Things I’ve learned
from Evan
By Morwenna Petaia
It has been almost a month since Cyclone Evan brought his
widespread fury and wrath to Samoa.
While the rebuilding and recovery stage of our lives is still upon us
Evan has taught us each lessons that we can use so that when the next disaster
happens we are better prepared and even more resilient.
Heed the Warnings – While I feel for all those who lost
lives and belongings, I do not agree that you should place blame on authorities
for untimely warnings. I feel that there
was ample time given to all regarding the cyclone and also the need to move
away from low lying areas that are prone to flooding. In fact I was a little surprised when I was
purchasing canned foods, water and gas, when the first warnings were issued on
Wednesday, that there were not more people making preparations. Yes my main reason for the preparations was
that I knew I had used up all the gas and food knowing that in a few days I was
Australia bound so our cupboards were literally bare, but I am so grateful that
I did heed the warning. This was my
first cyclone so when I heard the warning I jumped and did whatever I could to
prepare because even if the cyclone didn't come I know that the peace of mind
that I will not have to line up for food and rush around gathering family and
belongings is worth so much more than the thought that I could have starved,
been hurt or even killed. Any warning
should be taken seriously especially when lives are at stake.
Be Prepared – Samoa is located in an area that is prone to
tsunami, cyclones, bush fires, earthquakes and drought; we cannot and do not
control when a natural disaster will occur.
Making sure that we have an evacuation plan in place so that each person
in the household knows where to go and what to do in times of a disaster is one
way that we can prepare.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints encourages
their members to have a food storage and 72 hour kit ready for any kind of an
emergency. These kits usually include
items like a three day supply of food and water, they found that pop top cans
can leak so are not recommended, a can opener, first aid kit, bedding and clothing, toiletries, medication, batteries, torches,
candles, waterproof matches, axes pocket knife, dishes and utensils, money and
personal documents such as medical reports, passports, legal documents and
credit for telephones. Each person in
the household would have a kit and it would go into a bag that is easy to transport
and placed in an area that is easily accessed should an evacuation be
necessary. These kits need to be checked
every six months to ensure food and medications are not out of date and also
that clothes fit. Something to also
consider putting into your 72 hour kit is a board game, books or toys and paper
and pens. With the extended periods of
time with not power and it being unsafe to go outside, children need something
to keep them entertained and it can also be a bonding experience to play games
as a family.
Cyclone Evan has shown me that I will need to get a car
charger for my phone. With the land lines and power being out of order during the cyclone I was reliant on my mobile
phone which needed to be charged regularly.
This would have been easy to do if I had a car charger for my
phone. During the cyclone mobile phones
were our only link to the outside world so making sure to use it only in times
of emergencies and keeping a spare battery are also needed.
I will need to make sure that I have boards and rope
available to cover the windows and secure the roof of the house. This also includes having a stock of
tarpaulins should the roof need mending.
Even if we don’t use or need these kits during a disaster they may be
needed by our friends, family or neighbours.
Get Insurance – Because we do not know when a disaster will
happen or the intensity of a disaster we should make sure that we have
insurance that will cover our valuables and things that we have worked hard to
obtain. The relief of knowing that you
are covered financially should our properties or cars be affected decreases our
stress and enables us to help others.
There is always the possibility that a natural disaster
could take our lives. For this reason it
is also important to take out life insurance.
While a cyclone is an ordeal in itself dealing with the death of a loved
one while also recovering from a disaster would be unimaginable. While you won’t be there to see the fruits of
life insurance, knowing that your family will be taken care of is reason
enough.
Disaster Plans – Often we worry more about our homes, as we
live in them, and not as much attention is given to schools and other buildings
that are important to us. Evan has
damaged school buildings and finding a place where the students can attend once
school begins is proving to be a topic of interest. Maybe now could be a time where the Ministry
of Education, Sports and Culture and village councils could make disaster plans
for each of their schools where possible places to hold classes and procurement
of temporary shelters where classes could be held. This could include
discussions with churches for temporary use of their buildings. But by having plans in place makes it easier
to know where to go and what to do when a disaster hits; because it is not a
question of if a disaster comes but when.
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