NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with
responsibility for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the
Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, Monday (May 2) urged Bahamians and residents to take
their hurricane preparations seriously “as precautionary measures taken now, can
save lives and property in the future.”
“Our archipelago lies in an active hurricane zone,” Mr. LaRoda said. “All
Bahamians and residents should take the advisory of the scientists seriously. It is
critical that each Bahamian and resident take the necessary precautions now in
the event that a storm hits during hurricane season. Precautionary measures
taken now could save life and property in the future.
“Make sure you have a plan as to where you and your family will stay if a storm
threatens. If your home is in a low-lying area or on the coast, it is recommended
that you do not stay there. Instead, plan to stay with a family member or close
friend who has appropriate accommodations in an appropriate place. If that is not
possible you could stay at one of the government-approved shelters, which we
will ensure are ready and able to assist those in need.
“Along with having a plan as to where to stay, be sure to begin the other well known preparations, some of which include: Ensuring that you and your family
has a well-stocked emergency supply kit with battery operated radio and
flashlights; Include in the kit items like face masks and sanitizer to help protect
against COVID-19; and keep on hand an adequate supply of non-perishable food
items.
“Bahamas, disasters are a reality. Make preparation your responsibility. Please
take warnings to prepare seriously . Storms can emerge and strike with little
notice,” Mr. LaRoda added.
The State-Minister’s comments came during a Press Conference held at the
National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Headquarters, Gladstone
Road, to launch National Disaster Preparedness Month. May will be observed as
National Disaster Preparedness Month under the theme: “Strengthening
Community Readiness for a Better Tomorrow.”
State-Minister LaRoda said the theme of the Month is centered on the concept:
“That we all as government, citizens, businesses, religious institutions, civic
organizations and communities have a role to play in the collective effort of
disaster preparation and response.” The objective of the month is to promote key
messages and actions in order to strengthen preparedness and response at the
national and community levels.
“Communities must be actively involved in their own preparedness and safety.
The key to effective disaster management is preparedness as this helps minimize
the impact of hazards. The hazards that most often affect our country are those
associated with tropical cyclones (tropical depressions, tropical storms, and
hurricanes) and include storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains,
destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents. The month of May
then is an opportune time to give focused attention to making preparations for
the hurricane season.”
June 1 marks the start of the annual Atlantic Hurricane Season that ends
November 30. State-Minister LaRoda said Researchers at the Colorado State
University, have predicted an above-average Atlantic Hurricane Season for 2022
with 19 named storms, 9 of which are expected to become hurricanes, with 3 of
the 9 expected to become major hurricanes – Category 3 or higher.
“At the end of the day, we all have a role to play -- government, churches,
businesses, charities, as well as individuals – to adopt preparation measures,
which mitigate against the impact of any impending disaster,” State-Minister
LaRoda added.