What to do as the hurricane season begins

• Preparing a family emergency plan as the hurricane season begins is key to mitigating any risk.

Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.— Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic, an organisation focused on decent housing, is offering Dominicans a series of tips to help families prepare for the hurricane season.

Today more than ever, the need for decent housing as a proper, fundamental shelter for families has become clear.

“Given the current situation caused by COVID-19, there is great concern about the hurricane season possibly exacerbating the effects of the pandemic. Evacuations would be significantly hampered by fear of catching the virus, and social distancing rules would be broken when providing aid to hurricane-affected areas,” says Betsaida Santa, Programmes Manager at Hábitat Dominicana.

That is why the organisation recommends making a family emergency plan as the hurricane season begins. It should include a first aid kit, stored drinking water and food that doesn’t need cooking, a battery-powered radio, torches or candles, and important documents kept in a safe place.

To prepare for a hurricane during the hurricane season:

1. Protect your windows
2. Cut back tree branches next to your house, and fell dead or weak trees on your property.
3. Review your family’s emergency communication plan. The answers to what to do, where to go and how to reconnect are information every family member should know, especially children.

Also remember the items to have available in an emergency: hammers, screwdrivers, nails, screws, plastic sheeting, tape and blankets, stored in dry places or waterproof containers, bin bags and a tin opener, as well as disposable plates, cups and cutlery in case there is no water to wash everyday ones.

Once a tropical storm or hurricane watch or warning is issued, you should:

1. Alert all family members and neighbours.
2. Make sure you get up-to-date information on the situation.
3. Identify whether there are any hazards around you that could put you or your family at risk
4. Secure emergency supplies, take into account family members with special needs and determine whether it is safe to stay at home.

During bad weather, do not attempt repair work, turn off the gas to prevent leaks and explosions, stay inside your home or the shelter you are in, keep informed through official authorities and stay calm. If your home has been damaged, protect your belongings and ask the relevant organisations for help; keep emergency numbers to hand.

Share these recommendations with your family and neighbours, and find more tips on our website and social media.

Habitat is preparing to support families during this pandemic by delivering hygiene kits and, later, emergency kits for possible cyclones, storms or hurricanes. Get involved to find out how companies, individuals and others can help.

 

Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic

A global non-profit, non-governmental organisation working to ensure everyone has a decent place to live, through programmes focused on housing microfinance, minimising risk and increasing disaster response.

Habitat for Humanity Dominican Republic empowers families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Since it began its work in 1986, the organisation has delivered more than 27,000 housing solutions and impacted around 135,000 people. we empower through housing.