Pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses urged to make tropical storm preparations

The Ministry of Health & Wellness is urging persons with chronic illnesses and pregnant women to take the necessary precautions and preparations for the impending inclement weather condition.

Persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma are reminded to have adequate supply of medication and if they have to evacuate their homes, they must ensure that they take their medications with them to their place of shelter.

These persons should continue to take their medications as prescribed by the doctor, while away from home.

For pregnant women, those who are within one month of their delivery date should relocate to family or friends, who are in close proximity to a hospital or delivery centre.

The health ministry notes that public hospitals will remain open.

The Ministry is also encouraging the following:

EVACUATION

If you must evacuate your home, certain items should be taken when disaster

threatens:

 Medical supplies: prescriptions, medications and dentures.

 Disaster supplies: flashlights, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water.

 Clothing and bedding: sanitation supplies, (diapers, toilet tissue, soap,

feminine hygiene products).

 Non-perishable foods (canned and dry foods).

 Special foods (diabetic or baby foods).

 Important family documents (birth, marriage and death certificates,

passports, land titles), passports, immunization cards.

 Entertainment: games and books.

FOOD SAFETY

• Do not store food items with chemicals such as kerosene, bleach, detergents

and insect sprays.

• Do not purchase/use food from tins which have signs of dents, bulges or other

damage.

• Keep food items in a dry and cool place.

• Store packages of sugar, flour, rice and crackers in their original package

or in tightly closed containers.

• Keep a bag with emergency food supply in the event that you have to

evacuate your home. This should include only canned and dry food

items.

WATER SAFETY

• Store water in a clean covered container. The lid of the container should

fit tightly to prevent mosquito breeding Do not use containers which have previously stored harmful chemicals.

• Use a clean container, with a handle, to “dip up” water from storage.

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