Public safety bulletin from the Royal Barbados Police Force

The island of St Vincent has recently experienced an eruption of the La Soufrière Volcano.

This event, has impacted several other islands across the region including Barbados, which has been experiencing ash fall across the island.

This ash fall is expected to continue over the next few days and is expected to significantly impact road users in Barbados.

The Royal Barbados Police Force is advising that all road users observe the following guidelines to remain safe while utilizing the island’s roadways during this period.

1. DO NOT DRIVE, unless absolutely necessary. Driving on ash-slickened roads with reduced visibility can be hazardous. If you must drive on the roads, reduce your driving speed. In addition, with significantly reduced visibility you may have to drive with your headlights and rear lights on to ensure that your vehicle is visible to other road users.

2. During a significant increase in ashfall, pedestrians should seek shelter and minimize exposure to ash.

3. Pedestrians and motorists should limit time spent outdoors and use a dust mask or cloth mask to reduce the chance of ash inhalation.

4. If you have any breathing problems, avoid contact with ash. Stay indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.

5. Listen for up-to-date reports from official channels such as the Barbados Government Information Service.

6. Ensure that the vulnerable within your community such as the elderly or persons with disabilities by use of video and phone calls.

7. Avoid any attempts at cleaning up the ash or debris from your surroundings until it is safe to do so.