BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Sept. 10. 2018 – THE National Hurricane Center has advised that the center of Hurricane Isaac was located near latitude 14.7 North, longitude 43.9 West. as it continues with a forward movement towards the west near 14 mph.
Meteorologist confirm a westward motion with a slight increase in forward speed is expected through the end of the week. On the forecast track, Isaac should move across the Lesser Antilles and into the eastern Caribbean Sea on Thursday.
In its mid morning report, the hurricane was still a category one storm as it was packing Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts. Officials are projecting additional strengthening over the next day or before it begins to weaken.
Met officials in St. Kitts have confirmed that there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect currently; however, interests in the Lesser Antilles should monitor the progress of Isaac.
“The St. Kitts Met Services is closely monitoring Hurricane Isaac which is expected to strengthen further before weakening later this week as it continues to move towards the island chain. Residents are reminded that we are in the peak of the hurricane season and are encouraged to ensure that their disaster plan is ready. We will continue to provide daily updates on Hurricane Isaac which should be in the vicinity of the island chain by mid-week,” a SCASPCA statement read.
In a social media post, officials at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gave tips on what people should do before, during and after the storm.
“Before the storm
1. Dismantle television and other antennas.
2. Purchase food as shops may not open for several days after a hurricane. You need food that does not require cooking or refrigeration.
3. Pack enough food for your family for 24 hours in case you have to evacuate to a shelter. The Ministry of Social Development will begin feeding shelters about three (3) days after a hurricane strike. You can stay alive without food for 10 days. Shelter space is for people, not equipment.
4. Bring in and store porch and lawn furniture, garden tools, garbage bins and other objects which might blow away in strong wind.
5. Tightly close any metal or wooden awnings, put up storm shutters, board windows and tape glass doors. Use good lumber because makeshift boarding may do more damage than good.
6. Fill your gasoline tank and put the car in a garage or another safe place away from large trees. Check battery and tires, be sure your automobile is in good operating condition.
7. Keep in readiness one or two hurricane lanterns filled with kerosene. Also keep in stock a supply of charcoal for cooking purposes.
8. Store as much water as you can. It may be days, weeks before public water supply is reinstated. Fill all available containers such as bathtubs, barrels, buckets, saucepans, bottles etc.. Without fluid (water) you will die in 2-3 days. A minimum quantity of drinking water per day is one gallon per person for 10 days. Water which is not in a clean, sealed container must be boiled for at least 10 minutes before drinking.
9. Have a good cooked meal before hurricane strikes.
10. A small quantity of first aid supplies may be useful.
11. Get your fishing pots and gear out of the water at first warning. Move boats to higher ground.
12. If you have 100 1b. gas cylinders attached just outside your house, tie cylinders together and turn off at the valve.
13. If you have a 251b. gas bottle inside the house, remove the regulator from the bottle, entirely. Do not replace it until the house can be opened again and complete ventilation is restored.
14. Make yourself acquainted with the system of hazard warnings.
15. Make sure that you know the emergency shelter(s) for the area in which you live.
16. Know the elderly persons living in your area who will require help if a hurricane threatens. Keep a list and make yourself known to them.
17. Feed your animals and give water and untie them.
18. Remove pictures/cups/ornaments from walls and store in drawers.
19. Turn up freezer/fridge to its coldest temperature/setting.
20. No one knows how long the electricity will be off. It may be necessary to cook most of the perishable items before the hurricane strikes.
21. Do not use alcoholic drinks.
22. Do not occupy telephone lines with unnecessary calls.
23. Pay no attention to rumors, alarmists or malicious persons who may share fraudulent and or incorrect alerts and warnings.
During the storm
1 Keep tuned to local radio stations and media outlets.
2 When the hurricane approaches, open a window or door on the side of the house opposite the one facing the wind, to stabilize pressure and reduce possible damage.
3 Should the centre, or “eye” of the storm pass directly over our area there will be a lull of a few minutes to a half hour or more, stay inside unless you have emergency repairs to make. Remember the wind will return suddenly from the opposite direction, frequently with even greater intensity.
4 Close windows and open one on the opposite side of the house.
5 Avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors unnecessarily after the power goes off. These units will maintain cold temperature for several hours.
6 If you have to evacuate to a shelter, take the minimum food and water for your family for 24 hours. Also take a flashlight, blanket, rain clothing, toilet paper, a pair of shoes, valuable personal documents (Passport, land papers, insurance, Will, Birth Certificate) and secure in water proof containers. Families should remain together and ensure to calm children. Do not take animals/pets or furniture to the shelter. Help the Shelter Management Team.
7 When the hurricane is striking, turn the main switch off in your house as a good safety measure.
After the storm
1. Check all members of your family to see if they need medical aid. If so, take the injured person(s) to the nearest doctor, first aid station or hospital.
2. Do not drive your automobile unless absolutely necessary and, if you do, drive slowly to avoid downed electric wires and other debris. Additionally, be aware that, soil may be washed from beneath pavements, which may collapse under the weight of vehicles.
3. Do not go sightseeing.
4. Do not touch any of the many wire/cables which may be lying on the ground or across building. Report damage to power and water lines and cables to the authorities.
5. Survey your property and make any necessary emergency repairs.
6. If your house has been damaged, a qualified electrician should check all internal wiring for repairs, before turning on the main switch.
7. Take down shutters and store your lumber in a handy place for future use.
8. Do not use your regular water supply or food unless you know it is safe.
9. Inspect outside gas bottle installation(s) and if everything seems alright, open the cylinder valve. However, if damage is observed, leave it shut off and call the supplier.
10. Stay away from disaster areas unless you are qualified and received permission to provide needed assistance.
11. Listen to local media houses for information. If they are off, contact the NEMA or NDMD for Alerts or Warnings that may have been posted, also listen to stations in neighboring islands, in the event they are relaying pertinent information on the country’s behalf.
12. Seek medical assistance for those injured during the storm.
13. Do not move dead bodies unless in danger of being washed away. Advise police and leave someone to guard until the police arrives.
14. Wear raincoat, hat and shoes.
15. Check in water with a stick, for holes/washouts in paths or roadways.
16. Do not loot and discourage/prevent others from such actions.
17. Bury dead animals/burn.
18. Use telephone if necessary but not for extended periods.
19. Check on senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities or special needs.
20. Photograph and make written records of damage, for insurance purposes.
21. No swimming in rough seas or flood waters.
22. Do not drink unboiled water. Boil for about 10 minutes.
23. Keep high sanitary standards. Do not throw debris or garbage in ghauts, open spaces, abandoned property or streets.
24. Report missing persons to the Police and other Authorities.
CLOTHES
1 Raincoat & Rain Hat
2. Umbrella
3. Sneakers, Rubber boots
