Jamaica Information Service

Ways To Help Children Cope With Disasters

1. Encourage children to ask questions.Listen to what they have to say. Provide comfort and deal with their fears. It is okay to admit you cannot answer all of their questions. After all you are human, just like them.
2. Talk on their level. Communicate with your children in a way that they can understand.
3. Be honest. Tell them exactly what has happened. For instance, do not say that someone who has died has “gone to sleep.” This may result in some children being afraid to go to bed.
4. Find out what frightens them. Encourage children to talk about any fears they may have.
5. Focus on the positive. Highlight the fact that most people are kind and caring.
6. Pay attention. Look at how children are playing or what they are drawing. Ask them to tell you what is going on in the game or the picture. You can use it as a way to answer questions, clear up wrong thinking or give support.
7. Develop a plan. Talk to the family about developing a family emergency plan for the future. For example, identify a place where everyone should go in an emergency or disaster. This will help both the child and you, the parents, to feel safer.

Adapted from Jamaica Red Cross brochure, “Helping Children Cope With Disasters: A Guide for Red Cross Volunteers”

Precautions for the Elderly

Although many elderly Jamaicans live with relatives or in homes for the aged, there are many more who live alone. Some of them have physical and/or mobility impairments, which may make it difficult or impossible to respond to warnings or evacuation notices. These persons may also be on special diets and receiving medical care. Most of these persons also have reduced or very small incomes.

As Jamaicans, we need to be aware of the special needs of the elderly and plan for them in the event of a hurricane.

Here are just a few things we can do to assist the elderly in our communities…

At the start of the hurricane season:

1. Appoint someone to coordinate disaster preparation in your community, taking special note of the elderly and other vulnerable members in the community.
2. Contact local agencies that deal with the problems of the elderly and request an input in disaster preparedness plans.
3. Locate those elderly in the community whose needs might go unanswered because of their inability to help themselves.
4. Locate elderly homeowners.
5. Determine what resources are in the community to aid the elderly in the event of a hurricane, for instance, transportation for evacuation, food, nursing home facilities, and volunteers to help with evacuation or to stay in the homes of the elderly during the hurricane.
6. Establish disaster education programmes for the elderly.
7. Identify proper shelters for the elderly who may need to be evacuated from their homes or area.

During a hurricane watch:

1. Contact voluntary personnel to assist in evacuation and to go into homes as companions during the hurricanes.
2. Check shelters to make sure they are safe.
3. Check the elderly citizens staying at home and make sure that have basic necessities.

During a hurricane warning:

1. Check the homes of the elderly to find out if they are well built in a safe area.
2. Get volunteers to stay with them.
3. Make sure their homes are secure.
4. Make sure enough water is stored and there are enough non-perishable foods.
5. Check for special medication that may need refilling.
6. Make sure there are lamps, matches, kerosene oil, flashlights, batteries, portable radios, emergency cooking facilities and a simple first-aid kit.
7. If their homes are not safe or if they live in flood-prone areas or where they can be affected by a storm surge, remove them to a shelter or a home where they will be comfortable and safe.

Some elderly persons are like children. During a hurricane they will need extra love, care and reassurance. Some will become very frightened and will panic. It is important that they are kept calm.

If you are an elderly person who lives alone, it would be a good idea to move to the home of a relative or friend. If you prefer to stay at home then you could ask a relative or friend to stay with you during the hurricane. It can be a frightening experience to bear alone. If you plan to stay at home, then carefully follow the hurricane precautions above and others provided by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Safety Measures for Pregnant Women

If you are in an advanced state of pregnancy—7 to 9 months—when a hurricane threatens there are certain precautions you should take. During an emergency or disaster, many pregnant women go into labour. This was the case during hurricane Gilbert.

Here are some general precautions:

1. Be sure to have necessities for the birth of your baby and for yourself packed in a waterproof bag or plastic. Take them with you wherever you go.
2. If you live alone get a friend or relative to stay with you or move to one of their homes before hurricane conditions begin to affect the country.
3. Plan to move to a safer place if you live in an area that is likely to be affected by a storm surge or flooding.
4. If your house does not offer adequate protection, leave for one that is safer.
5. If you live very far from the hospital where you are to deliver your baby, arrange to stay with a relative or friend who lives closer.
6. Keep an extra supply of any special medication you will need.
7. If possible, visit your doctor or midwife before the hurricane strikes to ensure that you and your baby are fine.
8. Be sure to pack your medical insurance card with yours and the baby’s things. You may need it if you have to go to a hospital where you are required to pay.
9. Keep calm. This is very important for you and your baby. Worry and anxiety can be harmful to you both.

Source: Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and can be viewed on the website odpem.org.jm