Hey guys this is Nericia again with another blog about things that really matter. In Jamaica, there is not really a specific time for any weather. We normally just have two main weather conditions, it's either raining or it's sunny.
We do have some parts of the year when it gets very hot and then there are times when it gets very cold but other than that there is not much of a weather change other than that. It normally is very hot all year round in Jamaica but there are a few months that are specifically named the hurricane season. These months range from June to November and this is the time when jamaica gets most of its rainfall. Rain falls here and there in the other months but not consistently like in these particular months.
Anytime the month of June comes around, everyone starts preparing for lots of rain, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, and many displacements. Some people have to leave their homes as they live too close to rivers or the sea, which may run over because of the heavy rains.
Some areas are labeled as flood-prone areas as they tend to flood very quickly and may not have proper drainage. in these areas persons either leave or get evacuated by the authorities. Either way, it pays to be very prepared in this uncertain time.
Here are a few things that people do before a hurricane
1. Batton down roofs -In Jamaica there is a lot of zink roofs, one of the main flying objects during a hurricane is a sheet of zink. People normally put bricks on the roof to keep it from getting detached from the house.
2. Batton down the windows and doors...People normally nail boards and other heavy materials at their windows to prevent any flying objects that may want to come in contact with the glass.
3. Bye a lot of food -People normally stock up on foods that are not easy to spoil, tin foods, rice, flour sugar, and other necessities that will come in handy. My grandmother always told me that you feel hungriest when the rain is falling.
4. Stock up on toiletries- toilet paper, pads, handtowels wipes. Lysol, disinfection, and so on.
5. Emergency items- These items include but are not limited to, Gas, Batteries, kerosene lamps and oil, flashlights. Battery charger generator if possible battery-operated radio or tv, First aid kit.
6. If you have pets or outdoor animals make sure they are secure in a safe place.
Be prepared
1. Pack a bag with clothes in case you have to leave home quickly
2. Place all important documents in a safe place and keep them close.
3. Make sure you have an emergency exit plan.
4. Make sure you have a place that all the family members can get to in case of an emergency.
5. Do a drill or two so that each person in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency.
6. Make sure to be Covid 19 prepared in case you have to go to a shelter.
Sanitizers, gloves, mask, sheets towels blankets, change of clothes for at least 10 days.
During the hurricane
1. Stay inside
2. Listen to the updates from the news and through social media.
3. Stay connected for as long as possible.
4. if you are in trouble do not wait until the last minute to reach out to someone for help.
5. Play board and card games until the light returns
After the hurricane
1. Make sure the hurricane is finished, you have confirmed it from several sources.
2. Check your surroundings for damages, check on neighbors if possible.
3. Watch out for fallen electric wires and disconnections
4. continue listening to the radio and social media for updates and information that might be very helpful.
The hurricane season is on us guys, please stay safe and wash your hands.