Disaster

As usually before a storm, Haiti and Dominican Republic (DR) authorities issued warnings to residents in lowland areas to vacate their homes and seek higher ground before Hurricane hits.

But residents in the DR and Haiti are unaffected by the warnings. For example, a Haitian street seller would not stop selling snow cones despite the existence of Hurricane.

A DR nationalist, Geovanny Batista, echoed the sentiments of many, claiming, "We're sure nothing is going to happen."

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Do not venture outdoors until the storm has passed. Many people die after going out during the eye, thinking the storm had ended. A good way to determine that the storm has definitely passed is to verify this by weather updates over the radio. Report any power lines that have been downed and keep well away from them. Because of the damage done to some infrastructures, amenities like electricity and piped water may take some time to resume. Be patient, report any damage to the relevant authorities and continue to use your stored food and water.

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During a storm it is safest to keep inside a secure room. Make sure to stay away from the windows and do not use candles or your phone. Keep your supplies of food, water, first aid and any necessary tools nearby and keep abreast of the storm by listening to reports on the regular radio or NOAA radio. During the eye of the storm, remain inside as the calm is only temporary and storm conditions will resume.

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Before a storm hits, preparation is key. Having a plan and being ready to implement it will reinforce your confidence during a catastrophe. Make sure to keep abreast of the current conditions by tuning in to the radio, the television or the internet. Stock up on lots of water for drinking and for household uses, and buy food supplies that don't require refrigeration or much in the way of preparation. Batten down windows, and prepare a secure room, keeping supplies like a first aid kit and tools close at hand.

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Safety during a hurricane is a matter of personal responsibility. How ready you are in case of a disaster reflects how well one can weather the storm. During a hurricane watch or after a warning, one should look to abandon all low-lying areas, secure valuables stored outside, stock up on food of the non-perishable variety, water and fuel supply, and batten down windows.

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The old adage, 'Still waters run deep' could be aptly adapted to fit the conditions of the flood waters following a storm if depth is replaced by speed. While flood waters can indeed rise to threatening heights, the real danger lies in the rapid pace of the flowing water, the seemingly manageable surface, hiding beneath it currents that easily sweep people, vehicles and even houses away. Aside from this danger, it's impossible to know what floats in the flood waters as chemicals could have been spilt during a storm, as well as bacteria and untold other sources of diseases.

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It is the general practice of power companies to shut down electricity during storms of a certain category or higher. Still, when there are downed power lines before, during or after a storm, precaution must be taken on the part of civilians to ensure their own safety. One must never touch a down line either directly or indirectly. Do not pass underneath electrical equipment and alert the authorities as soon as a downed wire or line is noticed. Do not touch someone who is being shocked by a downed wire and salvaging the wood from downed poles for fires is ill-advised due to the chemicals used in preserving the wood.

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Billboards have been our constant companions on the road for as long as advertising has mattered, but after the recent decision made by Reginal Delva, Secretary of State for Public Safety, their presence during the hurricane season will be greatly diminished. Citing the risk posed to the lives of people during a hurricane by falling billboards, Delva has given the demand that billboards be removed temporarily by the companies who own them. These companies are said to have given their agreement, a decision aided by the planned sanctions to be taken against those who do not comply.

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The 2010 earthquake that struck Haiti was one of the largest in terms of magnitude and THE MOST VIOLENT to have hit Haiti in over a century. The magnitude of the earthquake was 7.0 and it triggered a series of local tsunamis too! The earthquake originated at a depth of 10 km under the surface of earth. However, according to GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences located in Potsdam says that the earthquake originated at a depth of 17km and had a magnitude of 7.2.

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The devastating earthquake of 2010 that had hit Haiti took its toll by killing 316,000 people and injuring another 300,000. Apart from that, 1.3 million people were displaced with total of 97,294 houses being destroyed and another 188,383 being destroyed alone in Port-au-Prince. Petit Paradis was hit by a local tsunami that claimed at least 4 lives. Other areas like Les Cayes, Jacmel, Luly, Petit Goave, Anse a Galets and Leogane were also hit by local tsunamis.

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