< PreviousEMERGENCY GUIDE 202328 Cayman and climate change A s the Cayman Islands faces the effects of climate change, Premier and Minister of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Wayne Panton WHOOV&RPSDVV0HGLD·VEmergency Guide about the risks and the steps that the government is taking to combat environmental threats. What are the issues of climate change facing the Cayman ΖVODQGV" Small island nations like the Cayman ,VODQGVDUHWKHÀJXUDWLYH¶FDQDULHVLQ WKHFRDOPLQH·IRUWKHH[LVWHQWLDOWKUHDWV posed by climate change. Impacts such as rising seas, increased temperatures, changing weather patterns and stronger, more frequent storms, are upending lives and livelihoods across the globe. Climate change is not a distant possibility, it is an ongoing reality. We need to take urgent action to adapt to and mitigate against the impacts of climate change if we are to safeguard our communities, our economy, and our environment for future generations. :KDWLIDQ\HHFWVDUHZHDUH DOUHDG\VHHLQJKHUH" As islands with an average height above sea level of approximately 7 feet, perhaps the most obvious climate change impact is sea level rise. We have tide gauge data taken from South Sound in Grand Cayman that suggests DULVLQJWUHQGRIDURXQGPPSHU \HDUEHWZHHQ DQG ZKLFKLV projected to accelerate. We are looking DWVHDOHYHOULVHRIDERXWDIRRWE\ DQGRYHUIHHWE\ The data also tells us that average annual air temperatures have increased E\DSSUR[LPDWHO\&RYHUWKHSDVW \HDUVLQWKH&D\PDQ,VODQGVUDLQIDOO data collected at the Owen Roberts International Airport suggest fewer, but more severe rain events in recent years, which, as an example, affects the predictability of our agricultural production, and we have strong evidence for an increase in the intensity of hurricanes in the North Atlantic since WKH V$QGDQ\RQHZKRVSHQGV time in our marine environment has OLNHO\ZLWQHVVHGÀUVWKDQGWKHLPSDFWV of increased coral bleaching and disease outbreaks on our local reefs. $QGLWLVQRWMXVWWKHVFLHQWLÀFGDWD WKDWFRQÀUPVWKLVRXURZQSHRSOHDUH taking note of these changes. Last year the Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency launched a survey to evaluate and measure local climate change knowledge, attitudes and practices, and the majority of respondents reported noticing changes to local temperatures, rain patterns, storms, coastal erosion and plant growth. In what ways could the islands EHDHFWHG" ,QWKH&D\PDQ,VODQGV Government launched a climate change risk assessment that provides a solid evidence base for an updated national climate change policy. The full climate change risk assessment report, ZKLFKZDVUHOHDVHGLQ)HEUXDU\ represents the most comprehensive review of climate risks and opportunities to the Cayman Islands undertaken to date. The risk assessment analysed ULVNVUHODWHGWRRXUHFRQRP\DQG society, biodiversity and habitats. Of those risks, eight were considered ¶VHYHUH·EDVHGRQDFRPELQHGUHYLHZ of magnitude (seriousness), proximity XUJHQF\ DQGFRQÀGHQFHRIDYDLODEOH VFLHQWLÀFGDWD2IWKHVHYHUHULVNV nine are related to the economy and society, and nine are related to biodiversity and habitats. Severe risks included impacts to marine species such as sea turtles and corals, loss and damage to natural habitats, disruption to the energy sector, and damage and inundation of key infrastructure such as sewerage systems, roads, airports, coastal VHWWOHPHQWVSRUWVDQGVKLSSLQJWUDIÀF Premier and Minister of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Wayne Panton .EMERGENCY GUIDE 202329 What steps are the Government/ Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency taking to DGGUHVVWKHVHLVVXHV" The newly released draft Climate &KDQJH3ROLF\RXWOLQHVWKH proposed objectives and strategies QHFHVVDU\WRUHGXFH&D\PDQ·V vulnerability and enhance our resiliency to climate change; promote sustainable and low carbon economic activity; and establish a governance framework for climate action which is future-focused, fair to all, accountable and transparent. Why is it important to take WKHVHPHDVXUHV" The Cayman Islands cannot turn the tide of global warming on our own. Although our per capita greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low on a global scale, the Cayman Islands is one of the highest emitters in the Caribbean. We have to take urgent steps to mitigate against climate change by reducing our national greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating a shift towards a low or zero-carbon future for the Cayman Islands. Even with these steps, we will not be immune to the inevitable impacts of a changing climate. Adaptation measures are essential to ensuring our communities, environments and economy can respond to and manage the risks of climate change impacts. The vision for the draft climate change SROLF\LV ¶$FOLPDWHUHVLOLHQW&D\PDQ Islands that promotes and sustains vibrant communities, a thriving natural environment and a robust economy, where people can live their best lives QRZDQGIRUIXWXUHJHQHUDWLRQV· We have to ensure the Cayman Islands is equipped with mitigation and adaptation strategies that will enable current and future generations to thrive on these islands. What can individuals and companies do to help combat/ SUHYHQWFOLPDWHFKDQJH" Even though the Cayman Islands now has a ministry dedicated to sustainability and climate resiliency, every individual and organisation can start looking at their decisions through a lens of sustainability and climate resiliency right now. From small actions, such as reducing food waste RUVXSSRUWLQJORFDOIDUPHUVÀVKHUVDQG growers, to larger measures, such as making investment decisions based on sustainability metrics or supporting persons and organisations with a clear track record on sustainability, there are a variety of ways we can all start taking climate action on a daily basis. Anything else that you think is relevant or you would like WRDGG" As more frequent and intense hurricanes are a climate change impact that our region is already experiencing, I encourage our community to be prepared, have a plan, and monitor RIÀFLDOVRXUFHVIRUXSGDWHVGXULQJWKH hurricane season. Further information The Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency has launched the microsite – gov.ky/ sustainability/climatechangepolicy – where the public can learn more about the draft Climate &KDQJH3ROLF\ provide feedback during the public consultation period, and stay up- to-date on next steps. Photo: Hannah ReidEMERGENCY GUIDE 202330 B efore a storm approaches, or any other potential emergency, make sure all essential documents are in order. ,QIDFWLW·VDJRRGLGHDWRFKHFNRYHUDOO your paperwork before hurricane season begins in June each year. &D\PDQ·V3DVVSRUWDQG&RUSRUDWH 6HUYLFHV2IÀFHDGYLVHVSDVVSRUWVDQG other vital documents, such as birth, marriage, naturalisation, registration FHUWLÀFDWHVDQG&D\PDQLDQVWDWXV and permanent residence documents, be kept together in a waterproof bag or container. They should be stored securely in a place that is easily accessible during emergencies. As part of readiness preparations, people are reminded to: • Check their passports and other travel documents are valid. • Make copies of key documents, including passports, birth and marriage FHUWLÀFDWHVQDWXUDOLVDWLRQDQG UHJLVWUDWLRQFHUWLÀFDWHV • Store original documents and the copies securely, but in separate locations. If applying for a United Kingdom passport, submit only copies of the valid British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) Cayman Islands passport. Original passports should not be sent during hurricane season. Travelling to the US For people travelling to the United States, either before or immediately after DKXUULFDQHWKHSDVVSRUWRIÀFHQRWHVWKH following: • Holders of BOTC – Cayman Islands passports or UK passports containing D86YLVLWRU·VYLVDPD\WUDYHOWRWKH US on commercial, charter or air DPEXODQFHÁLJKWV • Holders of BOTC – Cayman Islands SDVVSRUWVZLWKRXWD86YLVLWRU·VYLVD PXVWÀUVWREWDLQ86YLVDZDLYHUV from the Passport and Corporate 6HUYLFHV2IÀFHWRWUDYHOWRWKH86RQ FRPPHUFLDORUDLUDPEXODQFHÁLJKWV • Holders of BOTC – Cayman Islands passports should ensure that the passports are valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from the US. • Holders of UK passports without a 86YLVLWRU·VYLVDEXWZLWKDQDSSURYDO from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), may travel to the US on commercial or air DPEXODQFHÁLJKWV Residents should also remember that travel documents cannot be issued when weather conditions or other emergencies require the closure of government RIÀFHVLQFOXGLQJWKH3DVVSRUWDQG &RUSRUDWH6HUYLFHV2IÀFH Travel documents Keep essential paperwork handy. Further Information Contact the Passport and &RUSRUDWH6HUYLFHV2IÀFH W e: passport&corporate@gov.kyEMERGENCY GUIDE 202331 Welcome to Doctors Express, providing exceptional care whenever you need it. • Open daily from 9am-9pm • No appointments necessary • On-site lab, X-ray, and pharmacy • Expert medical professionals • Treatment for cuts, sutures, and broken bones • Convenient, comprehensive, and accessible care Doctors Express, High-End Healthcare for the Whole Family Emergencies Happen! www.doctorsexpress.ky+1.345.745.6000 For more information scan hereEMERGENCY GUIDE 202332 A YLWDOSDUWRIHYHU\IDPLO\RULQGLYLGXDO·V disaster plan, is where to shelter should a hurricane hit. If your home is hurricane proof and in a safe location, it is probably the best place to ride out a storm. Homes of friends and family, if well- constructed and in safe locations, are a good second choice. However, for those with no alternative, there DUHGHVLJQDWHGSXEOLFVKHOWHUV in Grand Cayman, and four in the Sister Islands. Depending on the severity of the threat, Hazard Management Cayman Islands could open some or all of the shelters. Familiarise yourself with shelters nearest to your home and the best routes to get there as LQWKHHYHQWRIDQHYDFXDWLRQ\RX·OOQHHGWRJHW to the shelter as quickly as possible. At least one shelter in each district doubles as an emergency medical centre, to provide care for people who are especially vulnerable and at risk during disaster situations. If you have a potential or existing medical issue, choose one of these shelters as medical staff will be based there. Admissions to emergency medical centres are limited to level of care needed and resources available. For those with pets who are looking for a shelter, there are two pet-friendly shelters: John Gray High School and Clifton Hunter High School. Pets, like people, are allocated space RQDÀUVWFRPHÀUVWVHUYHGEDVLVDQGDUHQRW allowed to roam free. Make sure to pack anything you absolutely need, such as medications, enough food and water for your stay, important documents and money for post-hurricane expenses. Public shelters Know where to go in an emergency. JOHN GRAY HIGH SCHOOL – GYMNASIUM Capacity: 1,150 Pet friendly PROSPECT PRIMARY SCHOOL (EMC) Capacity: 1,135 GEORGE TOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALL &DSDFLW\ RED CROSS BUILDING Capacity: 95UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS HALL Capacity: 500 JOHN GRAY MEMORIAL CHURCH HALL Capacity: 155 6,5-2+1$&80%(535,0$5< SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALL (EMC) Capacity: 335 (PART CLASSROOMS) Capacity: 135 WEST BAY GEORGE TOWN North SoundEMERGENCY GUIDE 202333 MULTI-PURPOSE HALL (SPORTS COMPLEX) Capacity: 382 WEST END PRIMARY SCHOOL Capacity: 250 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT BUILDING (EMC) &DSDFLW\ SAVANNAH PRIMARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY HALL (EMC) Capacity: 135 EMC = Emergency Medical Centre NOTE: Each year the Public Works Department issues an updated list of public hurricane shelters after its shuttering H[HUFLVHLQ0D\6KHOWHULQIRUPDWLRQFDQDOZD\VFKDQJH The 2023 season may see the addition of Bodden Town Church of God, and the new John Gray High School as shelters so be VXUHWRNHHSXSWRGDWHZLWK+0&, BODDEN TOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL MULTIPURPOSE HALL (EMC) Capacity: 80 BREAKERS COMMUNITY HALL &DSDFLW\ CLIFTON HUNTER HIGH SCHOOL - GYMNASIUM, FRANK SOUND (EMC) Capacity: 630 Pet friendly ASTON RUTTY CENTRE (EMC) &DSDFLW\ CRADDOCK EBANKS CIVIC CENTRE (EMC) Capacity: 185 WILLIAM ALLEN MCLAUGHLIN CIVIC CENTRE (EMC) &DSDFLW\ GUN BAY COMMUNITY HALL Capacity: 65 BODDEN TOWN NORTH SIDE EAST END GRAND CAYMAN LITTLE CAYMANCAYMAN BRACEMERGENCY GUIDE 202334 I n the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI), in consultation with the National Emergency Operation Centre, can recommend that certain areas of any of the three islands be evacuated. Mandatory evacuation is ordered by the governor, who, after consultation with the premier, declares a state of emergency to expedite actions in the interest of public safety and security. If evacuation is ordered, all residents in the area should leave at once and go to a designated shelter or other safe location. For visitors, HMCI initiates arrangements for evacuation off-island. The Department of Tourism assists in coordinating visitor transportation to the airport. Most hotels evacuate guests if a hurricane is nearing the island, though some will allow visitors to stay, depending on the size and direction of the storm. During emergencies, the Evacuation Emergency Support Team (EST) is headquartered at the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) conference room at the Owen Roberts International Airport terminal. 7KHFKLHIH[HFXWLYHRIÀFHURIWKH&,$$ helps coordinate the actions of the EST, and arranges that airports remain operational to accommodate continuous evacuation operations throughout any VSHFLÀHGZLQGRZRIRSSRUWXQLW\ The CIAA liaises with national carrier Cayman Airways and other airlines, ZKLFKVFKHGXOHDGGLWLRQDOÁLJKWVWR evacuate people from island to island, or to another country, most likely the US. In the Sister Islands, the district commissioner determines the need to evacuate, communicating conditions to the governor, who may declare a state of emergency. The district commissioner arranges evacuation operations. While hurricanes are the most common natural disaster impacting the Cayman Islands, other natural disasters, such as HDUWKTXDNHVÀUHVDQGPDMRUÁRRGLQJ may require mandatory evacuation in certain areas. Evacuation during a disasterWayne Green +1 (345) 743 6256 wagreen@deloitte.com Ricardo Stewart +1 (345) 814 3385 ricardostewart@deloitte.com www.drc.ky Resilient infrastructure services DRC - protecting people, data and systems for 19 years Since 2004, the Centre ‘DRC’ has been a premier disaster recovery facility in the Caribbean, and supported our clients through disruptive events. Housed at the Citrus Grove Building in Grand Cayman and supported by top expertise in Cyber and IT, the DRC is designed to provide your organization with a secure multi-purpose space for personnel and data, and to maintain the continuity of your business operations in the most complex circumstances. Our tailored infrastructure services include, among others: • Recovery seating. • Cyber and IT Managed Services. Contact us to learn why some of the largest private and public organizations in Cayman trust DRC with resilient protection. EMERGENCY GUIDE 202335EMERGENCY GUIDE 202336 Stay safe in a tsunami T he Cayman Islands is at risk of a tsunami, so all residents and visitors should know what to do in event of such an emergency occurring. Take heed of these steps to save lives, as every moment counts. Prepare before Learn the signs of a potential tsunami: Ã$VWURQJHDUWKTXDNHODVWLQJVHFRQGV or more near the coast. · A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters, or sudden draining that exposes WKHVHDÁRRU · Practise your evacuation plan and map out your escape routes from home, work or school. Ã6KHOWHUDWOHDVWWZRÁRRUVXSIURP ground level. · Create a family emergency communication plan that has an off- island contact. Decide where to meet if you get separated. Survive during Ã<RXVKRXOGÀUVWSURWHFW\RXUVHOIIURPWKH HDUWKTXDNHIROORZLQJ¶GXFNFRYHUDQG KROGRQ· VHHSDJH · When the shaking stops, gather members of your household and move immediately to higher ground away from the coast. Ã0RYHWRWKHXSSHUÁRRUVRIDFRQFUHWH building or to higher ground, and go inland, away from the shoreline. Go as high or far as you can. Every foot inland or upwards may make a difference. · Take your emergency preparedness kit. · Take your pets with you. Ã,I\RX·UHLQDERDWIDFHWKHGLUHFWLRQRIWKH waves and go out to deep water. · Leave your location immediately if you are told to do so. Safety after · Listen to local alerts by authorities giving information on areas to avoid and shelter locations. Return home only after local RIÀFLDOVWHOO\RXLWLVVDIH Ã$YRLGZDGLQJLQÁRRGZDWHUZKLFKFDQ contain dangerous debris. Water may be deeper than it appears. · Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or downed power lines can electrically charge the water. · Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance. · Save phone calls for emergencies. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends. · Stay away from damaged buildings and roads. · Use caution when re-entering buildings. 7VXQDPLGULYHQÁRRGZDWHUPD\KDYH caused damage where you least expect it. Carefully watch every step you take. · Monitor animals closely and keep them under your direct control. What is a tsunami? A tsunami is a large wave, or series of waves, generated by major earthquakes beneath the RFHDQÁRRURUPDMRUODQGVOLGHV into the sea. When the waves enter shallow water, they may rise to several feet or, in rare cases, tens of feet, striking the coast with devastating force. People on the beach or low coastal areas need to be aware that a tsunami could arrive within minutes after a severe earthquake.EMERGENCY GUIDE 202337Next >