Tips on Securing Life and Property

Securing your home against burglary and break-ins means not only safeguarding property but also maintaining your peace of mind.

Losses through such acts can be costly, therefore it is important to plan to minimise these. Below are safety tips and suggestions on security systems for your home:

  • Make sure the grounds of your home are well lit. Dark, shadowy premises facilitate the movement of thieves.
  • Grillwork at doors and entranceways are beautiful ways of keeping safe.
  • Your dog can be both your pet and your protector. Buy one that is trained for the latter purpose.
  • Automatic gate openers and garage doors reduce the risk of gate hold-ups.
  • With an intercom system, you will not have to open a door to determine who is outside. Videocams also allow you to see whom you are talking to.
  • Closed circuit TV can map the movement of people both inside and outside your home.
  • A cellular telephone can be used to call for help even after your regular telephone lines have been cut. There are also alarm systems available that are triggered if the lines are cut.
  • Arrangements with owners of armed response teams may be convenient. There are professional groups in Jamaica who are geared to arrive within minutes of a triggered alarm.

There are a wide variety of alarms available for your home, car and person.

SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Safety around your home is of paramount importance to your family's survival. Practicing the motto "Safety First" is a way of keeping your family from pain and danger.

Here are some household tips on how to keep your loved ones out of harm:

  • Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing in water and do not put these items in water.
  • When changing a light bulb, always turn off the light before and do not insert fingers in the socket.
  • Should you have a 'fat' fire in your kitchen, try putting it out with salt, flour or earth - never use water.

Safeguarding your children:

  • Make sure heavy furniture is on firm legs and cannot topple over easily.
  • Remove tablecloths, vases and lamps from the children's reach.
  • Do not put pots and pans with hot liquids or food near the edges of stoves, countertops or tables.

TIPS ON HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

The hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. During this period, there is heightened interest in what has traditionally represented the greatest natural disaster in the region.

For the record, a hurricane is a tropical cyclone in which maximum average wind speed near a centre or eye exceeds 74 mph or 119 km/h. Knowing what to do when a hurricane comes is very important. Before a hurricane hits, there will be several national advisories. A Hurricane Warning will be issued when tropical storm conditions are expected to affect an area in 24 hours or less.

Below are tips from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Jamaica, on how to prepare for a hurricane:

  • Know the nearest shelter and evacuation route, especially if you live near a coastal area or a known flood proned area.
  • Make sure there is a battery-powered radio and flashlight available. Have excess batteries on hand.
  • Ensure that there is enough perishable food to last at least two weeks. Some basic foods to stock up on are sardines, tuna, corned beef, canned vegetables, dried fish (codfish, mackerel) peanuts and cereals.
  • It is important to store water in clean containers that can be securely covered.
  • Ensure that roof and rain gutters are secure.
  • Construct wooden shutters to protect windows or place masking tape on glass window to reduce flying glass.
  • Have a first aid kit at your disposal.
  • Secure important documents in a tightly sealed plastic bag and store away.
  • Bring domestic animals and pets indoors.
  • Raise furniture on blocks or other available material.
  • Limb trees, especially those near to dwellings and electrical poles.

Likely impact of hurricanes

  • Structures will be damaged or destroyed by wind force, storm surges, landslides and flooding.
  • Public utilities such as power lines, telephone systems and water may be disrupted and remain out of service for lengthy periods.
  • Bridges are likely to be damaged or roads blocked, making transportation impossible in some areas.
  • Culverts and drainage systems are also subject to severe damage.
  • Falling trees and flying debris can also cause considerable damage.
  • The combination of high winds and heavy rains and flooding can damage crops and trees.
  • Food stock may be lost or contaminated, which can result in food shortage.

Casualties and public health

  • Depending on the strength of the storm, there may be many persons dead and injured.
  • Hospitals and health centres may be flooded, leading to medication being spoilt.
  • Documents may be destroyed and expensive machinery damaged.
  • An epidemic may result, putting further strain on limited resources.

Lack of communication

  • Communication may be severely disrupted, as telephone lines, radios and television antennae and satellite dishes may be blown down.
  • Roads and bridges may be blocked by fallen trees or debris, curtailing movements for long periods.
  • Airports may be closed as well.