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Storm Preparedness Kit 2016: Start Thinking about the Unthinkable
Be Prepared! Knowing what to expect and what to do when a storm or hurricane comes is the best possible protection you can have. Keep this information handy before, during and after the storm and use it as a step-by-step guide for the safety of your family, home and business. If you plan ahead - carefully and thoroughly - you can greatly reduce the chances of personal injury and property damage.
KALAMIDAT App
Table of Contents 1. Important Telephone Numbers .................................................................................................................................. 3 2. The importance of a Hurricane Preparedness Kit ................................................................................................. 4 3. What is a Hurricane? ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 4. Before the hurricane season ............................................................................................................................................ 5 4.1 What should you do if you cannot stay in your home? ....................................................................................... 6 4.2 Disaster Supplies Checklist ................................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Before a Hurricane ............................................................................................................................................................... 8 6. During a Hurricane............................................................................................................................................................. 9 7. After a Hurricane ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 8. Appendix A ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 a. b. c.
Boats............................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Vehicles....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Hotels & Beach-Front Operations ................................................................................................................................ 12
1. Important Telephone Numbers Police
911
Ambulance
912
Fire Department
911
Coast Guard
913
Sint Elisabeth Hospital
910
Taams Clinic – Advent Damacor
736-5466
Antillean Adventist Hospital
737-0611
Red Cross
461-4644
UTS
777-0101
Digicel
736-1056
Aqualectra
462-5968
Selikor
434-1300
Curgas
869-7333
Directorate of Riskmanagement and Disaster Policy
463-0270
Public Works Department
433-4444
Country Planning & Housing Department
433-3200
Environmental Department
736-9022
Meteorological Department Curaçao
839-3360
FKP (Fundashon Kas Popular)
432-6000
KTK
461-1055
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2. The importance of a Hurricane Preparedness Kit Hurricanes are a seasonal occurrence for the various Caribbean islands and Curaçao is no exception. Curaçao is located on the fringe of the hurricane zone, but there’s still a chance that a hurricane will hit one or more of the islands. That’s why businesses and people living in Curaçao must ensure that they are properly informed of the effects and potential consequences of a hurricane. Good preparations and a number of precautions will reduce the damage and effects of a hurricane or severe storm, and in some cases even prevent them. This is why CHATA has compiled this kit: a clear, compact instruction manual on how to take simple steps and measures to prepare for the hurricane season. For more information, please visit www.kalamidat.cw , like the risk management page www.facebook.com/RisicobeheersingCuracao/ and download the ‘’Calamity’’ app called ‘’Kalamidat’’ in Google Play Store or the App Store from Apple.
3. What is a Hurricane? A hurricane is a tropical storm that circulates counter clockwise around the storm’s center (eye) at a speed of at least 119 km/h (74 mph). These hurricanes cause strong winds, high waves and lots of rain, in particular when they reach land, causing a lot of damage and inconvenience as a result. In addition to the risk of significant damage to property, you have to take into account that a hurricane is often accompanied by temporary power blackouts, communication failures and disruptions in transportation services during and after the storm. There are seven categories of storms. The five strongest storm categories strike with the force of a hurricane: There are seven categories of storms. The five (5) strongest storm categories strike with the force of a hurricane:
Tropical depression Tropical storm Hurricane Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5
KM/HR
M/sec
62 or less 63 to 118
17 or less 18 to 33
119 to 153 154 to 177 178 to 209 210 to 249 250 or more
33 to 43 43 to 49 49 to 58 58 to 69 69 or more
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Even when a hurricane system is fully formed, it is difficult to anticipate its exact time of arrival and the amount of devastation it might cause. The storm’s path can change even at the last minute. It is therefore essential to be well prepared. This handbook contains detailed instructions on how to prepare for a hurricane. The preparations are divided into four (4) phases: -Before the hurricane season -Before a hurricane -During a hurricane -After a hurricane The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1st to November 30th. We recommend that you start making good arrangements and preparations well before the hurricane season begins.
4. Before the hurricane season It wise to prepare in advance together with your family members and other people living in your household, if applicable. A plan needs to be set up defining everyone’s role and responsibilities in case of a disaster. The following should be considered: • •
• • • • • •
• •
Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage. Talk to your insurance broker. You need to be insured BEFORE a storm threatens. Discuss all vulnerable areas in and around your home, such as a weak roof, unstable walls, clogged rain gutters etc. Make sure everything gets repaired before a hurricane hits. Plan how to assist elderly family members, disabled people and children. Discuss the types of storms that can potentially pose a threat to your family and what to do in case of each type of storm. Know the nearest shelter, evacuation area or other safe place to go in case you need to evacuate. Decide which area in your home will be used as the safe room. (ex. Bathroom) Review working conditions of emergency equipment, such as flashlights, batterypowered radios, generators, etc. Designate a contact person who does not live on the island. This person can serve as the contact between you and other relatives. Make sure everyone knows how to contact this person. Decide beforehand how to handle pets when a hurricane arrives and in case it becomes necessary to evacuate. Place a list of telephone numbers of emergency services by the telephone and instruct children ho to contact these services (see page 3). CURAÇAO HOSPITALITY & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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• • • • •
4.1
Make a list of the contents of a portable disaster survival kit and know where to purchase these items. Stock up on non-perishable foods and other emergency supplies. If possible, take a first aid course. The skills acquired throughout the course could prove handy during a hurricane. Make sure to keep your gas tank at least half full. Determine where to move your car and/or boat in an emergency.
What should you do if you cannot stay in your home?
If any of the situations below apply to you, we strongly recommend you discuss with your family beforehand where to stay during a hurricane. Think about staying with family or friends at a hotel or at a shelter. In each situation the shelters will be announced via official channels. It is recommended that you evacuate your home if: • Your home is near the coast. • Your home is in a low lying area and regularly floods when it rains. • Your home is in a low lying area close to a drainage ditch and/or reservoir. • Your home is basic, constructed to minimum standards and likely to be damaged. • You live in a mobile home or similar lightweight construction.
4.2
Disaster Supplies Checklist
A disaster supplies checklist lists items that may be useful during or after a storm. Make sure you have all the items listed below and that they are in good condition before the start of the hurricane season. Take each of these items with you into your Safe Room. Articles: • WATER BOTTLES – at least 3.5 liters of water per person per day, for 3 to 7 days. • FOOD – enough food for at least 3 to 7 days. • Non-perishable or canned foods. (Make sure to check the best-before dates). • Snacks. • Can opener (not an electric one). • Gas stove or burner + matches. • Plastic plates. • Sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. • Warm clothes, rain wear, and waterproof shoes/boots. • First Aid Kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medication. • Special supplies for the elderly and babies. • Toiletries, personal hygiene articles and wet wipes. • Insect repellant. CURAÇAO HOSPITALITY & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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• • • • • • • •
Flashlight + extra batteries. Battery powered AM/FM radio + extra batteries. Fully charged mobile phone + fully charged extra battery. Cash Keys for doors, vehicles and gates. Toys, books and games to pass the time. Tools such as screw drivers, hammers and drills. Fire extinguisher.
Important papers, kept in a waterproof container or bag: • Insurance policies. • Medical information. • Health insurance card. • Bank account numbers. • Home contents inventory (with photos and video). • Contact information (e.g. telephone number, address, e-mail, details, etc.) of a friend or relative NOT living on the island. • Computer & digital information back-up. Provisions for pets: • Identification and record of shots and medication (if needed). • Enough of water and food for 3 to 7 days. • Kennel or pet carrier. • Collar with tag showing address & telephone number. Contents of First Aid Kit: • Elastic pressure bandage. • Surgical/dust mask. • Stainless steel scissors. • Quick pressure bandage. • Adhesive bandages. • Gauze bandages. • Antiseptic (e.g. iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine). • Stainless steel safety pins, in a box or attached to cardboard. • Sterile gauze pads. • Wound dressing (e.g. Melolin). • Dressing retention tape/sheet (e.g. Hypafix). • Tube gauze and applicator sleeve (e.g. Finger Bob - gauze finger bandage). • Fingertip bandage. • Hypoallergenic wound dressing (e.g. Elwo) and elastic compresses (e.g. Duoskin). • Triangular bandages. • Elastic bandages. • Tensor elastic bandages (supportive). CURAÇAO HOSPITALITY & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Disposable surgical gloves. Space blanket or foil emergency. Blanket. Stainless steel tweezers. Mercury thermometer. Cooling gel compresses. Topical analgesic (e.g. Algipan balm). Pain reliever (e.g. Paracetamol). Throat lozenges. Antacids for upset stomach (e.g. Maalox). Eye wash (e.g. Ocal). Eye wash bottle (e.g. Ycla). Cold packs (e.g. Inic). CPR face shield: for protection during resuscitation. Hand sanitizer/disinfecting gel. Magnifying tweezers. Eye magnet: for removing loose metal particles from the eyes.
5. Before a Hurricane When a hurricane approaches the region, it does not necessarily mean that your area will be affected. A hurricane’s path is highly unpredictable, so one must be prepared for any situation. Officially there are two hurricane alerts: a ‘’Hurricane Watch’’ and a ‘’Hurricane Warning’’. A ‘’Watch’’ means hurricane conditions can be expected within the next 48 hours. A ‘’Watch’’ remains in effect until the threat has passed. If the threat continues, a ‘’Watch’’ becomes a ‘’Warning’’. This means there’s a high probability you will experience hurricane conditions within the next 36 hours. The authorities will advise if and when evacuation is necessary. If they advise you to leave your home, please do so. The authorities issue their advice based on the location and intensity of the storm. As soon as the government announces a ‘’Watch’’ and starts making preparations, they will probably also announce the available shelters. When a ‘’Warning’’ has been announced, you must have everything in place to weather the storm. Some important last minute precautions include: • Disconnecting the cooking gas supply. • Securing gas bottles firmly. • Switching off electrical mains as soon as the storm hits. • Turning off the main water supply.
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6. During a Hurricane Turn on your portable radio. The authorities may issue important information about the storm. The storm is only over when the authorities have declared that it is in fact over. Use drinking water sparingly; it can take up to 24 hours for a hurricane to pass. When a hurricane passes over your home it is a stressful experience. Nevertheless, it is important to stay calm. It can be unsettling for children to see their parents in distress. When you are finished making all your preparations in and around your house, make sure that your entire family is in the safe room (shelter). Do not leave the safe room. Whatever happens, the safe room is still the safest place to be in most cases. If a lot of water leaked into the house during the storm, make sure that the power is turned off to prevent short circuits. Stay away from glass windows and doors. If the wind suddenly dies down, then you are probably in the eye of the hurricane. Stay alert and follow the instructions on the radio. Do not go outside until the authorities say it is OK to do so. Keep children relaxed and entertained. Create a cozy atmosphere, but do not consume alcohol during a storm and stay alert. • •
• • • • •
Remain indoors during the storm. Do not go outside when the calm center (the eye of the storm) passes overhead. This calm can last only a few minutes, and the wind increases rapidly to hurricane force from the opposite direction. Do not go outside unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary. Use caution when cooking and burning candles or lanterns to avoid fire hazards. Keep your fire extinguisher within reach. Keep all windows closed. Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors, particularly double inward opening doors and garage doors. Try to relax and rest, as you will need your strength for the aftermath of the hurricane.
Shelters: • • • • • • • •
St. Martinus Mavo (L.B. Smithplein 1) Ban Bria SBO (Wageningenstraat z/n) Mgr. Zwijsen College (Grebbelinieweg 62) VSBO St. Jozef (Van Leeuwenhoekstraat z/n) Buurtcentrum Tera Kòrá (Kaya Diabaas) FER-centrum (Fatimaweg) Kolegio Annie Koenraad (Kaya Tera Kòrá) Scholengemeenschap Parera (Nieuwe Pareraweg z/n)
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7. After a Hurricane The storm is not over until the authorities have broadcast that it’s over. If any member of your household has been injured or fallen ill, take them to the nearest medical center or contact a medical assistance service. • • • • • • • •
•
• • •
If you have evacuated, do NOT return home until officials announce that your area is SAFE. Keep children inside as long as possible until the neighborhood has ben declared safe. Take stock of any damages to your property and take photos. If your home or building has structural damage, do not enter it until it is checked by officials. Call your insurance broker and ask for instructions as to what you should do. Avoid using candles and open flames indoors. (Be cautious for gas leaks) Make a list of property damage. It can be dangerous on the streets due to downed power lines, especially those which have fallen into water. Be careful and wear closed shoes with rubber soles and long pants. If you lose electricity for any length of time eat canned food to avoid food poisoning from spoiled food. Be extra careful in the preparation and handling of food and beverages after a storm. Contamination is very common after a bad storm. Disinfect everything before using. Use the telephone only for emergencies. Unless you plan to help, do not visit other areas that may have been affected by the storm. You may obstruct others who are providing assistance. You may also be approached for help by injured persons while you may not be able to help them.
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8. Appendix A a. Boats Be prepared to take care of your boat: There are lots of different ways to protect your boat from a hurricane. Advice varies greatly, depending on the size of your vessel, availability of dock space and marina rules. That makes planning now for a hurricane all the more essential. Keep in mind: there are usually more boats than places to dock them in a storm. General Tips: • Read your insurance policy carefully to determine whether your boat is sufficiently protected from hurricane damage. • Consolidate all records, including insurance policies, a recent photo of your vessel, boat registration, equipment inventory, lease agreement with the marina and telephone numbers of appropriate marine authorities and keep them in your possession. • Before a hurricane threatens, analyze how you will remove valuable equipment from the boat and how long it will take. • Find someone to take care of your boat if you cannot. • Obtain ropes and other materials needed to secure your boat in advance. • Inspect the vessel’s deck hardware. • Make sure fire extinguishers and lifesaving equipment are in good shape. • Remember that when a storm threatens, you will want to remove or secure all deck gear, radio antennas, outriggers and all other objects that could blow away or cause damage. • Arrange for dry-dock space early. • If you plan to keep your boat at a marina, know the marina’s rules. • Cover all lines to prevent chafing by wrapping them with tape, rags and hoses. Install fenders to protect the boat from banging against other boats, piers and pilings. • Seal windows, doors, hatches, lockers, portholes and vents with duct tape. Shut sea cocks and plug through-hull fittings, including sink drains. Bang a plug into the engine’s exhaust pipe. • Cover instrument gauges with duct tape and other built-in equipment with plastic bags fastened by the existing mounting screws. • Make sure batteries are fully charged to ensure their capacity to run bilge pumps for the duration of a storm. Cut off all devices consuming electricity other than bilge pumps. • Take home all marine electronics. • If you are planning to move your boat by trailer, make a trail run. Know how long it will take to get from the water to your destination. Be prepared to deal with the difficulties of driving with a trailer in a stiff wind. If you have a garage, and your boat is small enough, consider keeping it in your closed garage. • Consider tying tie down your boat and trailer for added safety. CURAÇAO HOSPITALITY & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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b. Vehicles Secure your car by doing the following: • Check your insurance policy. Are you covered for wind and water damages? Will the insurance replace items in your car? • Keep copies of your registration documents in your car. Keep the originals in a safe place (page 7). • Garages. If your garage is full, clean it out so you can park your car in it. If there is no electricity after the storm, disengage your electric garage door and open it manually. All garage-door openers have an emergency disconnect - a small cord hanging from the mechanism at the top of the door. Pull the cord and it disengages the electric motor. Automatic gate openers also have an emergency disconnect; check your manual for the location. • Park your car as close to the house as possible if you have neither garage nor carport. At least one side of it will be protected from flying debris. Place your car where it will be most protected. • Covers. A canvas cover may protect your car’s finish from scratches and nicks, but the wind will likely tear it off. A canvass or vinyl carport awning provides no protection during a hurricane. Take it into the house. Awning poles cemented in place offer no resistance to the wind and will likely not be standing after the storm. Here are some supplies you should always carry in your car during hurricane season: • Spare tire, properly inflated. • Sturdy jack, in working order. • Bottled water - you can drink it or use it in an overheated radiator. • Booster cables. • Basic tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches and a hammer. • Folding shovel, to dig your way out of holes if you get stuck. • Flashlight and extra batteries. • Raingear and extra clothes. • First-aid kit. • Keep your tank at least half full during the hurricane season. • Lighter charger cable for your cellular phone.
c. Hotels & Beach-Front Operations Whatever actions you take should be based on the protection of Life and Property. Protect your guests and your personnel. Protect your property as best you can and plan on how to resume operations after the hurricane.
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Please evaluate the possible scenarios EARLY ON. Discuss them with management, personnel, Emergency Service, Board and turn it into policy. Document it and make sure everyone knows what they role will entail. Pull out the plan before each season and run it by all parties involved. Make adjustments where needed. You will NOT have time to discuss anything once the warnings are issued. Keep in mind that personnel will be worried about their families at home so expect a few “no-shows” at work. This is one more reason for you to be well organized and to take care of business early on in the ‘’Watch’’ or ‘’Warning’’ period. Guests Every guest you send back home before the storm is one less person for you to be responsible for. The question remains of course: do you evacuate, and when to evacuate? When the authorities order an evacuation, it is usually too late for you to do any thinking. Consider the following when determining your policy: • • • • • • • • • • •
Where is the nearest shelter? How will you transport them to the shelter? To another floor on premises? A higher floor may protect against flooding but might increase wind danger. Medical Supplies. F&B. Security. Continuous stream of information to guests. Communications (internal as well as external). Will you reimburse or give vouchers to guests? Find out if your hotel or operation is in an Evacuation Zone.
Most hotels and beachfront operations along the south coast are in, or very near to an official obligatory Evacuation Zone. Knowing if you are in one of these zones will help you determine your evacuation policy. Depending on the severity of the storm (Category) you might know ahead of time that you will be ordered to evacuate. Property While you are taking care of your guests you have to also protect your property. Make sure your insurance policies are up to date. Insurance companies do NOT accept an increase in insured amount once a threat is eminent. Things to consider depending on your type and size of operation: • Protect your beach with a stone barrier. • Know the height of the storm surge in your area (depending on the storm category). • Remove chairs, tables, lounge chairs, portable bars to a safe location. • Disconnect utilities to beach area: electricity, gas and water. A main switch for each category will make life easier. • Secure your pools and Jacuzzis according to instructions in manuals. CURAÇAO HOSPITALITY & TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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Store your water-sports equipment in a safe location. Security after the storm to avoid looting of unprotected area.
Disclaimer CHATA strives to ensure all information contained in this publication is correct. However, no rights can be derived from the contents of this CHATA publication. For details refer to the conditions of the relevant insurance policies.
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