Editorial: Be Prepared for Hurricane Season 2020

The rains of a weekend ago served as an ever-present reminder that we life in the tropics comes with the annual threat of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Each year, around this time, those of us who live in this tropical paradise usual focus our attention on getting our homes prepared for hurricane season and the prospect of a storm coming our way.

This year, the threat of the coronavirus pandemic has been front and centre of our minds. Our priority when it came to personal safety shifted from what howling winds, torrential rains and flying debris could do to harm us to shielding ourselves from an invisible virus.

While that should remain top of mind, even as we ease back toward opening up as normal, we ought not to forget the danger that can come our way. June 1st to November 30th is the official Atlantic hurricane season. Many forecasters and scientists are predicting that it will be a busy one with the possibility of up to 10 hurricanes. Where those hurricanes will go, if they materialise, no one knows.

Although we have been spared the brunt of any major storms for several years, let’s follow the lead that we as a community took in preparation for COVID-19 and ensure that we take the necessary precautions for hurricane season.

We urge you to ensure you have thought about where you will ride out any storm that comes our way; if your home is not safe or you do not feel comfortable being there, ensure you know where the nearest shelter is and that you can get there before conditions deteriorate. If you have elderly relatives, cater for them in your plans. Same for pets. Ensure your travel documents are in order. Keep adequate prescription medication at hand.

We continue to hope and pray that this is not the year that these beloved islands are not hit by a hurricane. However, if it is the year, then we trust the people of these islands would have taken the necessary precautions.