CARIBBEAN PREPAREDNESS

Stay Alert,
Stay Prepared, Stay Safe.

Practical information and resources to help communities across the Caribbean prepare for all emergencies.

Caribbean Preparedness Visibility (CPV) Programme

The CPV Programme puts practical, plain-language preparedness information where people already are: schools, churches, clinics, government buildings, community centres and shelters. Through posters, leaflets and QR-linked guides, it makes disaster-risk-reduction advice visible, accessible and easy to act on, so every household can prepare in advance.

Stay Alert:

Stay informed: monitor weather reports and official advisories.

Stay prepared:

Emergency supplies: water, non-perishable food, medicines, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and important documents.
Emergency plan: agree an evacuation and emergency plan with your family.
Know your shelters: find your nearest hurricane shelter and evacuation route in advance.

Stay Safe:

Stay safe: avoid floodwaters, fallen power lines and debris.
Stay calm: follow official announcements on radio, television or trusted online sources.
Check in: let family, friends or emergency services know you are safe..
Seek assistance: contact local authorities or Windward Aid for emergency support.

A Complete Go-Bag Guide

Pack. Protect. Prepare.

What is a Go-Bag? The bag your household grabs if you must leave home quickly, for a hurricane, flood, landslide or fire. Prepare it in advance and pack what is essential and realistic for your household.

Essential Supplies:

Water & food: Drinking water (1 gallon per person, per day, for at least 3 days); Ready-to-eat, non-perishable food (at least a 3-day supply); Can opener and utensils.
Health & medication: Prescription medication (at least a 7-day supply, plus copies of prescriptions); First-aid kit.
Important documents: Kept in a waterproof bag: passport, national ID, birth and marriage certificates, driver's licence, immigration papers, insurance, property or land documents; Medical information and copies of important records.
Light & communication: Flashlight or torch, spare batteries, whistle; Battery or hand-crank radio for official updates; Mobile phone, charger, cables and a power bank; Emergency contact list.

Additional Categories:

Education & qualifications: Protected copies in a waterproof bag: academic certificates, professional and training qualifications, licences.
Money & valuables: Cash in small denominations/notes; Bank cards; Keys (house and vehicle); Jewellery and small valuables you can safely carry.
Hygiene & sanitation: Toiletries, toilet paper and sanitary products; Insect or mosquito repellent; Sunscreen.
Clothing & protection: Change of clothes and underwear; Lightweight rain jacket or poncho; Blanket or light covering.
Babies, children & dependants: Formula, baby food, bottles, nappies, wipes; Child-specific medication; A comfort item or small toy; Their important documents.
Pets: Pet food and water; Medication; Lead or leash and carrier; Vet information.

Keep your go-bag ready:

Prepare early: pack your bag before hurricane season.
Review regularly: replace expired medication and food, check batteries and chargers.
Keep documents protected: seal papers in a waterproof bag to keep them dry.
Placement: Keep it light, water-resistant and easy to reach, and tell your family where it is stored.