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! S IP T E N A IC R R U H : T WATCH OU HURRICANE R O RM O ST RE VE SE A HOW TO PREPARE FOR

CURAÇAO EDITion

Important telephone numbers

TUNE IN ON RADIO

POLICE

911

AMBULANCE

912

FIRE DEPARTMENT

911

COAST GUARD

913

MEDICAL CENTER ST. ELISABETH

910

RED CROSS

461 4644

ENNIA general enquiries

434 3800

ENNIA healthcare insurance emergency assistance 434 3999 ENNIA emergency assistance if your home is damaged 434 3900 AQUALECTRA

462 5968

UTS

777 0101

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

433 4444

TOEN/COUNTRY PLANNING & HOUSING DEPARTMENT (former DROV)

433 3200

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT

736 9022

METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT CURAÇAO

839 3360

www.meteo.an

SELIKOR

434 1300

FKP (Fundashon Kas Popular)

432 6000

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Foreword Dear Reader, Anyone who has ever been in a hurricane or a severe storm knows how it changes everything: how the ominous darkness as nightfall sets in during a power blackout while the hurricane storm batters down on your roof. At such times simple household items such as flashlights and first aid kits can be of immeasurable value and the right preparations can save yourself, your family and your property from the damaging and often horrific effects of such a calamity. As an insurer, we have a unique perspective on the devastating powers of nature as we often pay for damages or losses that could have been minimized or even prevented if only people had been better prepared. This realization inspired us to compile this handbook for you. We trust that the tips and instructions below will help you to prepare adequately for a hurricane or severe storm. We strongly recommend you to read the information carefully and follow the instructions closely. Thinking of the recent disasters in Haiti and Japan, we realize of course that even the most rigorous preparations cannot protect us a hundred percent. Sometimes nature simply cannot be bargained with. When this happens, we need to muster all the courage we have and hope for the best. ENNIA wishes you much happiness, health and prosperity.

Ralph Palm, President of the managing board ENNIA

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Contents Why this booklet?

5

What is a hurricane?

6

Insurance

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PRIOR TO THE HURRICANE SEASON

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Prepare a disaster supplies checklist

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Contents of your First Aid Kit

12

Adapting your home

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DURING HURRICANE SEASON

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Your neighborhood

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Stocking up

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36 HOURS BEFORE A HURRICANE “WATCH”

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Shelters

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Inside your home

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DURING A HURRICANE

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AFTER A HURRICANE

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Why this booklet? Hurricanes are a seasonal occurrence for the Windward Islands (St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius) and the Leeward Antilles (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). Because they are located on the fringe of the hurricane zone, the Leeward Islands feel the effects to a lesser extent, but are still affected by storms and their accompanying extreme rainfall, rough seas and/or strong winds. That’s why you must ensure that you are fully informed of the effects and potential consequences of a hurricane. Good preparations and a number of precautions will reduce the damage and effects of a hurricane or severe storm, and in some cases even prevent them. This is why ENNIA has compiled this handbook: a clear, compact instruction manual on how to take simple steps and measures to prepare for the hurricane season.

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What is a hurricane? A hurricane is a tropical storm that circulates counter clockwise around the storm’s center (eye) at a speed of at least 119 km/h (74 mph). These hurricanes cause strong winds, high waves and lots of rain, in particular when they reach land, causing a lot of damage and inconvenience as a result. In addition to the risk of significant damage to property, you have to take into account that a hurricane is often accompanied by temporary power blackouts, communication failures and disruptions in transportation services during and after the storm. There are seven categories of storms. The five strongest storm categories strike with the force of a hurricane:

Tropical depression Tropical storm Hurricane Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5

Km/hr

M/sec

62 or less 63 to 118

17 or less 18 to 33

119 to 153 154 to 177 178 to 209 210 to 249 250 or more

33 to 43 43 to 49 49 to 58 58 to 69 69 or more

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Even when a hurricane system is fully formed, it is difficult to anticipate its exact time of arrival and the amount of devastation it might cause. The storm’s path can change even at the last minute. It is therefore essential to be very well prepared. This handbook contains detailed instructions on how to prepare for a Hurricane. The preparations are divided into five phases:

• • • • •

Prior to the hurricane season During the hurricane season 36 hours before a hurricane During a hurricane After a hurricane

The hurricane season officially lasts from June 1st to November 30th. We recommend that you start making good arrangements and preparations well before the hurricane season begins.

Insurance Making sure that you have taken out the right kind of insurance coverage is a first and important step. It is wise to seek advice from your insurance broker. If you are covered by ENNIA’s Home insurance, you can talk to an ENNIA claims assessor for expert advice. If a hurricane is threatening, ENNIA will apply a moratorium on coverage against natural disasters. This means you cannot take out insurance against natural disasters immediately before a hurricane hits. This ‘moratorium’ can be compared to a situation where fire insurance is requested for a house that is on fire. Make sure you are not over- or underinsured, and that your policy specifically covers natural disasters. Also be aware that there is a 2% deductible (excess) on the total amount that you have insured your contents and building for.

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For example: your home is insured for NAf 350,000. If you claim damage from a disaster, your deductible (excess) is 2% of NAf 350,000 (the insured sum), which is NAf 7,000. What matters most is to make sure you are not underinsured* or over-insured. If you are over-insured your premium is too high. If you are underinsured and you file a claim, you will only receive a percentage of the insured sum, proportional to the real value of the property. For example: you have insured the contents of your home for NAf 40,000. But in reality, your belongings are worth NAf 80,000. In other words, you are only insured for half the value of your home’s contents! If you then claim NAf 5,000 worth of damage due to a natural disaster, the insurance would only pay 50% of NAf 5,000 because you are underinsured. This means you would only receive a maximum NAf 2,500 (after the deductible).

IMPORTANT INSURANCE TIPS • • • •

•

Check that you have the right type of coverage. Check that you are covered for the full, actual value of your property. Pay your premium on time. Make sure you inform your insurer on time of any address change and/or changes in the type of construction materials. Make sure you have additional cover for extensions/out buildings (e.g. apartment, garden shed, garage, etc.).

Always seek expert advice! * You can avoid the risk of underinsurance by including an indexation clause. The value of your property will then be automatically indexed every year. pagE

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PRIOR TO HURRICANE SEASON Family disaster plan This is a plan which you prepare in advance together with your family members and other people living in your household, if applicable. It must clearly define everyone’s responsibilities and tasks so that everyone knows what needs to be done in case of a disaster. The following should be considered: •

• •

•

• •

Discuss any vulnerable areas in and around your home, such as a weak roof or unstable wall. Make sure they are repaired before a hurricane hits. Plan how to assist elderly family members, disabled persons and children. Discuss the types of storms that potentially pose a threat to your family and what to do in case of each type of storm. For example, what to do in case of a storm with heavy rainfall, one with extreme wind gusts or one causing high waves. Decide what the safest place is in your home and designate it as the safe room (shelter). This could be a bathroom for example. Sometimes the safest place is not inside the home, but somewhere outside. Determine escape routes and decide specifically where to meet if it is not possible to stay inside your home. Make sure you designate a contact person who does not live on the island. This person can serve as a central contact point for other relatives. Make sure everyone knows how to contact this person.

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•

• •

• • •

This person must be contacted beforehand to ensure he or she understands that he or she will be the central point of contact for all family members. Decide beforehand how to handle pets when a hurricane arrives and in case it becomes necessary to evacuate. Place a list of telephone numbers of emergency services by the telephone and ensure children and other people know when and how to contact these services. Stock up on non-perishable foods and other emergency supplies. Make sure you have a battery powered portable radio. (Batteries must be replaced every six months). Take a first aid course. You may need these important skills during a hurricane. Many scuba diving schools and organizations such as the Red Cross provide first aid courses.

What should you do if you cannot stay in your home? Do any of the situations listed below apply to you? Then we strongly recommend you discuss with your family beforehand where to stay during a hurricane. Think about staying with family, friends, or acquaintances, at a hotel or at a shelter (for locations see Shelters on Curaçao, on page 18 of this handbook). It is recommended that you do not stay in your home if: • Your home is near the coast. • Your home is in a low lying area and regularly floods when it rains. • Your home is in a low lying area close to a drainage ditch and/or a dam/reservoir. • Your home is basic, constructed to minimum standards and likely to be damaged. • You live in a mobile home or a similar lightweight construction.

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Prepare a disaster supplies checklist A disaster supplies checklist lists items that may be useful during or after a storm. Make sure you have all items listed below and that they are in good condition before the start of the hurricane season. TAKE THE ITEMS WITH YOU INTO YOUR SAFE ROOM (SHELTER)!

Articles:

❍ Toys, books and games. ❍ Tools such as a screw driver, hammer, hand drill. ❍ Fuel for your vehicles. ❍ Fire extinguisher.

Important papers, kept in a waterproof container or bag:

✏

❍ WATER BOTTLES – at least 3.5 liters of water per person per day, for 3 to 7 days. ❍ FOOD – enough food for at least 3 to 7 days. ❍ Non-perishable or canned foods. (Make sure to check the best-before dates). ❍ Snacks. ❍ Can opener (not an electric one). ❍ Gas stove or burner + matches. ❍ Plastic plates. ❍ Sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, etc. ❍ Warm clothes, rain wear, and waterproof shoes/boots. ❍ First Aid Kit and a sufficient supply of prescription medication. ❍ Special supplies for the elderly and babies. ❍ Toiletries, personal hygiene articles and wet wipes. ❍ Insect repellant. ❍ Flashlight + extra batteries. ❍ Battery powered AM/FM radio + extra batteries. ❍ Fully charged mobile phone + fully charged extra battery. ❍ Cash. ❍ Keys for doors, vehicles, and gates.

Insurance policies. Medical information. Healthcare insurance card. Bank account numbers. Home contents inventory (with photos and video). ❍ Contact information (e.g. telephone number, address, e-mail, details, etc.) of a friend or relative NOT living on the island. ❍ Computer & digital information back-up. ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

Provisions for pets: ❍ Identification and record of shots and medication (if needed). ❍ Enough of water and food for 3 to 7 days. ❍ Kennel or pet carrier. ❍ Collar with tag showing address & telephone number.

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Contents of First Aid Kit: ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

❍ ❍

❍ ❍

Elastic pressure bandage. Surgical/dust mask. Stainless steel scissors. Quick pressure bandage. Adhesive bandages. Gauze bandages. Antiseptic (e.g. iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine). Stainless steel safety pins, in a box or attached to cardboard. Sterile gauze pads. Wound dressing (e.g. Melolin). Dressing retention tape/sheet (e.g. Hypafix). Tube gauze and applicator sleeve (e.g. Finger Bob - gauze finger bandage). Fingertip bandage. Hypoallergenic wound dressing (e.g. Elwo) and elastic compresses (e.g. Duoskin+ Pro). Triangular bandages. Elastic bandages.

❍ Tensor elastic bandages (supportive). ❍ Disposable surgical gloves. ❍ Space blanket or foil emergency blanket. ❍ Stainless steel tweezers. ❍ Mercury thermometer in its case ❍ Cooling gel compresses. ❍ Topical analgesic (e.g. Algipan balm). ❍ Pain reliever (e.g. Paracetamol). ❍ Throat lozenges. ❍ Antacids for upset stomach e.g Rennie, Maalox. ❍ Eye wash (e.g. Ocal). ❍ Eye wash bottle (e.g. Ycla). ❍ Cold packs (e.g. Inic) - Instant Ice. ❍ Packs: for bruises. ❍ CPR face shield: for protection during resuscitation. ❍ Hand sanitizer - disinfecting gel. ❍ Magnifying tweezers: tweezers for removing splinters. ❍ Eye magnet: for removing loose metal particles from the eyes.

Store your First Aid Kit in a familiar place so that everyone knows where it is in case of a storm. It is a good idea to keep the First Aid Kit in your safe room (shelter).

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Adapting your home Protect your property by making sure your home is sturdy, in good condition and able to resist the force of a hurricane as much as possible. The roof is the most important part of the house. If your roof is sturdy, you will be able to avoid many problems. Make sure all doors and windows can be properly shut and locked.

The roof A sturdy roof will prevent the heavy rains and water from entering your home and will prevent substantial material damage. The most vulnerable point of a roof is where the gutters are attached to the roof. Strong wind gusts tend to force a roof horizontally downwards. This force can be counteracted by installing a beam diagonally across the roof. It is also important that the roof is fastened to walls that are securely anchored in the foundation.

ROOF REPAIRS At Kooyman you will find a wide variety of roofing products and tools for repairing roofs and fixing leaks. They stock various rolls of high-quality roofing material, roofing felt and top layers, as well as hard roof coverings such as aluminum/galvanized corrugated roofing sheets and shingles. Minor repairs such as sealing cracks and gaps can be done with an appropriate sealer, leak stopper, elastotape/seam tape, roof fill or roof cement. Is your roof in good shape (again)? The right roof coating can provide extra protection for specific types of roofing materials. Need tailor-made advice? Kooyman’s expert staff are pleased to be of assistance.

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Safe room To ensure you are safe inside your home, you need to designate a safe room (shelter). Preferably, this safe room has concrete walls. The windows - if any - must be protected by covering them with plywood boards. A concrete ceiling is the safest, but a ceiling properly constructed of (ply)wood is also safe.

Windows and doors Make sure you have plywood boards, cut-to-size, ready to mount in front of your windows. The safest way to attach the boards to the wall is with wall plugs and screws. You can also attach the plywood boards to window or door frames if these are made of wood. This is not advised if your home has metal or plastic door/ window frames. Mark all boards beforehand so you know exactly which door/window they fit. That way you will be able to attach the boards quickly and easily.

Yard & porch Pay attention to how the water flows through your yard and make sure that it can flow off your property and not directly into your home (or flood your car). If you live in an area that regularly floods and your home does not have a safe, dry area, it is wise to seek shelter elsewhere during a storm.

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Home and surroundings It is important that the grounds around your property are properly maintained, before the hurricane season begins. This will help prevent trees and branches from damaging your home during a storm. Don’t forget to remove coconuts from trees. In a storm the coconuts become unpredictable projectiles. Also remove any loose materials and objects from your yard. You are now well prepared for the hurricane season. You won’t have to frantically look for a saw to cut branches or to tidy up outside when there is a Hurricane Watch. You will have more time for other preparations. Make sure your neighbors clear and prune their yards as well. Old wood or car tires can become airborne and cause injuries or damage.

PREPARING YOU HOME AND YARD FOR A HURRICANE In addition to the roof, windows are also a vulnerable part of your home. Strong wind gusts can cause many problems if there is a broken window. Make sure your windows are well protected. In addition to having a large choice of wooden boards (e.g. plywood), wall plugs and screws, Kooyman stocks special ‘hurricane windows’. These ‘hurricane windows’ are an excellent replacement for standard windows and offer better protection against extreme winds.

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DURING HURRICANE SEASON

The season starts on June 1st. From that day on, the chance of a hurricane forming is substantially greater than when it’s not hurricane season. Although the ABC islands are on the fringe of the hurricane zone, there is still a chance that a hurricane may hit one or more of the islands. You prepared your home before the season, so now it is time to consider what other preparations are needed.

Your neighborhood Firstly, you should discuss with your neighbors what to do in the event of a hurricane. Together with the people on your street or block, arrange an evening where everyone comes together to discuss what needs to be done to prepare for when a hurricane strikes your neighborhood. Relevant issues to be discussed are:

• Will we be evacuated? • What category storm will force an evacuation? • How can we assist the elderly, physically disabled persons and children in the neighborhood (or how can they be assisted by someone else)? • What kind of things pose a danger in our neighborhood and how can we best prepare our neighborhood for a hurricane? • Who will be responsible for what?

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Home and surroundings Everything around your house is now well prepared and cleared away. So it should take no more than a few hours to prepare your home for a hurricane watch.

Stocking up To fully prepare for a hurricane, you must stock an adequate supply of non-perishables well in advance. This includes supplies such as fuel, medication and (new) batteries. Make sure to stock up on canned and non-perishable foods with best-before dates until at least December 1st (always check the best-before date). This way you will avoid having to wait in long lines at the supermarket or hardware store only to find the shelves empty. If a hurricane watch does not occur, you can still use the emergency supplies when the hurricane season is over.

End of the hurricane season At the end of the hurricane season you can also support a good cause by donating the food you had stocked up on to the less fortunate as a Christmas gift. For example, through the Bon Bisiña appeal.

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36 HOURS BEFORE A HURRICANE: THE “WATCH” When a hurricane approaches the region, it does not always mean that your area will be affected. A hurricane’s path is highly unpredictable, so you must be prepared for any situation. Officially there are two hurricane alerts: a “Hurricane Watch” and a “Hurricane Warning”. A “Watch” means hurricane conditions can be expected within the next 36 hours. A “Watch” remains in effect until the threat has passed. If the threat continues, a “Watch” becomes a “Warning”. This means it is almost certain you will experience hurricane conditions within the next 24 hours. The authorities will advise if and when evacuation is necessary. If they advise you to leave your home, it is wise to do so. The authorities issue their advice based on the location and intensity of the storm. You must also use your own judgment in deciding when evacuation is the best option.

Shelter locations on Curaçao:

• • • • • • • •

Martinus Mavo L.B. Ban Bria Openbare mbo Mgr. Zwijsen College St. Joseph’s Technical School Tera Kora Community Centre The FER-center on Fatimaweg (FER = Formation, Education, Recreation) Annie Koenraad school in Tera Kora Parera Community School

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As soon as the government announces a “Watch” and starts making preparations, it will announce the location of shelters that are open. When a “Warning” has been announced, you must finish your preparations. If you have prepared your property before the season, any additional preparations can be made calmly, without rushing around.

Home and family Is your entire family at home and have your children been picked up from school? Always make sure that everyone stays together at home. It is important that you have enough fuel for your vehicle(s) and your generator, if you have one. Make sure you have extra cash on hand. It can come in handy, since after a storm banking systems are often temporarily out of order. Other important precautions: • Disconnect the cooking gas supply. • Secure gas bottles firmly. • Switch off electrical mains. • Turn off the main water supply.

Windows and doors Retrieve the cut-to-size plywood boards from where you have stored them and attach them to the building to cover the windows. Plywood boards can be nailed to wooden window and door frames. They should not be nailed to steel or plastic window frames. Make sure you have prepared the plywood boards before the hurricane season starts so you will not be faced with any last-minute surprises. Take down all radio and/or TV antennas. Remove your TV dish receiver, if you have one, or turn it horizontal facing upwards. Diagonally tape up all unprotected windows and glass doors. If water could enter your home, place sandbags around your house and raise your furniture, appliances and electronics up off the floor.

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Yard & porch In a hurricane loose objects in the yard or on the porch can easily become projectiles. For your own safety and the safety of others, it is best to remove or secure all loose objects in your yard. This could be garden furniture, car parts, planter boxes, toys, sports equipment, etc.

Neighbourhood Make sure that previously made agreements with your neighbors have been kept. Check that the people in your neighborhood who may need assistance are also at home.

Boats and weekend vacation home If you have a boat berthed in a marina, make sure that it is properly moored or bring it up on shore. During a “Watch” there is little time to prepare your weekend vacation home for a storm. To limit the damage as much as possible, make sure your weekend vacation home and the surroundings are ‘hurricane ready’ during the hurricane season.

Inside your family home As soon as a “Warning” has been announced, set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting and do not open them unless it is absolutely necessary. This will keep the food fresh as long as possible. Avoid that the refrigerator, in the worst case, can open by invading winds. Only use your telephone and mobile phone if it’s an emergency to avoid overloading the telephone networks. Make sure you have sufficient drinking water. Drums, jerry cans, coolers, containers and plastic bottles should all be filled up beforehand. The reason for storing extra drinking water is that after a hurricane you may be temporarily cut off from the main water supply due to damage to your home or elsewhere in the water distribution system.

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DURING A HURRICANE Turn on your portable radio. The authorities may issue important information about the storm. The storm is only over when the authorities have declared it’s over - not before. Use drinking water sparingly; it can take up to 24 hours for a hurricane to pass. When a hurricane passes over your home it is a stressful experience. Nevertheless it is important to stay calm. It can be unsettling for children to know their parents do not feel safe. When you are finished making all your preparations in and around your house, make sure that the entire family is in the safe room (shelter). Do not leave the safe room. Whatever happens, the safe room is still the safest place to be in most cases. If water has entered the house, switch off the main power to prevent short-circuits. Stay away from glass windows and doors. If the wind suddenly dies down, then you are probably in the eye of the hurricane. Stay alert and follow the instructions on the radio. Do not go outside until the authorities say it is OK to do so. Keep children relaxed and entertained. Create a cozy atmosphere, but do not consume alcohol during a storm and stay alert. TUNE IN ON RADIO

Stay tuned to the radio.

• • •

97.9 FM

Above all stay calm and composed, do not panic. Stay inside, do not go outside. Stay close to the radio.

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AFTER A HURRICANE

The storm is not over until the authorities have broadcast that it’s over. If any member of your household has been injured or fallen ill, take him or her to the nearest medical center or contact a medical assistance service.

Do’s & Dont’s After a hurricane it is important that you take stock of any damage and take photos.

• • • • • • • • • •

Call your insurance broker and ask for instructions as to what you should do. What can be cleaned up immediately and what should wait until the damage has been assessed? If your home has not been damaged, you can help others in your neighborhood who weren’t so lucky. If you made any agreements with your neighbors, make sure you keep them. Keep your children inside as long as possible until the neighborhood has been declared safe. Do not go out on the street if it is unsafe to do so. Follow all instructions given by the authorities. Do not immediately start looking for food unless you really have nothing left. It can be dangerous on the streets due to damaged power lines, telephone cables, uprooted trees, and other sharp objects. Wear closed shoes and long pants. Unless you plan to help, do not visit other areas that may have been affected by the storm. You may obstruct others who are providing assistance. You may also be approached for help by injured persons while you may not be able to help them.

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PERSONAL SAFETY DURING AND AFTER A HURRICANE With a properly functioning generator, suitable extension cords, and a jerry can full of fuel you will be unaffected in the event of a power failure. Besides stocking up on non-perishable foods, make sure you have sufficient water in jugs and coolers. In case of heavy rains, in addition to watertight plastic containers, it is also recommendable to have plenty of tarps, rope, duct tape and sandbags on hand. A pump can help in case of flooding. Always make sure you have a complete First Aid Kit and fire extinguisher ready. Kooyman offers a broad range of cleaning supplies, including squeegees, garbage cans, garbage bags and brooms to help clean up your home and yard as soon as possible after the storm.

Disclaimer ENNIA strives to ensure all information contained in this publication is correct. However, no rights can be derived from the contents of this ENNIA publication. For details refer to the conditions of the relevant insurance policies and products. All rates, fees and figures published in this brochure are subject to change without prior notice. Date of issue: May 2012. Always check the policy conditions with your insurance broker.

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