DEM fast-tracks readiness as forecasts warn of active storm season

The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is accelerating its hurricane preparedness plans as forecasts signal a potentially active Atlantic season, with director Kerry Hinds urging the public to step up their own readiness efforts.

Kerry Hinds, Director Department Of Emergency Management. (SB)

At a presentation to four charities that benefited from last weekend’s Tsunami Run 5K run/walk, Hinds told reporters the agency has already ramped up its readiness measures following a series of extreme weather events last year.

Kerry Hinds, Director Department Of Emergency Management, presenting a donation to representative from the Young Women Christian Association, Clypie Vaughan. (SB)

Her comments, which come against the backdrop of the November 16 flood when between eight and nine inches of rain fell across the island, leading to one man’s death at Charles Rowe Bridge, stressed that preparations for the upcoming season have already begun.

“Barbados can rest assured that we have started to increase our preparedness efforts,” Hinds said. “Just on Monday we had one of the key meetings…as it relates to our hurricane preparedness, and we will continue next Tuesday to hear the various updates and to put the necessary measures in place.”

While the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, Hinds warned that weather systems have developed outside that window, reinforcing the need for year-round vigilance.

Hinds also underscored the role of the island’s 30 district emergency organisations, noting that while they are currently at varying levels of readiness, ongoing training and coordination efforts are under way.

“We have upcoming meetings and we’ve started our zonal meetings… and we are anticipating our May annual chairpersons’ meeting,” she explained. “At these points in time we continue to do the necessary training and awareness within the communities… to continue our readiness efforts.”

The DEM director acknowledged that lessons from past events continue to shape improvements, particularly in communication systems, which have been a weak point in some aspects of emergency response.

She said: “Usually after every event, we have what we call a ‘hot wash’. After action and you find that there are a number of issues that usually come up we’ve been trying to improve in terms of our emergency communications. You find we always have some issue as it relates to that. That is a work in progress. 

“We’re trying to expand our emergency telecommunications network to ensure that we are connected. We are utilising the various technologies and the tools to enhance our disaster preparedness and response efforts.”

Hinds also made a strong appeal for public cooperation in reducing flood risks, particularly by addressing improper waste disposal.

“We always encourage persons to ensure that they do not litter…[during] flooding, you realise that there is a lot of debris around,” she said. “Please use the garbage cans available. Ensure that you remove your refuse and you don’t block the drains.”

(SB)