Church Local News News Residents urged to prepare for hurricanes Barbados Today12/06/20220105 views With an above-average hurricane season promised Barbadians must now play their part individually in making preparations. At the Annual Hurricane Season Church Service this morning, Director of the Department of Emergency Management Kerry Hinds called on Barbadians to focus their efforts on hurricane preparedness. “Disaster management is every individual’s responsibility. It is a shared responsibility. It is our hope that we are all in a position to respond effectively when called on to do so,” she said. “We at the Department of Emergency Management and the National Emergency Services continue to encourage all persons to play an active part in preparing and protecting our nation.” Recalling the devastation Hurricane Elsa caused in 2021, Hinds reminded that it only takes a single event to cause disruption. “This really requires all of us to redouble our planning and preparedness efforts to ensure we are ready to face any impact as a result of storm hazards,” she said. The Christian family was also called upon to help those in need.“As we go through this hurricane season we ask that you focus on your own preparedness as individuals, as families as the church family and as members of the wider community. Also, seek wherever possible to assist others as they prepare and respond to these events,” Hinds said. Hinds urged Barbadians to find out which hazards can affect them and to start preparing to handle them. “Develop an evacuation plan and assemble your disaster supplies with COVID-19 in mind and stock up on your non-perishables,” she added. “As a church you’re encouraged to offer your services to the community, be a safe haven for those who require shelter in the storm. Be that wise counsel to community members that may be victims of disaster and who require counseling support or just a word of [encouragement],” she added. She further encouraged them to be active participants in the national relief and recovery efforts. Giving the sermon was Minister In Charge of Ruby Church of the Nazarene, Rev. Dr Samuel Elcock. (MR)