BEFORE THE STORM

PLANNING PREPAREDNESS

Hurricanes, with their awe-inspiring power and unpredictable nature, are among the most significant natural disasters that challenge communities worldwide. As we bear witness to the increasing frequency and intensity of these tempests, it becomes increasingly crucial to empower ourselves and our loved ones with the resources to navigate these tumultuous times.

Our mission is to empower you with expert advice, first-hand accounts, and innovative solutions that will transform uncertainty into readiness. Together, we’ll learn how to safeguard our homes, protect our families, and foster resilient communities in the face of these atmospheric juggernauts.

Through the pages of “Before the Storm,” you’ll delve into the science of hurricanes, understanding how these immense systems form, intensify, and impact the regions they traverse. Experts will guide you through

Hurricane Elsa has thrashed parts of Barbados, leaving many homeless. (Reuters: Nigel Browne)

PREPAREDNESS CRITICAL

hurricane categories and the potential consequences of each, ensuring you’re wellinformed to make critical decisions when the storm warnings emerge.

We’ll embark on the journey of preparedness, guiding you through crafting robust hurricane action plans. From creating personalized family emergency communication strategies to assembling comprehensive disaster supply kits, you’ll discover that readiness is more than a state of mind; it’s a tangible and vital part of your life.

Drawing inspiration from the strength and resilience of those who have weathered hurricanes in the past, we’ll share stories of survival, recovery, and community cohesion. By learning from the experiences of others, we can foster a sense of unity and compassion that binds us together, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences.

Technology will be our ally in the fight against the storm’s wrath as we explore cutting-edge hurricane tracking tools, communication apps, and emergency alert systems. Harnessing the power of technology, we’ll

find ourselves better equipped to stay informed and make crucial decisions in times of crisis.

But “Before the Storm” is more than just a magazine; it is a call to action. Each reader who joins us on this journey strengthens the fabric of preparedness in their community. By sharing the knowledge you gain here with friends, family, and neighbors, you become an ambassador of resilience, ensuring that more and more lives are shielded from the potential devastation that hurricanes can bring.

As the winds of change continue to blow, we stand united in our dedication to “Before the Storm,” fostering a world where knowledge empowers, preparedness protects, and resilience prevails. Let us face the future together, armed with understanding and determination, as we embrace the challenges ahead and weather the storms that lie on the horizon.

TROPICAL WAVE

An area of disturbed weather that meanders east through the tropics and is accompanied by disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. The majority of tropical waves that create Atlantic hurricanes are easterly waves that exit off the west coast of Africa. Emily

TROPICAL CYCLONE

A catchall term that includes tropical storms and hurricanes. The term refers to low-pressure systems that form in the tropics and have a “warm core,” meaning they do not feed off the energy of the jet stream or temperature contrasts. Instead, they derive their energy from warm ocean waters. Tropical cyclones do not have fronts. They spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere

TROPICAL DEPRESSION

A tropical wave that has begun to organize and has a “closed circulation,” or discernible spin. Winds in a tropical depression are less than 39 mph. Harold

TROPICAL STORM

A tropical cyclone that has one-minute sustained winds between 39 mph and 73 mph. Tropical storms have persistent, organized thunderstorms that orbit around a well-defined center. Lee

HURRICANE: A tropical cyclone with one-minute sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater.

MAJOR HURRICANE: A hurricane rated at Category 3 strength or greater with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.

Tips compliment The B'dos: Light and Power

We had the incredible opportunity to sit down with a true community champion, Donnavan, affectionately known as “Lexus” among those in the community. As hurricane season looms, the impact of these natural disasters can be daunting for any community. But fear not, for when the storm clouds gather, Lexus steps forward as a beacon of hope, resilience, and preparedness.

For years, Lexus has been the driving force behind effective hurricane preparation and post-hurricane recovery in his community. His dedication and unwavering commitment to the well-being of his fellow residents have transformed him into a revered leader, inspiring countless individuals to follow his lead.

Throughout this interview, we’ll delve into the journey that led Lexus to this vital role and how he has continually risen to the challenge time and again. From his early beginnings as a community volunteer to becoming a prominent figure in disaster response and recovery efforts, Lexus has consistently exemplified selflessness and leadership. He understands that preparedness is key, and his passion for educating and empowering others to safeguard their homes and loved ones is truly commendable.

LEADING THE

MEET ‘LEXUS’ THE GUIDING

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS RECOVERY

Beyond the storm’s fury, Lexus also extends a helping hand during the critical post-hurricane period, from rebuilding homes and infrastructure to offering emotional support to those affected, he embodies the spirit of unity and compassion that binds our community together during its most trying times. Through this interview, we hope to gain valuable insights into the significance of preparedness, resilience, and above all, the power of communal support.

You are known for being very instrumental in the community especially as it relates to hurricane preparedness, please introduce yourself and tell us about your last significant experience after a storm? My name Donnavan, I’m also known as Lexus. The day was July 2nd 2021, a freak storm that dumped heavy rain and some high winds on the north of the island had

severely affected my community Connell Town, St Lucy, Barbados & everyone knows as long as is a problem in My community respond no matter what and day it was no different….

Whenever I hear bad weather approaching I first contact Rev. Steven Strickland, Pastor of Town Pentecostal House of The church is a category 1 hurricane shelter and we secure the churwch first. My right hand man Jermaine is always ready and waiting call to come out in any weather insure the safety of the residents out respectful areas mostly in vicinity of Connell Town and Road but we are not limited areas because we have ventured far as the neighboring parishes St. Peter and St. James preparing shelters as needed. Sometimes I don’t even have to call anyone because people know when

Community organizer: Donnavan ‘Lexus’ Hippolyte

CHARGE LIGHT IN AND COMMUNITY

community of Barbados as there community I and on this weather is Rev. Connell Prayer. hurricane churwch Jermaine for my weather and residents of in the and Hope limited to these ventured as parishes of preparing Sometimes anyone it’s this

time of year I’m ready and in turn they come to lend a helping hand - as in the case with what happened to one residence in particular at the corner of Retreat Gap, St. Lucy.

I was home that morning and from my window I couldn’t believe my eyes when I witness the winds removing the entire roof from a nearby home. I waited until the winds had died down and it was safe, even before the rains had stopped I mobilized a small team and we were recovering the galvanize sheets that were blown from the roof and devising a plan to get it back where it was supposed to be. It was a hard job because I’m not a carpenter but with the experience I had from doing repairs over the years and the helping hands some others in the community we had the roof back on and in a better

condition than it was before sunset that day.

When did your community activism start? It all started way back when i was a teenager I would go around before the bad weather and check on the elderly in the area and make sure their homes were as secure as possible.

Are you a part of or associated with any government organizations or NGOs? I’m in no way attached to any government organizations nor have I ever received funding from government. The materials I’ve used during the years I’ve been doing this, came from my pocket or from people in the community who had donated materials.

Do you have any advice for communities and or governmental organizations?

My advice to other communities is pay attention to the warnings, be prepared and do not come out unless an all clear is given or if you need to help someone in dire need and you are sure your life will not be lost in doing so. As for government agencies, they need to understand that people in the community are better equipped and are able to get help to those who need it sooner, supporting communities with the right tools and resources maybe all that is needed to aid restoration in the quickest possible time.

Lexus and his team also do community clean-ups by way of de-bushing and beach cleanups of trash and Sargassum seaweed.

Photos of property situated at: The corner of Retreat Road, Connelltown, St. Lucy, BARBADOS

WEATHERING THE STORM SAFEGUARDING YOUR WELL-BEING DURING HURRICANE SEASON.

In the Caribbean, there are three types of head-of-households (HOH) when dealing with hurricanes; they are the folk who are hyper anxious about any high breeze, those who are nonchalant about CAT 4’s at their doorstep, then there are those who understand that the weather context matters, where preparedness and anticipation are the most valued weapons in safeguarding one’s well-being.

Arguably, the most critical time for hurricane preparation is the three-tofour-day period of a storm watch. At this time, the HOH is in position to determine, based on size/ strength of the hurricane and its projected path, ‘can my home withstand a direct hit from this force of nature’? If the answer is ‘no’, then hotel reservations need to be made (if affordable), shelter locations identified or calls to friends/family members outside of the hurricane path. Critical considerations should be, what

is the structural integrity of your home, who comprises your household (extremes of age?) and, home location. Is it on the side of a hill prone to mudslides or at the coast, prone to a storm surge?

If the HOH decides it’s an event their home can withstand, or evacuation is impossible They need to enter a mode of assured family survivability and livability until the all-clear is given. A well-prepared HOH will know the possibility of power outage is very high. They will know there is fair probability of not only physical damage but even more likely, emotional damage to your loved ones.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ‘YOU KNOW WHAT’ HITS THE FAN

The well-prepared HOH will understand the dynamics and forces at play during a hurricane that cause injury and death are the loss of one’s roof and flooding,

either from excessive rain or the storm surge. A potential escape plan, for a worst-case scenario, is critical. Have an understanding with neighbors that your family may need to evacuate to their house in an emergency and extend the plan to them in case the reverse happens.

An important feature of the emergency dash is the presence of ‘THE GO BAG’. This bag would take the form of a weatherproof knapsack that frees up the hands. It would contain important documents like passports, birth/marriage certificates, insurance policies, contact information cash, any medications, first aid kit and some bottled water, a lighter and a utility knife. Of course, ‘THE GO BAG’ plus, would have gone with you if the other previous shelter options were taken.

What types of injuries might you expect during a hurricane. These potential injuries are clearly a function of the severity and exposure to the storm. But in general, they would consist of the type of sharp object lacerations or blunt force trauma, either from objects hitting you or you hitting objects. These injuries all likely to involve bleeding and the primary directive in these emergent situations is to stop the bleeding. Worry about infection later after the all-clear. Reassure the victim and calmy apply pressure to the wound. Distract the victim with appropriate stories and confident humor. If there is a loss of consciousness, check the victim’s pulses in their neck or groin and for normal respiration. Wherever your setting, ask for help from someone more medically qualified than yourself who may know CPR, but if

none, the rescue is on you as HOH.

The other type of injury is of the rising water kind. The most obvious is near drowning rescue. Recovery from water inhalation is no joke. It involves a series of complex CPR maneuvers to be effective. Ask for help and defer to someone who has a better knowledge than yourself. The other potential injury that may involve water is just as deadly but not as obvious. Water will conduct electricity from a downed power line indiscriminately. It is your job as HOH to identify a potential hazard and steer your family/neighbors away from this tragedy.

Hope these suggestions help you to get through this and all hurricane seasons but know and understand your best weapons are vigilance, preparedness, and anticipation.

Derek Berry Thorpe MD Dr.Derek Thorpeisanuclearmedicine andfunctionalmedicinephysicianwith postgraduatedegreesfromCornell schoolofMedicineandtheUniversityof Florida

HURRICANE SUPPLY LIST

ITEMS INCLUDE

FOOD RELATED

DRINKING WATER – 1 GALLON, PER PERSON, PER DAY

NON-PERISHABLE FOOD/SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS

MANUAL CAN OPENER

JUICE/INSTANT COFFEE/TEA BAGS

COOLER

LIGHTER/MATCHES

POTS/PANS/CAMP STOVE OR GRILL

PERSONAL ITEMS

BLANKETS, PILLOWS, SLEEPING BAG, COT TOILETRIES

SPARE GLASSES/CONTACTS

HEARING AID BATTERIES

EXTRA CLOTHING/RAIN GEAR/CLOSED

TOE SHOES

PERSONAL ITEMS SUCH AS BOOKS, TOYS OR CARDS

INFANT AND/OR SENIOR SUPPLIES

IMPORTANT PAPERS INCLUDING VALID IDENTIFICATION

SPARE KEYS

CASH/CREDIT CARDS/CHANGE/CHECKS

PENS/PENCILS/PAPER

MEDICAL

TWO-WEEK SUPPLY OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

COOLER WITH ICE FOR MEDICATIONS, IF NEEDED

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & ASSISTIVE DEVICES

MEDICAL ALERT TAGS OR BRACELETS THAT IDENTIFY YOUR DISABILITYRELATED NEEDS

PETS/SERVICE ANIMALS

WATER – 1 GALLON PER ANIMAL, PER DAY

CRATE OR CARRIER FOR EACH ANIMAL FOOD/TREATS

TOYS/COMFORT ITEMS

CLEAN-UP SUPPLIES

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS/PHOTOS

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO, FLASHLIGHT, TELEVISION, CLOCK

EXTRA BATTERIES

NOAA WEATHER RADIO

FIRST AID KIT

LANDLINE PHONE

CHEMICAL LIGHT STICKS

WHISTLE

Chicken Wrap

As we prepare for what we have been told is another active season, our team has decided to share a few easy-toprepare recipes to take us through should we have a loss of power and are unable to prepare our regular meals.

We will need chicken breast to start 1 or 2 lbs

Place in a bowl, squeezing half a lime

Lightly salt and put aside for a few minutes

INGREDIENTS

Cooked Chicken (see below)

Romaine Lettuce

Tomatoes

Red Onion

Shredded cheese is optional

Cucumber

Carrots

Sweet pepper

Flour Tortillas (9-inch

COOKING THE CHICKEN

Rinse the chicken with water

Place in a sauce pan

Cover the chicken breast completely with water and bring it to a boil.

Simmer for 4 to 10 minutes. The thickness of the breasts will determine how long you need to cook them.

Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

While cooking, prepare the other ingredients

Cut or slice the tomatoes and sweet peppers

Use a julienne tool for carrots and cucumbers

Grate the onions

Once cooked, take the chicken out, place on a board and shred by cutting and separating with a knife or fork

Now you are ready to make your wrap

Place the wrap on a flat surface

Layer your ingredients, starting with any preferred ingredients

Fold the outsides of the wrap in on themselves. Then roll it up.

You have the option to use as is or grill in a pan

Place it seam-side down on the hot grill. Flip it over after 2 to 3 minutes, and grill it for 2 to 3 more minutes.

If it starts to open up on the grill after flipping, stick a toothpick through it to secure it.

Penne Tuna Salad

A quick and easy meal that is fun to make and can be enjoyed by adults and children is our penne and tuna salad.

INGREDIENTS

Two/ three cans of tuna

Two packets of your favorite penne

Red Onion

Parsley

Green chives

Garlic

Carrots

Sweet pepper

Lime

Pepper red or green

White pepper

Mayonnaise

Canned corn

METHOD

In a large sauce pan fill with water at least three quarters full and bring to a boil. Add a little salt and one chopped garlic pod.

Add penne and cook til it can be cut with a fork or spoon. Don’t over cook.

Pour off into a colander and let sit till cold

As you wait prepare the other ingredients

Cut and dice the chives, sweet peppers

Use a julienne tool for the carrots

Grate the onions

Drain the tuna and place in a plate

Separate using a fork, add lime juice, 2 table

spoons of mayonnaise, pepper, some onion, sweet pepper and some chives

In a large bowl place the cooled penne. Add all remaining ingredients except the parsley and corn.

Mix in the tuna, add mayonnaise as needed

Taste and add salt if necessary

Mix in tuna

Add corn

Lastly add parsley

Serve as desired

AFTER THE STORM

Tips compliment The B'dos: Light and Power

DO NOT TOUCH

1

Do not touch fallen or hanging wires, or anything which might be in contact with them. Stay clear of puddles where downed wires may have landed. A seemingly harmless wire may still be energized. Ensure that children do not play near wires.

PLAN FOR AFTER THE STORM

2

Remember, it can take weeks and even months for life to return to normal after a hurricane Think about what you would do if your home was without electricity, running water or telephone services for more than a few days Make sure you have enough food and water stored for 3 weeks

3

CONTACT AN ELECTRICIAN FOR REPAIRS

Do not connect generators directly to household wiring unless a licensed, qualified electrician has installed an appropriate transfer switch. Without the proper transfer switch, power provided by the generator can "backfeed" along the power lines, creating a significant electrocution hazard for anyone coming in contact with the lines, including linemen making necessary repairs.

OPERATE GENERATORS SAFELY

4

Never operate a generator inside your home or in any other enclosed or even partially enclosed—area Generators very quickly produce carbon monoxide, which can easily enter your home. Place the generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Do not operate generators in wet conditions or where there is standing water.

CAUTION WHEN CLEARING DEBRIS

5

After the storm passes, residents should be extremely careful as they sort through the wreckage to assess the damage. Storms with extensive rain and high winds can cause severe damage and create hazardous conditions such as fallen trees and other types of dangerous debris including downed power lines, broken glass, small pieces of buildings, commercial signs, and road signs.