Hurricane tips

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has urged all Jamaicans to take immediate steps to safeguard their health, property, and well-being as the country braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which could become a hurricane over the weekend.

In a statement, the commission reminded consumers that securing the home is critical to keeping their families safe, but, as while stocking up on essential supplies, they should pay close attention to product labels, expiry dates, and storage instructions at the correct temperature. Food safety begins at the point of purchase for the consumer, but preparation and storage are often where cross-contamination occurs.

In addition, the CAC further advised that, after the storm, all drinking water should be boiled or treated until declared safe. Foods, whether from stores or the farm, if exposed to floodwaters, should be discarded to prevent serious illness.

The CAC also reminded consumers to do a checklist of the key areas of preparedness, such as ensuring that they have the following: first aid kits, prescription refills, and hygiene supplies on hand; secure property, documents, and livestock; and plan meals with at least seven days of non-perishable foods and three gallons of clean water for each family member.

Consumers are also encouraged to top-up the fuel in their vehicles, charge devices, and conserve power during the storm, while relying only on official sources for updates.

By acting responsibly about personal safety, checking food quality before consumption and following the instructions of the authorities, Jamaicans can protect lives and strengthen community resilience during and after any extreme weather event.

Here is the CAC Hurricane Preparation checklist:

1. Personal Safety: Ensure you have a first aid kit with alcohol, OTCs fever reducers, rehydration salts (especially for the elderly and babies).

i. Refill prescriptions for NCDs (especially allergies and asthma)

ii. Hand sanitiser, wipes, and soap

iii. Feminine hygiene products

iv. Diapers and baby supplies

v. Bleach for deep cleaning (babies and elderly care).

2. Property: Baton down windows, zinc roofs and anything that is movable in your yard. Clean drains and gullies which threaten to flood your home. Secure all evidence of ownership and achievements for all the family in double plastic bags and store in a large covered waterproof container. Take photos of each and store on your phone.

3. Food and Water: Plan meals for each person in your family with special dietary needs. Shop for at least seven days of canned and non-perishable items. Check labels. Check expiry and best-before dates.

4. Fuel & Light: Fill up your car with petrol. Get an extra cylinder of gas for stoves in case you are cut off or supply chain is broken. Purchase extra kerosene for lamps. Get batteries for your flashlight and radio.

5. Finance: Pay your bills which might become due during the hurricane. Withdraw cash for services which may require immediate payment after the event.

6. Tools & Safety Gear: By now you should have secured extra tarpaulin, rope, duct tape, and plyboards. Windows have been torn off in high gusts during a weather event. You may need to do immediate repairs from indoors. Secure the basic tools hammer, nails, wrench, etc. Use safety gear like gloves, masks and goggles.

7. Pets & Livestock: Get your animals to higher ground. Roost your chickens in the coop. If your pets are in cages, secure adequate food and clean water. Secure the vaccination records for your livestock and domestic animals digitally. Physical documents may be stored elsewhere for safekeeping.

8. During the storm, conserve on the charged devices and only monitor the sites that are authorised to issue updates during the storm.