|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
NEMA continues to monitor the tropics; issues flood safety tips
By Lindsay Thompson, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA
Aug 26, 2016 - 12:56:38 AM
|
Email this article
Mobile friendly page
|
 NASSAU, The Bahamas – The National Emergency Management Agency continues to closely monitor the activities in the tropics, particularly the movements of a system projected to produce heavy rainfall across the Southeastern and Northern Bahamas.
The Bahamas Department of Meteorology has advised that a broad area of low pressure associated with a tropical wave is moving through the Southeastern Bahamas producing gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall over the portions of the country during the next day or two, as an elongated upper trough extends across the Northern Bahamas.
Those islands include Inagua, Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Island, Ragged Island and Cays and South Andros.
Special warnings were issued to residents and boaters in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands to continue to monitor all media outlets in the event that the low pressure associated with a tropical wave rapidly intensifies as it moves through the Southeastern Bahamas.
Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell further advised residents to take the necessary precautions to protect life and property from damage due to flooding. Small craft are asked to remain in port.
He confirmed that contact was made with Family Island administrators, who met with their respective disaster committees to ensure the state of readiness.
The advisory comes as international and local weather officials, monitor Invest 99-L, a tropical disturbance which is pushing toward The Bahamas, and is expected to develop into a tropical depression or storm It will likely target Florida and the Gulf Coast this weekend into next week.
This system, in whatever form it's in, should arrive in the Central Bahamas by Friday (Aug 26), then move more slowly toward the Northwest Bahamas by Saturday.
In this vein, NEMA is urging residents in the projected path of the weather system to take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and properties.
As part of its education process, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, CDEMA, urges member states – The Bahamas being one through NEMA, to adhere to the following safety rules in the event of flooding.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE A FLOOD:
· Work with your neighbours and community to keep drains and surroundings free from garbage.
· Have a plan for taking children, seniors, physically challenged persons and pets to safety.
· Keep materials like plastic sheeting, sandbags, lumber, plywood, nails, rope and wire ready and available.
· Monitor weather conditions and listen for emergency instructions.
· Store commercially bottled water for drinking, as well as water in sealed plastic containers for other hygienic purposes.
DURING A FLOOD, do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water and you could be stranded or trapped
Residents are also advised to turn off water, gas and electricity at the main switches or valves and disconnect all electrical appliances. Also, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Some appliances, such as television sets can shock you even after they have been unplugged.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FLOOD:
· Re-enter the building with caution. Use flashlights, not lanterns or torches as flammables may be inside.
· Be alert for fire hazards such as broken electrical wires.
· If your home or building has been underwater, do not switch on the main; wait for professional assistance.
· Do not use appliances or equipment until they have been cleaned, dried and thoroughly checked for damage.
Also, report downed utility lines (electricity, water, gas and telephone) to the appropriate authorities. Boil all water and don’t eat leftover food until it is checked for contamination. And, keep away from disaster areas as your presence may hamper any rescue efforts.
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
