What you need to know before checking into your TCI Hurricane Shelter

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, September 18, 2022 – Moving to a hurricane shelter can be a traumatic and dizzying experience for some and as last minute provisions are hurriedly made many things can be forgotten. During a pandemic it becomes doubly important to protect yourself and your families by making adequate preparations to prevent illness in a communal setting.

COVID-19 is caused by an airborne virus and spreads quickly in large crowds of people. According to the CDC there are several ways to prevent contracting the disease even in crowded shelters.

• Prepare a “go kit” with personal items you cannot do without during an emergency. For COVID19 this means hand sanitizer; soap; disinfectant wipes (if available) and multiple clean masks for everyone.
• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. If you do contract the virus you are less likely to be severely ill and thus less likely to need medical services while hospitals are under strain from the natural disaster. This is especially important for high risk patients as medical airlifts will not be available during the storm
• Follow safety precautions when using (public) transportation to evacuate. If you have to travel away from your community to evacuate, follow safety precautions for travelers to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Wear masks in close quarters and practice good hand hygiene.
• When you arrive at the shelter wash your hands often and avoid sharing food and drinks with others
• Keep your mask on and give others space, resist the urge to socialize. This will help protect everyone in the shelter, especially those who are at high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Speak with shelter staff immediately you feel ill
• Keep an eye on your children, monitor them for symptoms and ensure they keep up with protocols as well.

One shelter will be open on each island in the Turks and Caicos (see the list in the Magnate) and emergency services will not be available until after the storm has passed so protect yourselves and your family accordingly.