Active Hurricane Season Ahead…be prepared say experts
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS- Experts are advising locals and indeed the wider Caribbean to “get ready” for what is expected to be an “above average storm season”.
Dr. William Gray, a Colorado State University professor who is an eminent figure in hurricane forecasting, has predicted that there will be 8 hurricanes this year, 4 of which will strengthen to “major” hurricanes. This is twice the number of major hurricanes reported in 2007.
The Federation has been ‘lucky’ the past few years as storm after storm bypassed the twin islands and devastated other Caribbean countries leaving a path of fatalities and millions of dollars in infrastructural damage in their wake.
This lull in hurricanes impacting the Federation has left some with a false sense of security experts say; a mindset that leaves them vulnerable and unprepared if a hurricane should directly hit.
Karl Herbert, National Disaster Coordinator for the Federation, says that “everyone must do their part” to get ready for the Atlantic hurricane season which officially begins June 1st and tentatively ends November 30. Storms have on occasion developed before and after the designated season.
“The scientific community has not reached a definitive reason why the number of storms has been increasing. There are those who would say that it is due to climate change and there are those who would oppose that view, but I think the most important thing is that the people of the Federation be prepared. ~~Adz:Right~~
“We have not been impacted severely for a few years now and we at NEMA [the National Emergency Management Association] worry that people have relaxed a bit, but there is no guarantee that a serious storm won’t strike this year,” said Herbert.
Based on data that he has studied, Herbert said he feels there has been a considerable increase in the intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes over the past six years, and people should organize themselves accordingly.
“Now is the time that people should be doing their usual procedures: stocking up on non-perishable foods, containers of fresh water, sealing documents in water proof containers as well as any special preparations that need to be done.”
Herbert noted that construction sites, auto repair shops and any place with heavy, valuable materials should take the necessary steps to secure those items.
“These objects can become very destructive projectiles during a hurricane and anyone who owns such materials must protect their investments by locking them up before a storm comes.”
Hurricane names for 2008 are Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paloma, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.
Herbert said the most import advice he could offer for a safe storm season is that everyone be prepared.
“Start the preparedness process as early as possible; don’t wait until a hurricane is breathing down your neck to try and batten down.”
