July 2021
Vol 2021.3.2
11TH ANNIVERSARY SPLASH
WOMEN OF PURPOSE
Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Women
July 2021
Vol 2021.3.2
CHERYL GRIFFITH
Managing Director Business Continuity Management Services Inc.
Cheryl Griffith is the Managing Director of Business Continuity and Management Services Inc., which specialises in determining business continuity requirements and recommending recovery and continuity strategies. She previously worked in the Offshore Financial Services sector where she served as Director of Technology/Middle Office and Back Office for over 10 years. Cheryl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Leadership, both from Grand Canyon University, USA. She is also a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), an Associate Risk Management Professional (ARMP) and a certified BCP instructor through the Disaster Recovery Institute International. She is also a Member of the Business Continuity Institute (MBCI). Cheryl is a volunteer with the St. James Central District Emergency Organization. This role allows for a more hands on approach and the utilisation of her business continuity expertise. She also works with private and government entities in Barbados and across the Caribbean. In this capacity, she works as a consultant, guiding entities to implement the correct measures and procedures, to allow for business continuity, in the event of any type of emergency.
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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
by Cheryl Griffith Business Continuity Management Services Inc. The hurricane season officially started on June 1 and runs until November 30. An above average Atlantic hurricane season has been predicted, so Today we are going to be talking about How you can prepare for this hurricane season. Why is this important? Your homes and physical properties are lifelong investments that should protected. Also as you continue to take precautions to keep yourself and family safe from the coronavirus, you may need to adjust any preparedness actions based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the Ministry of Health & Wellness. While you cannot control when or where a hurricane will hit, the best way to minimize potential damage is to be prepared. Hurricane preparation starts with making sure you have a flood and damaged insurance policy for your home or business and it is protected properly. There are other steps you can also take to increase your safety and decrease your losses. Let’s take a look at some things you can do before, during, and after a hurricane. STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE A HURRICANE Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time- While you will no doubt get instructions from the Met office, the Department of Emergency Management and Government, it is wise to create your own evacuation plan, well before a disaster strikes. This way, you can know ahead of time about the nearest shelters -if you need to go, as well as making sure you take your pets into account in your plan. It is also best to make a trial run of your plan, for example drive the route to your nearest shelter or family member. To see if this road is blocked by a fallen tree if there is an alternative route or what we call” a back road” that will still get us there. Review your insurance policies - This can help you in making sure your policy has adequate coverage in the event of property damage. Reviewing your policy would help in considering if you should repair or rebuild your home if necessary and to replace your contents. If you have questions about what your current policy will cover or if you need to adjust your coverage, you need to contact your insurance agent today. Take an inventory of your personal property - Create a home inventory list, this will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure your inventory list is among the important documents you will take with you. This will speed up the claims process if needed. When a hurricane warning is issued, people run to the stores. As much as possible, get ahead of the rush by having the following on hand: Build or restock an emergency preparedness kit. Be sure to include key items like a flashlight, cash and first aid supplies, extra batteries, blankets, rubber boots, clothing and toiletries. Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer and nails.
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In particular, you should make sure you have: Your medication, vitamins - talk to pharmacist early , especially to get your Prescription drugs at least 2 months supply. Have drinking water ready for use.- A quantity of 3-5 day supply of drinking water is recommended. Non-perishables such as canned foods, biscuits and peanut butter. In other words, food that you do not have to refrigerate or cook First aid supplies A portable radio with additional batteries. Do not forget to add masks and hand sanitizers to your kit. If you need to evacuate, you will bring these supplies with you. Remember, some of these items carry expiration dates (for example, canned food or batteries). Take note and use these items, while rotating your emergency stock. TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles that can break windows and doors. Much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors and openings in the roof. While retrofitting your home to protect against these possibilities is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages. Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property. Being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of the storm. The best time to start is before the threat is imminent. Here is what you need to know. Secure outside your property - you can do this by trimming large trees that could damage your roof, bring indoors all outside patio furniture, potted plants, bikes and toys that the wind can blow away and use as missiles. Have a conversation with your neighbor make sure they are doing the same as you as they may have trees that pose a threat to your property. Also if you see trees in your neighborhood that is close to power lines, you can contact the Barbados Light & Power and they come and trim them. Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark, which is lighter and will not cause as much harm. This was a lesson learned from Hurricane Dorian in Bahamas in 2019. Consider Installing storm shutters - This will help protect windows and doors with the appropriate shutters or impact-resistant glass. You can nail pieces of plywood to window frames as last-minute protection. Replace old garage doors and tracks with a door that is approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. Wind coming into your home through an opening this large poses grave problems for the rest of your home—especially your roof. Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and have at least three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is at least one inch long. Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass and during a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors. Page 4
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Seal outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets and any location where cables or pipes go through the wall. You may have wall hangings and art -Make sure wall hangings are secure and that art hung on outside walls are taken inside. We tend to forget to unplug appliances - Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets. Earlier we spoke about important documents - Keep those important documents, such as passport and IDs, credit cards, legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers and insurance policy information, as well as valuables such as jewelry in a weatherproof bag. Have them readily accessible that you can quickly grab and go as needed. Remember your vehicles - Move cars to higher ground or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees, power lines or in low-lying areas. Be sure to keep your primary vehicle in good working condition and keep the gas tank full. Stock it with a few emergency supplies and a fresh change of clothes and adequate footwear. Test your generator if you have one or need to get one and have plenty of fuel ready in case of power outages. What about your loved ones - Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power – even consider building an emergency communication plan . One thing some of us forget to do is to charge our cell phones, so fully charge all your devices — your phone, your tablet, and your laptop — well ahead of an emergency event. Then remember to put all your chargers in your go bag. Remember, a smartphone could become the primary way you summon help and track your relatives in a disaster. It's a survival tool—and one that works only if its battery is charged. "Electronics and water don't mix so keep them dry in zipper seal bags. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances not being used. Identify an inhouse shelter room- This enclosed area should be a part of the house with minimal windows, for example a bathroom. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes. Make a personal plan - If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow your community disaster DEO instructions. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well. One thing to note, untie any pets or animals you may have during the hurricane. If you have kids – make sure you have games or toys to keep them occupied if the electricity goes off It would be best to have disposal cups, plates, cutlery in the event the water goes off, garbage bags and zip loc bags will come in handy as well.
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STEPS TO TAKE DURING A HURRICANE Close storm shutters and stay away from windows, as flying glass from broken windows could be dangerous. If you are outside, move to higher ground and do not walk, swim or drive through floodwater. If power is lost, be sure to use a flashlight. Using candles or oil lamps can pose an unnecessary fire risk. Turn your refrigerator or freezer to its coldest setting and open it only when necessary. If you lose power, this could help preserve your food supplies. Watch or listen to a TV or radio for the latest weather updates or emergency instructions. STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A HURRICANE Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you over and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Avoid any floodwater that may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. A word of caution, be extra vigilant and careful as floodwater could be hiding dangerous debris and areas where the ground has washed away. Only return home when authorities indicate it is safe. Be sure to keep in touch with friends and family so they know that you are safe. This is also the time to look out for your neighbor, those who are elderly and vulnerable in your community that might need a helping hand with before , during and after the hurricane. It is very important that you note these points: DO NOT go sightseeing until the all clear is given and it is safe. DO NOT use a vehicle unless in a matter of urgency. DO NOT touch fallen electric wires. DO NOT overcrowd relief centers needlessly. DO NOT congregate under or near damaged structures. DO NOT drink tap water without first boiling it unless the HEALTH AUTHORITIES have declared that the water is safe I cannot emphasize this enough. Do not wait until a hurricane watch is issued, because it may already be too late to take certain precautions. You still have time, so start today if you have not done so already. BUT WHAT ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS? Hurricanes takes a toll on businesses too, so be prepared. Create an emergency business response and continuity plan. In the event of a hurricane this will help your business quickly recover. Keep contact information for employees, suppliers and vendors current so you can check on their wellbeing and communicate next steps for resuming normal business operations. Review your business insurance policies in order to understand what is covered.
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HURRICANE AND STORM ALERTS Received at the right time can keep you safe during an emergency. Get to know the terms used to identify severe weather and discuss with your family what to do if a hurricane watch or warning is issued. People often get confused with which one comes first. Here is a quick reminder of the sequence: First, there is A Bulletin which is issued when a significant weather system is detected in the area. Next is An Advisory that is issued at regular intervals when a tropical storm or hurricane is first detected in the area. Then A Watch is issued when the hurricane continues its advance and hurricane conditions are a real possibility within 48 hours; it does not mean that impact is imminent. Finally, A Warning is issued when it is established that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. When a major hurricane is on track, stay informed by following local radio or news channels for updates., make sure to obey all orders if requested to evacuate by the authorities. Follow these hurricane preparation steps to keep your home and loved ones safe before disaster strikes. For more information on Hurricane preparedness you can contact the Department of Emergency Management at dem.gov.bb or Tel 438-7575.
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July 2021
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BE PREPARED
This hurricane season, let us not be caught off guard. Let us be prepared. Today Matters. Let us not put off what we can do today to be prepared for the next weather system, let us prepare before it comes. We recently experienced a "Freak" storm. This is evidence that we need to be prepared all the time. Like the story of the wise virgins, as seen in Matthew 5:1-13, we must be prepared as we wait. Let us be prepared in the natural and leave the rest in God's hand because He is the master of the wind and the rain.
Hurrricane Elsa's devastation on Barbados July 2nd, 2021 Page 8
July 2021
Vol 2021.3.2 WOP REMINDERS
MONTHLY PRAYER
Every month on the third Thursday, WoP will be hosting Zoom prayer. With our changing world, we can never be too prayed up. Challenges arise daily and we need to be covered by God. We need to have on our full armor, that we can conquer this battle called life. We look forward to sharing and praying with you.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVE
This year we need your assistance like no other. During the last year so many children have suffered academically due to a lack of resources. We are requesting your financial assistance, whether big or small, as we run the 2021 Back-to-School drive, to ensure the children in our scope, have the resources they need.
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July 2021
Vol 2021.3.2
WOP REMINDERS
BABY BOTTLE DRIVE
We are seeking to begin a new cycle with our Baby Bottle Drive, if you are still in possession of WOP baby bottles, we sincerely thank you for your efforts to have them filled and returned as soon as possible.
DONATIONS
The Bi-monthly radio program and the monthly food drive are still running, however, we are always in need of funds and any other tangible contributions that can be made.
YEARLY CONTRIBUTION
Every year we make a donation of at least $60 to assist Women of Purpose with its projects. If you have not made a donation for 2021, you are still free to do so.
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Women of Purpose Ministry 137 Lodge Terrace St. Michael Tel: 246-851-9215/246-826-7798 Email: womenofpurpose.bb@gmail.com To make an appointment to see a counsellor please call: (246) 851-9215 -Jenifer J. Johnson or email us at: womenofpurpose.bb@gmail.com