June 1st marks the official start of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season which ends officially on November 30th. As we reflect on the 2022 Hurricane season, we are reminded that Grenada was not impacted by a major storm or hurricane, but there were periods of severe weather which caused floods, landslides and fallen trees. Of significance, was Sunday, July 31st, 2022, when Grenada experienced what Meteorologists referred to as a ‘Freak Storm’ which resulted in damage to dwelling houses, floods, landslides, and uprooted trees. A reminder that hydrometeorological events can result in significant damage.

As we begin the 2023 Hurricane Season, we are guided by the scientific predictions from the experts that the season will be near normal. The predictions indicate that the Caribbean can expect 12 to 17 named storms, of which five to nine will become hurricanes and one to four major hurricanes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The prediction for a normal season is 14 storms with seven becoming hurricanes.

While the predictions for the 2023 Hurricane Season indicate near normal, we must bear in mind that the impact of one storm or hurricane is all it takes to change the circumstances for the country. One tropical storm or hurricane can disrupt lives and livelihoods, and impact the economy significantly, thus creating unbearable hardships.

Disaster preparedness is a continuous process and therefore citizens need to be prepared year-round and not only during the hurricane season. However, added focus is normally placed on the hurricane season, and therefore, it is important to engage in practices that will reduce risk. Householders can clear guttering, maintain drains, trim overhanging trees and branches, and remove or secure loose objects in the surroundings.

It is important for each household to have a disaster supplies kit. Your kit should include drinking water and non-perishable food to last three days or more. You should also have a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, and a first-aid kit.

Your important documents should be secured in a waterproof container of package. In addition, you should secure other items that you consider necessary for survival. Always have a one-month supply of prescription medications.

A family disaster plan is a written set of instructions and other information that will guide your family’s decisions during an emergency or if there is a disaster. All family members should be familiar with the plan and be able to make decisions to save lives and reduce damage to property.

Each year, NaDMA conducts inspections and designates buildings as Emergency Shelters. This list is made available to the public, and shelters are marked with the sign, ‘Emergency Shelter’. Citizens are reminded that your first place of shelter during a storm or Hurricane is your home. If you are uncertain about the ability of your home to withstand the event, then you seek shelter with family or friends. If all efforts fail, then the Emergency Shelter is your last alternative. When proceeding to the Emergency Shelter, you should have supplies to last you at least three days.

Emergency shelters are schools, community centers, churches, and private buildings. People who will seek shelter at these facilities are reminded that the buildings will return to their regular functions after the emergency, and therefore are encouraged to use them with care.

The management of hazards requires collective efforts from everyone. A whole-of- community approach. The seventeen District Disaster Management Committees across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique require scores of volunteers if they are to function at the optimal level. This is your opportunity to volunteer with NaDMA and contribute to disaster management in Grenada. If you have been trained in any discipline by NaDMA, you are kindly asked to give back to the Agency by becoming a volunteer at the district level.

Climate Change continues to impact several countries in many ways. One major impact is that hydro-meteorological hazards have become more frequent and more intense. It is therefore imperative that we take the steps necessary to reduce risk and vulnerability at all levels. We are not able to prevent natural hazards, but through mitigation and preparedness we can reduce impact.

The Government of Grenada continues to take steps to strengthen the National Disaster Management Agency. In 2023, the Government passed the Disaster Management Act.

This Act will provide the necessary environment for NaDMA to function with legislative arrangements that will lead to enhanced disaster management services.

As we start the 2023 Hurricane Season, I urge all citizens to take steps that are necessary to protect themselves and loved ones throughout the season and beyond.

Ensure that you have a family disaster plan, disaster supplies kit, know where the nearest Emergency Shelters are located, and obtain official disaster management information only from NaDMA.

The Agency looks forward to working with all disaster management stakeholders, the volunteers in all seventeen districts, and the general population to reduce risk and vulnerability, enhance resilience and develop a culture of safety. The ultimate goal is to build disaster management capacities at all levels.

Let us pray that Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and the region, will be spared the wrath of any tropical cyclone in 2023.