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LaRoda: ‘Precautionary measures taken now, can save lives and property in the future’


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.


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