THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA – The Atlantic Hurricane Season commences as always on June 1st and marks a state of heightened hurricane awareness for the next six (6) calendar months. The term “heightened” serves to remind us that hurricanes and Tropical weather systems do not limit themselves to formation during the officially recognized period and should encourage us to think of our Hurricane preparedness activities all year long.
A near average season is predicted for 2016 with sixteen (16) named storms, eight (8) could become hurricanes, with four (4) of these being major hurricanes. This prediction is in no way a cause for any complacency on our part.
The relatively low number of hurricanes and major hurricanes predicted should play no part in determining the intensity of our preparedness efforts as the trend in recent years is for significant damages to be caused by the lesser Tropical systems, particularly through the extensive flooding that these systems bring. The experiences of Tropical Storms Danny and Erika should be fresh in our memories. Some of our Caribbean neighbours suffered tremendous loses at the hands of Tropical Storm Erika and we remember those who lost their lives and their families in our prayers at this time.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with the Department of Disaster Management, please call the number above.
We must however supplement our prayers through intelligent and responsible action; there must be no place for complacency in our preparations for any tropical weather system whether it is a minor storm or a major hurricane.
As always, ensure that your hurricane shutters are in working order, your Emergency Kit is replenished and everyone in your household is well versed and drilled in your Family Emergency Plan.
Businesses are not exempt from preparedness activities. Ensure that your Business Continuity Plans are in place and your staff is intimately familiar with them. Be reminded that we at the Department are always willing to lend a hand with your plans and we encourage you to visit us so we can better assist you.
This year I encourage you to pay special attention to your preparations for flooding. While we may not have experienced the levels of flooding that caused devastation and death in Dominica in 2015 we must be cognizant that the threat of flooding is significant and potentially deadly.
Let me also take this opportunity to remind you of the dangers of “sightseeing” and unnecessary vehicular traffic during the impact of storms. This dangerous practice must not continue, it is worth remembering that it only takes a few inches of flowing water to sweep a vehicle off the road.
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