Public Health Advisory #1 for Tropical Storm Elsa

As we anticipate the passing of Tropical Storm Elsa through Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Health wants to ensure the health and safety of all residents and visitors are preserved and protected. As such it is of utmost importance that we are adequately prepared to mitigate and respond to the impacts of this natural disaster especially as we are battling the COVID19 pandemic.

Hurricanes and storms can have a direct impact on personal, psychological and social health. Persons with respiratory and chronic medical illnesses should take extra precautions as they are at higher risk.

It is of utmost importance to prevent unintentional injuries – Direct health effects stem from direct wind force, damaged infrastructure and flooding. Unintentional injuries are most common among the direct health effects of hurricanes. Drowning, poisoning, electrocution and injuries from rehabilitation/restoration efforts are some of the common reasons underlying unintentional injuries. People are advised to remain indoors during the storm and should not venture out unless it is to seek urgent medical attention.

Here are a few tips to prepare for a storm:  Make a Plan – Make sure you and your family are prepared by planning ahead.  Write down emergency phone numbers and ensure they are accessible to everyone in your household.  Prepare an emergency supply kit with important documents, basic hygiene items and a first aid kit.  Locate the nearest shelter and different routes you can take to get there from your home  Gather an emergency supply of food and water.  Ensure you have at least a 3-day supply of food on hand.  Ensure you have sufficient supply of foods that:  Have a long storage life  Require little or no cooking, water, or refrigeration, in case utilities are disrupted  Meet the needs of babies or other family members who are on special diets  Are not very salty or spicy, as these foods increase the need for drinking water, which may be in short supply  Check the expiration dates on canned foods and dried food items.  Replace food before its expiration date and do not use expired foods.  Do not use foods that have been exposed to flood waters  Store foods away from chemical and other hazardous items  Protect food from rodents and insects  Prepare an Emergency Water Supply  Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Consider storing more water for pregnant women, and for people who are sick.  Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet. Try to store a 2- week supply if possible.  Do not use contaminated water for drinking and cooking.  Store a bottle of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach to disinfect your water and to use for general cleaning and sanitizing.  Ensure an adequate supply of medicine and store in a safe place  Practice proper waste disposal to avoid harborage of vectors and rodents  Ensure adequate personal hygiene and sanitation  Ensure you have a first aid kit to attend to minor injuries  People should continue following all COVID-19 protocols.

The various public health facilities will be open to provide urgent or emergency care during and after the storm. These facilities include: Owen King EU Hospital, Victoria Hospital (Respiratory Hospital), Soufriere Hospital, Dennery Hospital and the GrosIslet Polyclinic.

The Ministry of Health appeals to all to be prepared, remain indoors during the storm and listen for public advisory on the Tropical Storm.