The need for families to prepare for any sort of disaster is the message the Red Cross is sending out to Cayman.
The Cayman Islands branch of the British Red Cross organised Red Cross Week, which began 1 May, to help families get thinking about disaster plans.
This culminated in a special awareness and fun day at the Red Cross building in George Town Saturday.
During Red Cross Week, activities included district awareness meetings, island-wide school presentations to educate children on preparedness and church services.
Creating a disaster plan should be a top priority for families, says Director Red Cross, Cayman Islands, Jondo Obi.
‘We want all families to prepare for any disaster, not just hurricanes, but flooding, earthquakes and fire,’ she said.
‘Everyone in the family should have a role. Try to include children and give them something to do,’ she said.
With regard to hurricane awareness following last September’s hit by Hurricane Ivan, Ms Obi said it was important for the Red Cross to begin preparedness awareness before hurricane season begins in June.
Some disaster preparedness tips include picking a point in which to meet in case of emergency, such as outside your home, or neighbourhood if you can’t reach home.
Another tip is to have an out-of-town friend to be a family contact, as after a disaster it is often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this same person and tell them where they are.
Discuss what to do in the case of an evacuation and how to take care of pets.
Other tips include teaching children how and when to call 9-1-1, showing family members how to turn off the utilities at the main switches, knowing how to use the fire extinguisher, finding the safe places in your home for each type of disaster, determining the best escape routes from your home.
Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit ,which includes water, food, first aid kit, non-prescription drugs, tools and supplies, sanitation, clothing and bedding, special items, entertainment and important documents such as passports.
The special awareness day on Saturday included showings of the Hurricane Ivan video followed by questions and answers and more light-hearted activities, such as fun and games for children and breakfast for all the family.
Now fully repaired, the Red Cross building in George Town is ready to be used again as a hurricane shelter, if needed.
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