Cuban Civil Defense recommends use of family guides during tropical cyclones

HAVANA, Cuba, Oct 24 (ACN) Cuba's Civil Defense recommended on its social media channels the study and implementation of family guides for protection against tropical cyclones, developed in conjunction with the Institute of Meteorology and the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, with the goal of reducing vulnerabilities throughout the country.

The material was based on Directive No. 1 for Disaster Reduction, issued in April 2010 by the National Defense Council, and compiles experiences from the major hydrometeorological events that have affected the nation in recent years.

One of the guides is aimed at residents of urban areas, where buildings are at risk of collapse and communities face river, storm, and coastal flooding, as well as sea intrusion.

The second volume focuses on families in rural and mountainous areas, exposed to landslides, river flooding, and tree fall due to strong winds.

General guidelines include identifying evacuation centers, preparing a family bag with basic supplies, and protecting vulnerable people such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and persons with disabilities.

The guidelines detail the need to have adequate clothing, a portable radio, a flashlight, batteries, non-perishable food, drinking water, prescribed medications, and identification documents, all in easily transportable luggage.

It is also recommended to plan alternative evacuation routes, disconnect electrical equipment before leaving the home, and coordinate with neighbors in case of emergency.

For the recovery phase, the guidelines recommend inspecting the technical condition of homes, collaborating with authorities in assessing damage, eliminating mosquito reservoirs, and maintaining strict hygiene and sanitation measures.

In rural areas, it is advisable to inspect corrals, paddocks, and crop storage areas, in addition to ensuring the protection of animals and seeds. In urban areas, emphasis is placed on the safe handling of food and solid waste control.

During the information phase, families should reinforce roofs and windows, prepare emergency supplies, and remain attentive to instructions from authorities and meteorological services.

Regarding the alert phase, they are advised to occupy planned shelters in advance, protect antennas and solar panels, secure water and hazardous substance reservoirs, and maintain discipline in protection centers.

The alarm phase requires completing safety measures, avoiding unnecessary travel, not passing through flooded areas or touching power lines, and remaining in safe places until otherwise instructed by authorities.

In Cuba, Civil Defense emphasizes that these guidelines are an essential tool for preserving life and mitigating material damage, while reinforcing the population's culture of prevention.

This guiding principle translates into the organization of evacuation plans, the preparation of shelters, and the adoption of preventive measures in homes, communities, and productive sectors, with the aim of reducing vulnerabilities and mitigating damage caused by hurricanes, tropical storms, or other hydrometeorological phenomena.