The following are safety and preparedness tips for the Rainy/Hurricane Season.
- Pack a ‘Grab and Go’ bag to last at least 72 hours in the event you and your family need to evacuate.
- In light of COVID-19 guidelines, include extra face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers
- Charge all mobile devices.
- Assemble a household emergency kit (locate flashlight, radio, food supplies, etc.).
- Reduce potential property damage by elevating appliances/key equipment and applying sandbags to vulnerable points in your home/business
- Write down emergency contact information and any important actions someone should take.
- Keep in contact with family and community members.
- Be cautious when walking/driving along hillsides or landslide-prone areas.
- If flooding is imminent or occurring, evacuate to higher ground. But, do not enter flood
waters to seek higher ground. - Complete your Emergency Plan in case a flood disrupts your normal route.
- Store important document in a waterproof container or electronically.
- Reduce potential property damage by elevating appliances and installing sandbags.
- Practice electrical safety – In the event of flooding, turn off electrical power to your
home or business. - Contact your Municipal Corporation or the Tobago Emergency Management Agency
(TEMA) through its toll-free hotline numbers if impacted and in need of assistance (see
attached). - Pay attention to regular updates on television, radio and social media for any changes in the weather conditions.
During and After Flooding:
- After heavy rainfall, stay inside until water levels have subsided, and it is safe to venture outside.
- Do not walk or drive through flood waters of unknown depth and current (6 inches of
moving water can knock an adult off their feet). STAY AWAY from moving water. - Stay away from drains and culverts. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and
even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. - Watch your step – flood waters often hide sharp and dangerous debris like broken glass
and metals. - Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear like boots, gloves and safety glasses
during clean-up activities. - Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a flood or if it is wet to prevent being
electrocuted. - Be aware of areas where waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could
collapse under the weight of a vehicle. - Practice good hygiene (hand washing) after contact with flood waters.
ODPM HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE FINAL
