BIMS (Bioprist Institute of Medical Sciences)
Hurricane Preparedness
Emergency And Disaster Prepardness Tips
Geographically, Jamaica is a country that is prone for natural disasters mainly Hurricanes and Earthquakes and less frequently the flooding. The institution has most of the areas covered to its best possible levels to mitigate the natural disasters in compliance with the regulations stipulated by the Office of the Disaster Preparation and Emergency Management (ODPEM), an agency of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the contact details for the ODPEM are:
ODPEM
2-4 Haining Road
Kingston 5, Jamaica
Email: odpem@cwjamaica.com
Tel: 1 (876) 906-9674 / Toll free: 888-225-5637
By the Jamaican Law, all facilities are required to develop emergency response plans to be reviewed by the ODPEM. The DRM Act 2015 Section 5 (2) (c) (ii) states, ” initiate, coordinate, inspect, evaluate and support – the development and testing of emergency response plans by appropriate agencies including the emergency services, the security forces, the private sector, non-governmental and voluntary agencies”.
SAFETY TIPS — Readiness for hazards and emergency situations:
- Ensure that your household is aware of your family emergency plan.
- Ensure that you have an Emergency/Disaster Kit packed and ready to be utilized.
- Know your Parish Disaster Coordinator
- Know your community evacuation routes.
- Know the closest shelter to you.
- Know your emergency numbers.
Other Safety Tips
- Ensure that you back up your contact numbers. Print a copy if possible.
- Ensure that you back up other important information.
- Note and print important contacts – family, neighbours, friends as well as those for emergency support – your doctor, ODPEM, the Fire Brigade etc.
- Secure a prepaid “Top Up’ card (for prepaid service).
- Get a car charger. Test it to ensure that it is working properly.
- Secure an alternative (non-cordless) home phone.
- Ensure that you charge your devices once a Hurricane Warning is issued.
- Keep your phones dry by placing them in a plastic /zip lock bag. Also try to keep your other devices dry by storing them in plastic bags or containers.
What’s in your Survival/Emergency Kit?
The following are essential items you will need to better prepare for the hurricane season.
Survival Kit 1: Water
- Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day.
- Keep at least a seven-day supply of water for each person in your household. Do not forget water for your pets. They are also members of your family, if you have any.
Survival Kit 2: Food
Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation of cooking and little or no water. These types of foods include:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Canned juices
- Crackers
- Jams
Survival Kit 3: First-Aid Kit
- A first-aid kit should include:
- Adhesive bandages in all sizes
- Sterile gauze pads
- A small pair of scissors
- Needle and thread
- Assorted safety pins
- A supply of prescription medication, if you are taking any
- A supply of non-prescription medications such as over-the-counter painkillers
- Alcohol
- Cotton
Survival Kit 4: Tools And Supplies
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Candles
- Lanterns (Home Sweet Home lamps)
- Flashlights, one per person, with extra batteries for each
- Cash
- Can opener
- Utility knife
- Plastic sheeting to protect valuable documents, etc.
Survival Kit 5: Sanitation
- Toilet paper
- Soap
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene products
- Plastic garbage bags
- Plastic bucket with a tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household bleach
Survival Kit 6: Clothing And Bedding
- Include at least three complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Sturdy shoes or work boots.
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
The hurricane season in Jamaica officially spans from June 1 to November 30. August and September are the peak months with rainfall highest between June and November. BIMS advises you to be prepared for these storms the warning of which will be provided in advance.
Before the storm
- Keep yourself updated by tuning in to the local radio and television stations.
- Keep checking BIMS website for reports and instructions.
- Stock up on all emergency supplies
- Secure all items outdoors.
- Bring all movable objects indoors.
- Ensure availability of simple first-aid supplies such as bandages, iodine, etc.
- Adjust refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to ensure it remains cold for a long time in the eventuality of a power cut-off.
- Keep all important documents in sealed watertight containers.
During the storm
- Stay indoors, do not step outside
- Keep all essentials like drinking water, flashlight, within reach
- Where possible, unplug your electronics
- Stay updated with all storm-related information
- Keep the following emergency numbers on hand:
After the storm
If you have power, check your BIMS email for updates pertaining to campus reopening and class schedules. Also, tune in to local radio stations for hurricane updates.
- Contact Procedure
Once the storm is over, get in touch with your assigned faculty or student representative. More information about these representatives will be provided when you attend orientation. - Returning Home
If you have been evacuated before the storm and return home, then evaluate losses if any and take photos for insurance purposes. Drink only boiled tap water for the next few weeks. Check your refrigerator for spoiled food items and remove immediately. Be careful of fallen debris and live wires when outside. Ensure safety by wearing thick-soled shoes.
The hurricane season in Jamaica officially spans from June 1 to November 30. August and September are the peak months with rainfall highest between June and November. BIMS advises you to be prepared for these storms the warning of which will be provided in advance.
Before the storm
- Keep yourself updated by tuning in to the local radio and television stations.
- Keep checking BIMS website for reports and instructions.
- Stock up on all emergency supplies
- Secure all items outdoors.
- Bring all movable objects indoors.
- Ensure availability of simple first-aid supplies such as bandages, iodine, etc.
- Adjust refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to ensure it remains cold for a long time in the eventuality of a power cut-off.
- Keep all important documents in sealed watertight containers.
During the storm
- Stay indoors, do not step outside
- Keep all essentials like drinking water, flashlight, within reach
- Where possible, unplug your electronics
- Stay updated with all storm-related information
- Keep the following emergency numbers on hand: