< PreviousEMERGENCY GUIDE 20238 Emergency numbers GRAND CAYMAN SISTER ISLANDS CAYMAN BRAC EMERGENCY POLICE, FIRE & HOSPITAL t: 911 POLICE STATION t: 948-0331 FIRE STATION t: 948-1245 FAITH HOSPITAL t: 948-2243 LITTLE CAYMAN EMERGENCY POLICE & FIRE t: 911 POLICE STATION t: 948-0100 FIRE t: 948-0011 LITTLE CAYMAN CLINIC t: 948-0072 AFTER HOURS t: 916-5395 OFFICIAL INFORMATION SOURCES During an emergency it is vital to keep up-to- GDWHZLWKRIÀFLDOYHULÀHGLQIRUPDWLRQ7KHVH are the platforms and channels to follow in a crisis such as a hurricane, earthquake, WVXQDPLWKUHDWÀUHRURWKHUQDWXUDOGLVDVWHU as well as public health emergencies like COVID-19: HAZARD MANAGEMENT CAYMAN ISLANDS HMCI WEBSITE caymanprepared.ky HMCI FACEBOOK @Caymanhazard HMCI TWITTER @CINEOC RADIO CAYMAN RADIO CAYMAN ONE: 89.9 on Grand Cayman, or 93.9 on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman RADIO CAYMAN TWO: 105.3 on Grand Cayman, or 91.9 on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. (These stations are also broadcast online at radiocayman.gov.ky) CAYMAN WEATHER RADIO: 107.9 Operated by the Cayman Islands National Weather Service CIG TV LOGIC: Channel 23 C3: Channel 3 FLOW: Channel 106 youtube.com/CIGovtInfoServices FOR INFORMATION ON COVID-19 VISIT EXPLOREGOV.KY/CORONAVIRUS COMPASS MEDIA RADIO = 52267(5 ,6/$1')0 *2/' CAYMAN COMPASS The Cayman Compass provides factual, timely information through its website caymancompass.com and social media platforms, and has a dedicated Storm Centre which is accessible to non-subscribers. The print edition of the Cayman Compass is published weekly on Fridays. EMERGENCY GUIDE 202310 E mergencies can happen anytime, anywhere and without warning. To keep the community safe in a national disaster, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) has developed a mobile app to deliver real-time HPHUJHQF\QRWLÀFDWLRQVDERXW major incidents. Residents and visitors can download the free app to their mobile devices to receive emergency alerts from HMCI. Subscribers can select whether they ZDQWWKHQRWLÀFDWLRQVE\HPDLORUWH[W or both. Developed in collaboration with key local and regional stakeholders, the app is part of the National Emergency 1RWLÀFDWLRQ6\VWHP²NQRZQDV1(16 It issues alerts on major national incidents, such as hurricanes, HDUWKTXDNHVWVXQDPLVODUJHÀUHV airport incidents or chemical spills. The emergency alert will include details of the incident including what kind of incident it is, where it is primarily located (if possible) and when it occurred. The message will also include any essential public safety messaging such as instructions to stay away from the incident area or to seek higher ground. Along with the app, HMCI communicates public safety messaging on major incidents through its website, local media, social media sites and a radio alert system developed in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety Communications. This system enables HMCI and DPSC to broadcast emergency alert messages across all radio networks. The emergency messages automatically interrupt radio broadcasts, after which normal programming resumes. Get the emergency alert app Free app is part of the National Emergency Notification System How to sign up for the app Follow these four steps to access QDWLRQDOHPHUJHQF\QRWLÀFDWLRQV 9LVLWQHQVJRYN\WRRSWLQWR WKHVHUYLFH &KRRVH¶DSS DQG provide your email to sign up. 'RZQORDGWKH$W+RFDSS entering the email address you used to opt in to the service to verify and activate your account. $W+RFDSSZLOODVN\RXIRU an organisation code. Your organisation code is HMCI. 3UHVV¶VHQG· 4. The screen will indicate you are now set up to receive QRWLÀFDWLRQV Access a video tutorial through this QR code.After Hour Phone: 925-1481, 925-1479, 949-9303 Email: scheduling@reliable.ky For our full list of services please visit: www.reliable.ky We offer 24-hour emergency services. Tree Cutting Flood/Water Extraction Fire Restoration Are you prepared?EMERGENCY GUIDE 202312 Cayman’s location and natural disasters How does Cayman’s geographical location affect its risk for certain natural disasters? Emergency Guide looks at the facts, with help from Hazard Management Cayman Islands. EARTHQUAKES The Cayman Islands is located on the Cayman Ridge, on the southern border of the North American tectonic plate, with the Caribbean plate to the south. These two plates are constantly moving against each other, with the North American plate moving west in a left lateral motion, at a velocity of approximately PPSHU\HDU Potential earthquake sources in the Cayman area include the Mid Cayman Rise (or Cayman Spreading Centre), and the Swan Fracture Zone on its east side, and Oriente Fracture Zone on its west. These fracture zones represent the southern and northern boundaries of the Cayman Trench. Two different types of plate interactions take place close to the Cayman Islands: • A short spreading centre (divergent plate boundary) south and west of George Town, where the two plates pull away from each other causing magma to come up through the divide, which then cools and creates new crust. • A transform boundary (strike-slip), where the plates slide past each other. Both of these plate interactions are known to generate earthquakes. There is the potential for the Cayman Islands to be affected by a major earthquake, but the return period (and probability of occurrence) for major quakes in the near proximity of the islands is low. Recent significant earthquakes near Cayman 'HF $PDJQLWXGHHYHQW ZLWKDQHSLFHQWUHPLOHVVRXWK of George Town -DQ $PDJQLWXGHHYHQW ZLWKWKHHSLFHQWUHPLOHVHDVW southeast of Cayman Brac.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202313 HURRICANES A tropical cyclone is a warm-core, low pressure V\VWHPZLWKRXWDQ\¶IURQW·DWWDFKHGWKDWGHYHORSV over the tropical or subtropical waters, and has an organised circulation. Formed over tropical or subtropical waters, hurricanes are fuelled by warm water and moist air – and the Caribbean offers these conditions, especially during summer months. While the statistical peak for the Atlantic activity is mid-September, that is not the case for cyclones that threaten the Cayman Islands. The warmest water in the region is typically in the western Caribbean Sea in the latter part of the hurricane season, leading to formation activity often occurring in or near the Cayman Islands area towards the latter months of hurricane season. As a result, the statistical peak IRUF\FORQHVSDVVLQJZLWKLQPLOHVRIWKH&D\PDQ Islands is mid-October. STORM SURGE Storm surge is caused primarily by the strong winds in a hurricane or tropical storm, and is the greatest threat. As the Cayman Islands, particularly Grand Cayman and Little Cayman, are low-lying, small and narrow, they are vulnerable to storm surge and to dangerous ZDYHDFWLRQ6HYHUHÁRRGLQJIURPUDLQZDYHVDQGRU surges can affect any area of the islands, depending on the strength of the particular storm, the path it is travelling, and how close its centre comes to land. TSUNAMI The main sources for tsunami in the Caribbean are earthquakes (generated at the boundaries of the Caribbean plate or within the plate), submarine landslides, volcanoes, and large earthquakes which occur far away and generate a large tsunami which reaches the Caribbean. The threat level for the coastal areas in the Cayman Islands from this hazard is poorly understood at this time. While the deep waters surrounding the Cayman Islands are ideal for generating high velocity tsunami waves, it is possible that some areas in the Cayman Islands where there is a narrow, shallow shelf area, before the depth increases rapidly, may contribute WRDUHGXFWLRQLQWKHSRVVLELOLW\RIVLJQLÀFDQWWVXQDPL ZDYHUXQXSDOWKRXJKWKLVKDVQRWEHHQVFLHQWLÀFDOO\ FRQÀUPHG,WLVDOVRQRWFOHDUZKDWWKHWVXQDPLZDYH run up implications are for the reasonably large and H[WHQVLYHDUHDRIVKDOORZV PLOHV[PLOHV represented by the North Sound in Grand Cayman. Hazard Management has been seeking this evidence. Last year the inshore LIDAR bathymetry, a necessary input for the localised tsunami wave run up model Environmental conditions conducive to tropical storm formation: :DUPRFHDQZDWHUV DWOHDVW)& • An unstable atmosphere driven by differences in temperature, where temperature decreases with height. • Moist air near the mid-level of the atmosphere. 0XVWEHDWOHDVWPLOHV ZLWKUDUHH[FHSWLRQV QRUWKRU south of the equator for it to spin (due to the Coriolis effect). • Little change in wind speed or direction with height (known as low vertical wind shear). Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was secured. Since then, HMCI was able to obtain a commitment and statement of works from NOAA Center for Tsunami Research, 3DFLÀF0DULQH(QYLURQPHQWDO/DEWRSHUIRUPDORFDOWVXQDPLKD]DUG assessment for the Cayman Islands (in a UNESCO/IOC-NOAA partnership with the International Tsunami Information Center &DULEEHDQ2IÀFH This assessment and tsunami wave run up model are scheduled WREHGHOLYHUHGWRWKH&D\PDQ,VODQGVODWHULQDQGUHSUHVHQW DVLJQLÀFDQWGHYHORSPHQWIRUWKHWHUULWRU\·VKD]DUGULVNDQDO\VLV that may result in changes to local preparedness, mitigation and response measures relating to tsunamis. Representatives of the Cayman Islands Government meet with visiting representatives of the NOAA, the Regional Association IV Hurricane Committee, and U.S. Air Force Reserve.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202314 B eing prepared can make a real difference when it comes to dealing with emergency situations. Ensuring homes and workplaces have the necessary equipment can drastically improve the outcome of a health-related crisis. $ÀUVWDLGNLWDQGDQDXWRPDWHGH[WHUQDO GHÀEULOODWRU $(' DUHWZRRIWKHPRVW common and important items to have on hand. First aid kit First aid kits can either be assembled by individuals or purchased from organisations such as the Cayman Islands Red Cross. (See page 56 for LWHPV\RXVKRXOGKDYHLQDÀUVWDLGNLW AEDs An AED, or automated external GHÀEULOODWRULVDSRUWDEOHHOHFWURQLF medical device that is used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical personnel such as bystanders, WHDFKHUVÀUHÀJKWHUVDQGSROLFHRIÀFHUV The Cayman Heart Fund has donated AEDs and CPR kits to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), which can be used by front OLQHRIÀFHUVLIHPHUJHQFLHVDULVH7KHVH life-saving devices are in police stations across all three islands as well as at the police detention centre, on board the RCIPS helicopters and Coast Guard vessels, and in certain police vehicles. The Cayman Heart Fund sells AEDs for use in homes and workplaces. For more information contact the Heart Fund on info@caymanheartfund.com RU Emergency procedures Companies should ensure they have at least one member of staff trained in &35DQGDQRWKHULQÀUVWDLGDVZHOODV members of staff trained in AED use if a machine is on-site. Companies should keep up-to-date databases of staff medical conditions and next-of-kin, as well as ensure evacuation routes and meeting spots are established. For those with medical conditions, a medic alert pack, developed and distributed by Hazard Management Cayman Islands, can make a difference in an emergency. The pack provides ÀUVWUHVSRQGHUVZLWKTXLFNDQGUHDG\ access to information about medical history, medications and allergies. 6LPSO\ÀOORXWWKHWZRVLGHGLQIRUPDWLRQ sheet, insert it into the fridge alert envelope which sticks to your fridge door. Attach a fridge alert sticker to a front window in your home so that paramedics know that potentially life-saving information will be readily available on the fridge. Emergency kit – be preparedBE PREPARED WITH TO STUFF YOUR FACE TO STUFF YOUR FACE Let Island Taste help you be prepared for disaster! No matter the storm, Island Taste is committed to baking the freshest products for you and your family. + l (345) 949 1480+ l (345) 916 8765Info@IslandTaste.ky Catering@IslandTaste.ky Unit #7 Caymanian Village, North Sound Way PO Box 7, Grand Cayman KYl-1101 www.IslandTaste.ky @IslandTasteCaymanEMERGENCY GUIDE 202316 W hen a storm is forecast, take steps as soon as possible to ensure your home, or commercial premises will withstand a battering from strong winds and rain. Strap down the 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 QHZEXLOGSODQVRUUHWURÀWWKHPRQWR existing houses. Protect the windows Entry points like doors and windows are the weakest links when it comes to home protection as, if breeched, 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, although 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 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. People 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 6WRUPVXUJHDQGÁRRGLQJDUHYHU\UHDO threats during a hurricane. If there are DQ\RSHQLQJVLQDKRPHZDWHUZLOOÀQG a way in. 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 ÁRRUWREDFNXSDQGÁRRG7XUQRIIWKH ZDWHUWR\RXUWRLOHWÁXVKLWDQGWKHQ bail out any remaining water. Then put a sandbag or two over the drain hole to prevent sewage and storm surge from EDFNÁRZLQJLQWRWKHKRPH Clear your yard 0DNHVXUHWKHUH·VQRWKLQJWKDWFRXOG 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, should consider taking valuable furniture and belongings upstairs. Another option is to raise GRZQVWDLUVIXUQLWXUHRIIWKHÁRRUXVLQJ cement blocks. Use plastic to cover items like beds, artwork and electronics that can be damaged by water. Keep important documents, including passports, birth DQGPDUULDJHFHUWLÀFDWHVDQGRWKHU legal documents, in a sealed plastic bag to take if you must evacuate at short notice. Unplug Remember to unplug everything electrical in your house to protect it from surges due to lightning strikes. Parking If you live in low-lying areas, think about parking your vehicle on higher ground or a multi-storey parking lot. Make your home safe Prepare your property for storms.STAY PUT - Avoid driving in a storm and stay in a safe place after it has passed. Be prepared to remain where you are for an extended period. Often injuries and deaths occur in the aftermath of storms. Persons impeding roadways cause obstacles for emergency personnel responding to those in need. SLOW DOWN – The roadways remain slippery after a hurricane, so decrease your speed to avoid skidding if you must drive. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN – Prepare for standing water. Never drive through flooded areas, even if you are familiar with the roads. The water-covered area of the roadway may be washed out or contain debris, tree branches, or even power lines. PAY ATTENTION – You may approach an intersection that is no longer controlled by a traffic signal. If a police officer is directing traffic, follow their directions. Otherwise, treat the intersection as if governed by a four-way junction. The National Roads Authority urges drivers to follow safety tips that can save lives. What are NRA’s responsibilities during a storm? To keep the roadways safe for the people of Cayman. Other responsibilities include. • Setting up traffic control and detours, assisting with traffic control for emergency evacuations (when necessary) • Removing debris and branches from roadways and coordinating clean-up with other entities such as CUC & WAC • Making emergency repairs to damaged roads • Assessing damages and providing emergency engineering services • Coordinating long-term recovery to restore transportation infrastructure • Communication of road condition information and emergency repair progress to HMCINext >