Health ministry urges preparedness for inclement weather

The Ministry of Health is advising members of the public to take precautions to safeguard their health amid the threat of a tropical storm.

It says the following precautions should be taken regarding food and water safety, persons with chronic illnesses and pregnant women:

Persons with Chronic Illnesses

• 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.

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

Pregnant Women

• All pregnant women 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.

• Please note that public hospitals will remain open.

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, immunisation 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.

For further information, please contact the Ministry of Health & Wellness' Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) at 888-ONE-LOVE (888-663-5683).

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