BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - SUNDAY (June 1) marked the first of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season and, despite predictions of a below-average season, residents of St. Kitts and Nevis are still being urged to be as prepared as possible.
Forecasters predict that there would be nine named storms, three hurricanes and one major hurricane, which is less than the average 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes which were predicted for past seasons.
Speaking with this publication, St. Kitts’ National Disaster Coordinator attached to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Carl Herbert said: “This year’s season is forecast to be not very active with about nine named storms of which three can be hurricanes. And of that three, it is predicted that one would be category three or above. Though it is forecast to be a pretty quiet, not very active season, I just want to remind residents that as has happened in the past, we have had tropical systems that have passed with lots of rain, which has caused some disruption in services...for example, in water.
“So, even one system can create disruption for any country. As a result of this, we want persons not to become complacent but to still undertake necessary preparations, including having containers to store water, especially drinking water, having containers or zip lock bags, waterproof items to secure important items. If there are persons under your care who use medication, I’m encouraging you to have extra medication just in case there is a need to have such items...”
Herbert advised that in addition to flashlights, transistor radios, batteries, canned foods and non-perishable items which should be stocked, a “personal kit” should be prepared for each person which could be used in the event of an emergency.
Included in this kit should be “a change of clothes, a change of shoes, a rain cloak, pliers, screwdriver, a piece of wite...just some items that you can have to assist you on a personal level...”
The last hurricane to directly impact St. Kitts was George in 1998 and, more recently, Hurricane Omar caused some damage within the Federation in 2008 although it was not in its direct path.
The list of names selected for the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season are: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.
