available.

Before the Storm – Farmers

Store livestock feed and supplies above expected water levels.
Keep on hand material such as lumber, plywood, nails, rope, wire, hammer, sandbags, boots, raincoats, lanterns and a battery-operated radio.
Store important documents in watertight containers.

Terms to Know

Flood Watch – Period during which flood monitoring, forecasting and flood warnings are carried out. During this time the probability of flooding is assessed and information disseminated.

Flood Alert – Period of intense data collection, monitoring and assessment. The possibility of flooding is present.

Flood Warning – Issued when indications show that water levels will exceed the alert level within 24 hours.

Small Craft Advisory – Issued when weather conditions make small craft operations marginally safe. Issued for moderate sea conditions, winds of 20 mph or low visibility due to haze.

Small Craft Warning – Issued when conditions are unsafe for small craft operations. Issued for tropical depressions, storms, hurricanes and rough seas.

Storm Warning – Issued for an area when tropical storm conditions are expected to occur within 24 hours or less.

Tropical Wave – Is a low-pressure trough or a weak low-pressure circulation.

Tropical Cyclone – The general term used for anti-clockwise circulations originating over tropical waters.

Tropical Disturbance – An area of organised convection in the lower atmosphere which may or may not be associated with a surface low-pressure system and which has maintained its identity for at least 24 hours.

Tropical Depression – Is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum average surface wind is 38 mph or less.

Tropical Storm – A well organised tropical cyclone has maximum average surface winds of 39-73 mph.

The District Emergency Organisations (DEOs)

The District Emergency Organisation (DEO) operates as the volunteer arm of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM. The role of the DEO is to organise and coordinate the resources of the community so as to allow for an effective response in time of crisis.

The DEO works with the community to develop and operationalise disaster prevention and disaster preparedness programs to lessen the impact of identified hazards such as hurricane, flood and earthquake, fire, aircraft and vehicular accidents and is also becoming more and more involved in the fight against environmental hazards.

Joining a District Emergency Organisation in your community is another step towards getting ready for the season. And, you receive training in first aid and chainsaw operation. Here’s how you can help.

Find the nearest DEO and become a volunteer.
If you are a carpenter or artisan you can offer your assistance.
In case of a storm or hurricane, members can assist with makeshift housing after the system has passed.

At the Shelter

The senior warden is the supreme authority in the shelter.
The senior warden can call on any occupant of the shelter to assist with its operation.
Every occupant of the shelter should be cooperative.
If a state of emergency is proclaimed at any time under the Emergency Powers Act, all persons within the shelter will be subject to the orders made under the Act and will be liable for such penalties as may be imposed for failure to comply.
The senior warden and all assistants cannot accept responsibility for anyone’s personal property. (PR/GIS)

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Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Local

Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

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Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community. For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on.

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph