[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ortunately for us, Hurricane Isaac was downgraded to a tropical storm, but we do have to wonder: are we really ready for this hurricane season? Hurricanes Irma and Maria left the Caribbean traumatized and looking for ways to enforce resilience, but a year later implementation towards even the basic steps to withstand a mega storm, other than our prayers, is not in effect. Do we really understand that with climate change and the increasing frequency of these mega storms, the typical dry and rainy season that we have grown so accustomed to may cease to exist? Storms could be expected at any time of year if global warming continues. Suffice it to say even the U.S. has not learned its lesson as Hurricane Florence battered the Carolinas and Virginia, showing us yet again that Mother Nature does not discriminate, and the richest or poorest nations are susceptible to her destruction.
Generally, by the end of November we go back to island-life, unconcerned of the rainy season or the possibility of a hurricane when in reality this time should be used to be prepared. Now I’m no dooms-day prepper, or one who believes in unceasingly preparing for the end of days, but what I am advocating for is the ability to be prepared for what is now our reality. From measures such as researching hurricane risk, practicing a utility shutdown, planning for medical requirements, building an inventory, duplicating documents and most importantly finding insurance coverage. Now, in theory this may be the perfect solution to preparing for a storm, but in reality, how can we market hurricane preparedness to the majority of St. Lucians who live from check to check and are not able to afford additional days’ worth of food and water in case of a storm? The answer lies in one thing: community resilience.
As I had mentioned before, climate-change is non-discriminatory and can affect anyone despite their socio-economic status. While governments and other agencies have traditionally focused on building infrastructure for the impending dangers, community resilience would rely on developing strong social networks among district-level groups, faith-based organizations and civil society that can improve communication-networks during disasters, provide group shelters for those in more vulnerable situations and allocate food supplies and health services to the most marginalized residents. Furthermore, with hurricane preparedness done on a community-level, it is easier and more equitable to share resources from donor agencies post-disaster. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, shouldn’t it take a village to prepare for a hurricane?
Helen’s Daughters
*Helen’s Daughters is a St. Lucian non-profit with a special focus on rural women’s economic development through improved market access, adaptive agricultural techniques, and capacity-building. It was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program. To learn more about the initiative, you can visit:
Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/helensdaughters.slu/)
Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/helensdaughters.slu/)
Website (https://helensdaughters.org/)
