< PreviousEMERGENCY GUIDE 202220 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 The practice of naming storms has been done for centuries and has evolved through many different methods. From using the saint’s day that their arrival fell on, to time periods, to alphabetical order, attributing names to these natural hazards allows for easier communication and identification both during and after a storm’s lifecycle. Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists which originated from the US National Hurricane Center, and are now maintained and updated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Until 1978, only women’s names were used, before men’s names entered the listings. Currently, there are six lists (not including the new supplemental list) of predetermined names that are used on rotation for identifying Atlantic tropical storms and hurricanes each season. These lists are re-cycled every six years, so this year’s list will be used again in 2028. Names are removed from the list, and replaced by others, if a storm so deadly or costly occurs, that its name would be inappropriate to use in future. Gilbert, Ivan and Paloma have all been retired from name lists for this reason. If more than 21 named hurricanes occur in the Atlantic basin in a season, and regular rotating lists are therefore exhausted, names begin to be taken from an alternative list. In previous years, this list was the Greek alphabet, and was only used twice, in 2005 and 2020. Last year, the WMO retired the Greek alphabet saying it created a distraction from the communication of hazard and storm warnings and was potentially confusing. STORM NAMES FOR 2022 ATLANTIC BASIN STORM NAMES 2022 Alex Bonnie Colin Danielle Earl Fiona Gaston Hermine Ian Julia Karl Lisa Martin Nicole Owen Paula Richard Shary Tobias Virginie Walter Adria Braylen Caridad Deshawn Emery Foster Gemma Heath Isla Jacobus Kenzie Lucio Makayla Nolan Orlanda Pax Ronin Sophie Tayshaun Viviana NEW SUPPLEMENTAL LIST: Keep your business operating, whatever the weather, with our CW Business Continuity Solutions. Contact us on Cay-EntSupport@cwc.com to learn more.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202222 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 HEED THESE WARNINGS WHICH WILL BE ISSUED BY CAYMAN ISLANDS AUTHORITIES WHEN THE TERRITORY IS IN THE PATH OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE: ALERT When notification is received that a hurricane or tropical storm is likely to strike the Cayman Islands within the next 72 hours or more. WATCH When notification is received that a hurricane or tropical storm is likely to strike within the next 48 hours; your hurricane preparations should be under way. WARNING When notification is received that a hurricane or tropical storm is likely to strike within the next 36 hours; your hurricane preparations should be stepped up, if not already completed. ALL CLEAR When notification is received that a hurricane or tropical storm has passed, or no longer poses a threat. ESSENTIAL STEPS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A STORM: BEFORE Prepare an emergency kit and have a disaster plan in place. Make sure all your family members have an emergency plan in case you are separated from one another. Heed watches, warnings and evacuations. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. DURING Stay close to government channels and local news outlets, including caymancompass.com, for information and updates about the storm, and follow emergency orders closely. If advised, turn off propane tanks and other utilities. Stay inside and away from windows and doors; a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level is the best option. AFTER Stay informed about further weather updates, especially rain, which can cause flooding. Keep an eye out for downed electrical lines. If you see any, report them right away. Drive only if necessary. Stay away from flooded thoroughfares. If you require a generator, do not run it from inside your home, or an enclosed space, as carbon monoxide can accumulate dangerously. Storm alerts Know the warnings for hurricanes and tropical storms.EMERGENCY GUIDE 2022 23 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 SMALL CRAFT ADVISORYGALE WARNINGSTORM WARNING HURRICANE WARNINGALL CLEAR WHAT IS A HURRICANE? A hurricane is a type of storm called a tropical cyclone, which forms over tropical or subtropical waters. A tropical cyclone is a rotating low- pressure weather system that has organised thunderstorms but no fronts (a boundary separating two air masses of different densities). Tropical cyclones with maximum sustained surface winds of less than 39 miles per hour are called tropical depressions. Those with maximum sustained winds of 39mph or higher are called tropical storms. When a storm's maximum sustained winds reach 74mph, it is called a hurricane. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating, or category, based on a hurricane’s maximum sustained winds. The higher the category, the greater the hurricane’s potential for property damage. Hurricanes originate in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico, the eastern North Pacific Ocean, and, less frequently, the central North Pacific Ocean. A six-year rotating list of names, updated and maintained by the World Meteorological Organization, is used to identify these storms. Hurricane season begins on 1 June and ends 30 November, although hurricanes can, and have, occurred outside of this time frame. - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). TROPICAL CYCLONE An organised low-pressure weather system of clouds and thunderstorms that develops in the tropics. TROPICAL WAVE A kink or bend in the normally straight flow of surface air in the tropics which forms a low-pressure trough, or pressure boundary, showers and thunderstorms. Can develop into a tropical cyclone. TROPICAL DEPRESSION A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds near the surface of less than 39 mph. TROPICAL STORM A tropical cyclone with winds of 39 to 73 mph. HURRICANE A tropical cyclone with winds of 74 mph or greater. EYE The low-pressure centre of a tropical cyclone. Winds are normally calm and sometimes the sky clears. This lull often signifies the storm’s eye – not its end. Anyone riding out a hurricane should wait for authorities to announce that the danger has passed. EYE WALL The ring of thunderstorms that surrounds a storm’s eye. The heaviest rain, strongest winds and worst turbulence are normally in the eye wall. STORM SURGE Storm surge is a dome of water that is pushed ashore by the oncoming hurricane’s winds. Storm surge and large battering waves can endanger lives, destroy buildings, erode beaches and damage roads. This flooding accounts for the largest number of hurricane fatalities. KNOW YOUR HURRICANE TERMSEMERGENCY GUIDE 202224 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 THE NATIONAL HURRICANE EMERGENCY PLAN Cayman’s National Tropical Storm and Hurricane Plan is what is termed a ‘hazard specific’ plan and it sits under the main National Hazard Management Plan. The Tropical Storm and Hurricane Plan specifies what actions are to be taken by which people before, during and after a storm impacts the Cayman Islands. The organisational structure is headed by Governor Martyn Roper and Premier Wayne Panton, who co-chair the National Hazard Management Executive. In addition to the Governor and Premier, the National Hazard Management Executive includes the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Governor, members of Cabinet, Financial Secretary, Attorney General, Commissioner of Police and the Director of Hazard Management. The National Hazard Management Policy Group also forms part of the disaster response structure and is tasked with making policy decisions and resolving conflicts referred by the Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands or the National Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator. The policy group is led by the Deputy Governor. The National Emergency Operations Centre includes 18 emergency support teams, which are made up of personnel from various government agencies, and representatives from the private and volunteer sectors. The emergency support teams in Grand Cayman are grouped into clusters to maximise operational effciency. These support teams have various areas of responsibility such as debris clearance, mental health, shelter operations, damage assessment and joint communications. The National Emergency Operations Centre, located in the Government Administration Building, serves as the headquarters to direct and coordinate a response. This centre can communicate via telephone, radio, SMS or email, VHF marine aeronautical channels and other land mobile radio frequencies, plus satellite phones. There is also a call centre attached to the National Emergency Operations Centre, which is utilised to respond to the emergency. The call centre also acts as a contingency location should the 911 building be compromised. In addition, a crisis management tool called WebEOC allows authorised persons to access information regarding mission tasks and significant events from anywhere in the world (provided the internet is working). This means UK naval ships that may be en route to support the Cayman Islands, can maintain full operational awareness of activities in the National Emergency Operations Centre. The government radio communications network is available on all three islands; each island system is capable of independent operation if it becomes disconnected from the rest of the network. The responsibility for declaring a hurricane alert rests with the Director General of the National Weather Service, in consultation with the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the National Hazard Management Council and the Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands. When an alert/watch/warning is declared, the public are advised through various media avenues including, but not limited to, radio broadcast, social media, the National Emergency Notification App, as well as the relevant flags being flown at designated buildings across three islands.EMERGENCY GUIDE 2022 25 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTER UTILITIES coordinates technical responses to ensure the integrity and/ or restoration of communication and utility systems as quickly as possible. INITIAL CLEARANCE AND DEBRIS MANAGEMENT provides emergency responders access to obstructed areas, then ensures safe removal and disposal of debris. DAMAGE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT coordinates all damage assessments both to the physical environment (buildings, agriculture, natural environments etc.) and to the economy which will provide government leaders with critical information for the response and helps guide the relief process. Following a major impact this emergency support team liaises closely with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean team, which conducts a detailed economic assessment. The Damage and Economic Assessment Team may continue to work past the response phase and into the longer- term recovery phase when stability has generally returned to most sectors. COMMUNICATIONS restores information communication services that may be affected as a result of a disaster. Each emergency support team has a leader as well as an overall cluster manager. The National Emergency Operations Centre coordinator is HMCI. SUPPORT SERVICES CLUSTER JOINT COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES provides a framework for ensuring that accurate and timely information is communicated locally and internationally. CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS ensures the continued functioning of constitutional government under all circumstances. RESOURCE SUPPORT arranges for the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment and/or personnel required to meet immediate needs. RELIEF AID MANAGEMENT is responsible for coordinating all efforts related to management of relief aid. ECONOMIC CONTINUITY provides liaison between private and public sector during response and recovery operations to ensure an orderly economic recovery. EMERGENCY SERVICES CLUSTER EVACUATION applies to both residents and visitors. The Department of Tourism will assist in coordinating visitor transportation to the airport. Residents may be ordered to evacuate an area of the island declared unsafe. SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT will be provided by police officers/regiment deployed in shelters and identified key areas. SEARCH AND RESCUE operations are the shared responsibility of the police, regiment and fire services. THE COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM may provide a range of services including initial damage assessment, debris clearance, light search-and-rescue operations, first aid and supporting relief distribution (Red Cross and HCMI). HUMAN CONCERNS CLUSTER SHELTER OPERATIONS provides shelter to those in the community who are unable to find appropriate shelters for themselves. MEDICAL RELIEF activities can range from basic first aid to assistance for the management of mass fatalities. MASS FATALITY MANAGEMENT addresses the potential impact of disaster conditions which result in substantial loss of life. VOLUNTARY AGENCY RESPONDERS serve as point-of- contact for all non-governmental organisations, voluntary agencies and non-profit organisations playing a role in the disaster management process. MENTAL HEALTH addresses mental health implications of decisions being made in the National Emergency Operations Centre, as well as providing assistance to emergency responders. Clusters National Emergency Operations Centre clusters consist of: THE SISTER ISLANDS EMERGENCY COMMITTEE This is a scaled-down version of the National Emergency Operations Centre in Grand Cayman, and performs the same functions. It is linked to the National Hazard Management Executive and the National Emergency Operations Centre in Grand Cayman. EMERGENCY GUIDE 202226 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 Volunteers in each district can make a huge difference during an emergency. By joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), you will be better prepared for any kind of hazard, such as a major storm or earthquake. CERT members are trained to recognise, respond to, and help their communities recover from emergencies and disasters. These teams provide immediate, vital services during large-scale incidents, particularly when the response from professional emergency responders might be delayed. Teams are currently operating in North Side, West Bay, Prospect, North Sound Gardens (Newlands), Savannah Meadows, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Participants learn how to identify and anticipate hazards, reduce fire threats in the home and workplace, extinguish small fires, conduct light search and rescue, and set up medical treatment areas, first aid and CPR. They also help reduce survivor stress, as well as conducting damage assessment, and vulnerability, ability and capacity assessment. CRITICAL SUPPORT CERT members give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organise spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts. Members play a key role in enhancing the response mechanism at the community level. TRAINING The teams receive ongoing skill development, which can be beneficial in their everyday life or their job. As set out in the Disaster Preparedness and Hazard Management Law, CERT members who are approved to assist in the national response to an incident are paid by their employer for up to 10 days per annum while engaged in the response effort. CERT ROLES • Help prepare their community by identifying threats and risks (for example, flood-prone areas); identify local assets and skills that can support a community response in their area. • Give support to the frail, elderly and other vulnerable persons by providing welfare checks, assisting with transportation to shelters and relief distribution locations, putting up shutters etc. • Following an impact, the teams typically break into sub-groups and perform search-and-rescue operations and conduct an initial damage assessment of the community, which is then reported back to the National Emergency Operations Centre. This helps government identify the hardest- hit areas so interventions and support can be prioritised. • Assist with first aid, provide psychosocial support, and set up food and water stations to distribute relief supplies. • Help clear roads of downed trees to provide access in and out of the community. • Trained in fire safety and suppression. • Continual training arranged by Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI). • WhatsApp group to build awareness and connectedness in the community.. HOW TO JOIN Anyone interested in signing up as a CERT volunteer, should contact Teresita DaSilva at HMCI on teresita.dasilva@gov.ky. JOIN YOUR CERT TEAM Help your community in a crisis.EMERGENCY GUIDE 2022 27 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 Residents of the Cayman Islands should be aware of the vital role that the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service plays prior to, during, and after an emergency. It is upon officers to keep order in the community, give help to those who need it, and ensure that emergency services and other necessary working crews can provide aid and restore utilities. As a hurricane approaches, providing shelter security and keeping the public calm are just a couple of examples of their wide variety of duties. Assisting the injured or rescuing people in difficult situations also falls under their purview. And, as was necessary after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the police must sometimes enforce official curfews to keep islanders safe, allow the unrestricted movement of frontline vehicles, and reduce the chance of opportunistic crimes, such as looting. Protecting critical infrastructure is key to a quick recovery, which includes such vital services as electricity, fuel, water and communications. Therefore, high-visibility policing deployment occurs post-storm and residents must make sure they do not hinder the important work of this essential emergency service. HOW CAN I HELP? When it comes to an emergency, the community needs to band together and support its members. Being prepared, following the law, and knowing when to call the RCIPS is to everyone’s benefit. • Be prepared. Have hurricane supplies ready in the event of a storm threat, and if your property is vulnerable to flooding, move to a public shelter. Emergency personnel cannot come out in the middle of a storm, so do all you can to protect yourself and your family ahead of time. Should you need to call 911, your call will be noted for action when it is safe. • Share updates. If you call 911 for assistance, and then change locations, call again to keep them updated. Minutes can make all the difference in an emergency, and personnel should not be spending precious time trying to locate you while others are possibly waiting for assistance. • Abide by the law. If a directive such as a stay-at-home curfew is issued, follow the rules. Roads may be blocked or there may be dangerous debris and live electrical wires lying about. These laws are set to keep the public safe and to allow emergency services to get to those who need them as quickly as possible. WHAT IS A STATE OF EMERGENCY? In the face of an impending strike by a major hurricane, other action likely to endanger public safety or in the immediate aftermath of another type of disaster, the Governor may, as a precaution, issue a ‘Proclamation of Emergency’. This allows the Governor to expedite actions in the interests of public safety and security, including the acquisition or distribution of goods. The provisions of the proclamation may be applied to facilitating any other purpose deemed essential to good governance. HOW WILL I KNOW THE RULES? Listen to the radio stations, follow local media reports, and look at official websites for up-to-date information. If you’re still not sure, call numbers specifically assigned to provide details to the public. POLICING DURING AN EMERGENCY For non-emergency calls contact individual stations and services using the numbers on page 10.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202228 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 Protect your Property Keep your house safe during a storm. As well as ensuring you and your family will be physically safe during and after a storm, there are many essential steps that can be taken to minimise the impact on your home and personal belongings. PROTECT YOUR ROOF Hurricane straps on the rafter system are a vital protection for roof structures and increase the structural integrity. Either ensure they are included in a new build plans, or retrofit them onto existing houses that do not have them. PROTECT YOUR WINDOWS Entry points like doors and windows are the weakest links when it comes to home protection as, if breached, the rest of your home may be left exposed. Hurricane-resistant windows, storm shutters or plywood are all options for protection. Hurricane-resistant windows are the best option, however they are expensive, while shutters and plywood are more economical. For those who can afford them, hurricane shutters are the way to go because they are very easy to deploy once installed. However, different types of shutters offer different degrees of protection. Thinner gauge aluminium shutters will not perform as well as ones that are thicker, when tested by a major hurricane. Those who live close to the sea, or at higher elevations where hurricane winds are stronger, should consider the heavier gauge shutters. Putting plywood over windows will also work. Buy plywood in advance and store it in a dry place. Make sure to use an adequate amount of the proper screws to anchor the plywood to the side of your home. SEAL WINDOWS AND DOORS Storm surge and flooding are very real threats during a hurricane. If there are any openings in a home, water will find a way through them. Seal gaps in doors – especially near the bottom – with either silicone caulking or duct tape, or a combination of both. If possible, seal all doors from the outside. Put duct tape over outside electrical outlets and dryer vents. If practical, put duct tape over eave vents to prevent wind- blown rain from entering through the eave vents and damaging attic spaces and interior ceilings. Flooded septic tanks can cause toilets and sinks, especially on the ground floor, to back up and flood. Turn off the water to your toilet, flush it and then bail out any remaining water. Then put a sandbag or two over the drain hole to prevent sewage and storm surge from back-flowing into the home. CLEAR YOUR YARD Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks and building material inside or under shelter. Knock down any coconuts hanging from nearby trees as well as any loose tree limbs as these can become projectiles in high winds. PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS Put valuable possessions up high, on top of cabinets, closet shelves and other permanent structures. Those who live in a home that has more than one storey can consider taking valuable furniture and belongings upstairs. Another option is to raise downstairs furniture off the floor using cement blocks. Cover items like beds, artwork and electronics that can be damaged by water with plastic. Keep important documents including passports, birth and marriage certificates, and other legal documents in a sealed plastic bag and close by so that you can take them with you if you must evacuate on short notice. Remember to unplug everything electrical in your house to protect it from surges due to lightning strikes. If you live in low-lying areas, think about parking your vehicle on higher ground.EMERGENCY GUIDE 2022 29 THURSDAY, 2 JUNE 2022 Preparing for a Hurricane: Always ensure that trees and branches on your property are properly maintained and grow away from power lines. Trees or branches that grow over 10 feet away from power lines can be trimmed by landscapers. DO NOT attempt to cut trees or branches that grow within 10 feet of power lines. Only personnel approved by CUC should trim trees or branches within 10 feet of power lines. Contact our Customer Service Team at 949-5200 or via e-mail at service@cuc.ky for more information on Tree Trimming. Replenish your stock of batteries and check flashlights, battery lanterns and radios. Keep a ‘C’ type fire extinguisher in your home or office. NEVER attempt to extinguish an electrical fire with water - you could be electrocuted. Severe lightning accompanies a hurricane. Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances to prevent unnecessary electrical damage. After a Hurricane has passed: DO NOT touch fallen or low-hanging power lines; stay as far away as possible. DO NOT touch or attempt to move objects in contact with power lines. Always assume the lines are energised. DO NOT turn on your main breaker until you ensure that the secondary (individual) breakers are OFF. Once you switch on the main breaker, turn on the secondary breakers one at a time to check for electrical faults. If a fault is detected, turn off the main breaker immediately and contact a qualified electrician. In the event of a hurricane, CUC will continue to supply power as long as possible. When the winds reach hurricane force, it will be necessary to shutdown the North Sound Road Power Plant for the duration of the storm in the interest of public safety. CUC has an Emergency Preparedness Committee and action will be taken by our staff to restore service to our customers as soon as possible. To report or obtain information on power outages, call 945-1CUC or visit www.cuc-cayman.com. In the event of an electrical emergency, please call 911 immediately. Hurricane Preparedness Valuable electrical safety tips for Since 1974 BE PREPARED! BE PREPARED! (345) 949.8688 - (345) 640.8688sales@owerswater.comwww.owerswater.com CAYMAN ISLANDS CAYMAN ISLANDSNext >