GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 - The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of the following Health-related measures in the event of a hurricane:
Relocation Grand Turk Hospital
In the event of an impending hurricane Grand Turk Hospital will be relocated to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church & School at the Hospital Road.
Antenatal Clients
All Antenatal Clients who are 36 weeks pregnant and over as identified by Primary Health care staff are advised to report to hospitals in Grand Turk & Providenciales prior to the onset of impending storm.
Antenatal clients in North and Middle Caicos who are 36 weeks pregnant and over are asked to check with Primary health care staff for instructions to be transferred to Myrtle Rigby Health Complex within 24-48 hours prior to the impending storm.
Antenatal clients in Providenciales who are 36 weeks pregnant and over are asked to report to Myrtle Rigby Health Complex within 24 hours prior to the storm.
Antenatal clients in Grand Turk who are 36 weeks pregnant and over are asked to report to relocated hospital at Seventh-Day Adventist Church/School within 24 hours prior to the storm.
Antenatal clients from Salt Cay and South Caicos who are 36 weeks pregnant and over are asked to report to hospital in Grand Turk within 24- 48 hours prior to the storm.
Please note that arrangements will be made to have persons relocated to relevant sites as smoothly as possible.
Chronically Ill Clients
Chronically ill clients e.g. hypertensive, diabetics, asthmatics and HIV infected persons etc. are asked to kindly ensure that you have secured a two (2) month supply of all prescribed medications on hand. Please see your doctor to have your prescriptions refilled at least 72 hours prior to impending storm. These should be wrapped in plastic/zip lock bags to prevent them from getting wet.
Persons requiring shelters:
- Ensure you are aware of all available shelters and be familiar with shelters closest to you.
- Ensure you have your family travel bag packed with:
- Identification for children,
- Personal hygiene supplies/toiletries especially hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes in the absence of water.
- Drinking water: 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3-14 days
- Blankets/sleeping bags per each family member.
- Non-perishable food items such as sardines, corned beef, spam, peanut butter, dried/condensed milk, sugar, biscuits, chocolate.
- Other items: at least two flashlights, portable radio, scissors, six (6) extra sets of batteries, a cooler, matches and a lighter, a stove or grill and lighter fluid; and a fire extinguisher.
- If have babies/elderly include two weeks supply of pampers, formula, baby food, bottles and other personal items/medications. Family should stay together in shelter as much as possible.
Kindly remember appropriate social etiquette measures especially if having to relocate to a shelter. This will aid in preventing spread of communicable diseases e.g. swine flu to others such as hand washing/hand sanitizing, covering cough at all times, adequate disposal of tissues used, seeking medical attention if experiencing flu-like symptoms and if experiencing flu-like symptoms avoid public places/gatherings.
Water
Have drinking water supply 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3-14 days. Additional water supply is required if family consists of children and elderly.
For babies using formula from powder, use bottle water, boiled water or water that has been treated.
Water that is unsafe will need to be treated by boiling water for 3-5 minutes or disinfecting according to instructions on chlorine tablet leaflets.
ASK THE SHELTER MANAGER OR HEALTH PERSONNEL FOR MORE INSTRUCTIONS.
Food
Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat. Any foods that may have been in contact with flood or storm water or has been thawed out will be considered unsafe.
General information
Remember:
- There is no substitute for hand washing. Hand washing is one of the most critical aspects in preventing spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands as frequently as possible; sanitize hands in the absence of hand washing.
- Everyone is encouraged to have personal hygiene supplies including hand sanitizer, toiletries and a first aid kit. A first Aid kit should be available at home on hand for treatment: this includes band aides, pain medication, aseptic solution, scissors, insect repellent, bandage for treatment of minor ailments.
- Persons on medications must keep all medications in secure zip-lock bags.
- Persons on medications requiring refrigeration should have a back-up storage system in place in the event of power outage, that is a cooler with ice for storage of medication e.g. insulin.
- Ensure you have spare containers filled with water for hygienic purposes. Keep water tightly covered especially for drinking purposes.
- Have a family disaster plan. Learn the plan and ensure other family members are aware of the plan. Practice plan in order to implement it when necessary.
- Know evacuation routes and identify nearest shelter be it Government shelter a family or friend.
- Avoid flooded areas where possible, especially if you have an open wound, as these waters may be heavily contaminated with various germs from human and or animal bodily waste, such as feaces.
AFTER THE HURRICANE PLEASE WAIT FOR THE ALL CLEAR SIGNAL BEFORE LEAVING THE SHELTER.
This hurricane season be prepared, be safe, and be ready.
For additional information kindly contact Health Education Unit 649-946-2801 Ext. 40801.
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