HURRICANE COMMITTEE

July 1998 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

Senior Island Administrator Everette Hart appointed Chief Councillor Mike Malone Chairman of the Hurricane Preparedness Committee at a meeting held at the Magistrate's Court, Marsh Harbour, on 25th May.

During the meeting, Radio Abaco General Manager Silbert Mills was invited to describe a meeting of 80 Meteorologists and Weathermen from around the world which he had recently attended in Nassau. The names of the 1998 hurricanes and tropical storms, he said, would be Alex, Bonnie, Charley, Danielle, Earl, Frances, Georges, Hermine, Ivan, Jeanne, Karl, Lisa, Mitch, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie and Walter. Dr William Gray of Colorado State University has predicted there would be 10 tropical storms and six would develop into hurricanes. Mr Mills recommended that the public listen carefully to weather advisories broadcast by qualified staff thather than reports by newsmen. He suggested that Emergency Management Teams be organised for the Abacos and he proceeded to give an overview of the duties and responsibilities of each unit and a list of suggested supplies necessary for each shelter. It was later agreed that a Command Centre should be established as a base of operations and information in the event of a hurricane.

Mr Christopher Roberts suggested that the Water & Sewerage Corporation store a reserve of potable water at the Airport site as regular drinking water quickly becomes contaminated or unavailable during hurricanes.

Mr Daniel Wiltfang pointed out that Trauma One units store first aid kits, oxygen, basic life support paraphernalia and extrication systems all the time, but if there is extensive flooding then the vehicles would not be able to move. Trauma One would be on hand to assist after the storm had passed, when its equipment and personnel would probably be most necessary. He recommended that all homes and businesses have first aid kits on hand.

Mr Peter Burrows of BaTelCo said that even under the worst conditions that could be expected, Abaco would not be cut off from the world. BaTelCo has both VHF capability and a satellite link which can be used for emergency communications.

Mr Quentin Bastian of Shell Bahamas commented that there should be a group in each community to identify health threats during a hurricane. There should be provisions to assist the elderly, tourists, children and others who might become displaced. He advised that a base hospital be set up and a patrol formed to police the harbours and marinas. In hurricane conditions, Mr Bastian said, all the fuel lines at Shell Bahamas are closed off and Chairman Mike Malone said that fuel lines at all marinas should be disconnected.

Nurse Peggy Cooper expressed concern about the ability of the Marsh Harbour Government Clinic to be fully functional during a hurricane. Damage to the central waiting area would separate the two main working areas of the Clinic. In the case of flooding, it would be hard to access the Clinic.

There was much valuable input from several other members of the business community and government departments and corporations before the meeting was adjourned. Another meeting would be held soon.

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