The Ministry of Health & Wellness wishes to advise of the following precautions for food and water safety, persons with chronic illnesses and pregnant women as the island experiences inclement weather conditions:
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
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 have to evacuate
their homes 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 to accept emergency cases.
Evacuation
If you have to 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
For further information, please contact the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Emergency
Operations Centre at 888-ONE-LOVE (888-663-5683).
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