How WUSOM Prepares for Hurricane Season

December 1, 2017

How WUSOM Prepares for Hurricane Season

Hurricanes in recent years have left people across the world in awe of Mother Nature. When you reside in a place that is likely to be affected by hurricanes, you must prepare for the inevitable. To those who live in St. Kitts, the rich culture, spectacular scenery, and relaxed lifestyle are worth the extra effort involved with planning for the occasional storm.
Graduates of Windsor University School of Medicine (WUSOM) generally seem to agree that life in St. Kitts is certainly worthwhile. Getting a world-class Caribbean medical school education is an impressive achievement. However, it is always important to be prepared for hurricane season when you live, work, or go to school in this region.
How to Plan Ahead for a Hurricane
WUSOM takes the safety of our students very seriously, and this is always a top priority at any time of year. We will always stay in close communication with our students to be sure that they remain as safe as possible. After Hurricane Maria, which passed the island southward and spared its inhabitants, we confirmed that none of our students had been harmed.
These are some points worth considering when preparing for a hurricane as a Caribbean medical school student:

Government Relations– Whether you come to WUSOM from San Juan, Edmonton, Houston, or Ottawa, you can take comfort in the fact that Windsor University has solid relationships with both the U.S. and Canadian governments. We can communicate and work with your governments as necessary to ensure your well-being during an emergency situation.
• Severe Storm Contingencies – In many cases, your respective governments may provide relief when a major storm occurs. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, Canadian students may be evacuated by Global Affairs Canada. U.S. students may also wish to explore whether such aid is provided by their government.

Remember to take some steps when you are in the Caribbean to prepare for emergency situations. Refer to the Hurricane section of your WUSOM Student Handbook for information on what actions you should take if a hurricane is imminent.
Build an emergency supply kit using the following items:
• Food: Have enough canned food available to last at least a few days. Store foods that you will not mind consuming without heating them. Keep a manual can opener available.
• Water: You should have enough bottled water to last at least a few days, if not a week or two. If you stay in your home, you can also fill a bathtub with water to use for cleaning and basic hygiene.
• Radio: Have a battery-powered radio on hand, and keep extra batteries accessible.
• Light: Make sure that you have at least a few flashlights.
• First Aid Supplies: Have a first aid kit that is fully stocked.
• Tools: Keep some basic tools around, such as a wrench and a hammer.
• Paper Maps: Cell phones and computers do not always work in emergency situations. Invest in a current paper map of the general area.
Staying Prepared is Always Advisable
No matter where you live or go to school, you will likely be faced with the potential for extreme weather or other types of emergencies occasionally. At WUSOM, we care about the well-being of our students, and we want you to stay safe. Be as prepared as you can be, but remember that you are not alone here in St. Kitts.