Hurricane season can be a busy time for helping services. With so many organizations offering shelter, nutrition and care services during the best of times, it’s only natural that hurricane season brings a more intense need for support. 

While most local charitable organizations don’t always solicit donations, the added urgency of a coming storm makes unsolicited donations that much more appreciated. Organizations like the Salvation Army, Bermuda Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance and Meals on Wheels are always happy to receive support from the general public, as every little bit helps to serve the members of our society who depend on those organizations. 

Of course, a hurricane is a natural disaster and the Bermuda Red Cross plays a large role in preparing the community for hurricane season through First Aid, CPR and AED classes, medical rentals and psychosocial first aid training. The Bermuda Red Cross welcomes donations through their Thrift Shop, which is located at ‘Charleswood,’ 9 Berry Road, Paget. Donations are gratefully accepted on days the thrift shop is open. Items are also donated to needy clients of non-profits, churches and Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute. Donations can be made online at https://bermudaredcross.com/ as well. 

St. John’s Ambulance offers similar services. They operate as a registered Bermuda charity and they rely upon volunteer support and donations from the community to operate. 

Donations help the organization continue their work in the community, from attending hundreds of events island-wide each year to teaching valuable lifesaving skills to providing PPE to protect volunteers against Covid-19. Go to http:// sjabermuda.org/donate/ for full details on how to donate to St. John’s Ambulance Bermuda. 

The Salvation Army operates an actual shelter for our less fortunate citizens, which speaks to a clear need for community support during hurricane season. A Bermuda-based registered charity, the Salvation Army provides services and programs to restore dignity and hope in the lives of those in times of need in the community. Serving some 600 meals per week and providing shelter for vulnerable women and men who are homeless, the Salvation Army is a more than worthy organization to support during hurricane season and beyond. Donations can be in the form of groceries for the hungry through one of their three island-wide food banks or through monetary means via www.ptix.bm/Event/3991/ The-Salvation-Army-Donations/. 

Finally, Meals on Wheels is a service dedicated to getting nutrition to Bermudians who may otherwise struggle to feed themselves. It is a necessary service and becomes quite essential during times of crisis, which the aftermath of a hurricane can very quickly become in Bermuda. 

Funded primarily by contributions from individuals and corporations, Meals on Wheels also receives an annual government grant and participates in various fundraising activities throughout the year. In addition to monetary contributions, many in the community donate food, both non-perishables and fresh produce. Others donate needed goods and services. The generosity and concern shown by all donors is greatly appreciated and has enabled Meals on Wheels to deliver meals at no charge to recipients since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.” For full details on how to donate to Meals on Wheels, go to: https://mealsonwheels.bm/donate/. 

The post Your Donations Matter appeared first on RG Magazines.

Bermuda is littered with hazards after a hurricane, from fallen trees in the road and live wires lurking under piles of debris to buildings that could collapse at any moment and cliffsides that could fall into the ocean. 

After a storm, Belco workers hit the streets from sun-up to late at night, repairing infrastructure such as branch lines so that power can be restored to our homes. Safety is paramount for the clean-up teams charged with the responsibility of putting the island back together. Belco staff and soldiers from the Royal Bermuda Regiment are rigorously trained so that they are aware of all the post-storm dangers and can go about their jobs as safely as possible. 

“Belco crews face dangers from obstacles in the road and debris that may fall during restoration efforts,” says a Belco spokesperson. “Crews also face dangers from generators that may be connected to a home or business’s main electricity panels that can energize a line that workers believe to be de-energized.” 

The safety of staff is “first and foremost” in Belco’s plans. The spokesperson explains that Belco crews are highly trained and follow precise checklists to ensure safety during restoration efforts. They also undergo regular training to ensure they are up to date with all safety protocols. 

Step one is to ensure the weather is calm enough for workers to venture outside and check the lay of the land. “Immediately following a storm, and once winds have decreased and it is safe to venture outside, an advance crew goes out to assess damage and any potential obstacles to Belco vehicles and crews,” the spokesperson says. “Once the advance crew has assessed accessibility and damage to infrastructure are repair crews dispatched in a coordinated manner to address damage according to a pre-planned strategy.” 

Restoration efforts are coordinated from the central dispatch at Belco’s headquarters on Serpentine Road. Belco works alongside other members of the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), which includes the Bermuda Police Service and the Regiment. Police and the Regiment check roads for obstructions following a storm and report back to Belco when they encounter downed power lines and other damaged infrastructure. 

Major Duncan Simons of the Regiment says the biggest threats to soldiers are downed power lines and chainsaw accidents. “We conduct annual chainsaw training or refreshers for all chainsaw operators to mitigate this risk, and we organize a yearly brief with Belco to ensure soldiers are cognizant of the risks,” Major Simons says. 

“In the case of downed lines, we report pole numbers through our operations room and Commander of Operations and wait for the all-clear when the lines have been deactivated.” 

Workers from the Bermuda Government also play their part in clean-ups, once the EMO has confirmed winds have subsided and it’s safe for them to get out and about. A Parks Department spokesperson says staff include instructors who are trained and certified to provide CPR, use automated external defibrillators (AED) and first aid. They carry fully stocked first aid kits on the trucks that can be used if required. The higher certified staff will also have AEDs and oxygen,” he says. 

Another group that springs into action after a storm are the volunteers at Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB). 

Executive director Traci Burgess says teams are strongly encouraged to turn their attention firstly to their own property and neighbourhood, meaning adverse weather conditions have long since subsided by the time they begin clean-up operations at public beaches and parks. 

The fierce winds of a hurricane often cause serious damage to Bermuda’s landscape, causing beach erosion and areas such as cliffsides to become unstable. “There’s debris and damage to roads, there could be cliffsides falling off,” says Burgess. “When it’s safe to go, our volunteers head up to spots like the Railway Trail, where there are cliffs and rocky areas. We caution them about not overdoing it. They might see some trash tangled up in the trees, but you might have to walk along rocks to get there.” 

Don’t take any risks. “We want to make sure our volunteers are working in the safest way possible. We discourage people from walking along any dangerous routes like cliffs.” 

Volunteers must also watch out for storm surge as they clear the beach. “We talk about water safety when they’re on the beaches,” Burgess says. “We tell our volunteers not to go too far, especially on the South Shore.” 

KBB also provides neon vests, road signs and eight-foot flutter flags to ensure motorists drive with caution while volunteers clear the roads. 

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR CLEAN-UP CREWS 

We may feel we have enough on our plates dealing with the hurricane aftermath in our own homes, but we should always spare a thought for the teams on the front line. One way to show your appreciation is simply to stay out of the way while they go about their work. “Belco staff work long shifts, often in stifling heat and humidity following a storm,” says a spokesperson. “Work carries on from sun-up to sundown until every customer has had power restored. Staff are often away from their families and homes, which may require repairs and clean-up, too. The public can show their appreciation by keeping out of the way of crews as they work and by offering their thanks and encouragement.” 

“We’re thankful to all our volunteers for the great work they do,” adds Burgess. “That includes those who volunteer after a storm and all our other volunteers and partners. They have a strong emotional connection to helping keep Bermuda beautiful.” 

The post Safety A Top Priority For Clean-Up Crews appeared first on RG Magazines.

Vaccinations have been an important topic of discussion over the past two years. As coincidence would have it, this year marked the 20th Anniversary of Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA). Every year, more than 40 countries and territories in the Americas, including Bermuda, join in raising awareness about the importance of vaccinations. This event has helped ensure that more than 806 million people have been vaccinated against a range of diseases since 2002. 

When it comes to discussing hurricanes and hurricane season, it’s a good opportunity to understand which vaccines are recommended to ensure you, your family and your community remain as safe and healthy as possible year round and during emergencies. 

“Vaccinations are not mandatory,” says Diane Gordon, Disaster Manager for the Bermuda Red Cross. Therefore we have never recommended or suggested to our staff, responders or volunteers what they should do or which vaccine they should have. We have always encouraged our teams, along with our at-risk communities, to conduct their own due diligence and we have monitored and educated them as much as possible regarding the pros and cons concerning Covid vaccinations.” 

Steve Cosham is the National Disaster Coordinator for the Ministry of National Security with the Government of Bermuda. He’s also on the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team. He agrees this isn’t an easy topic. “If I look at the United Kingdom military, they do not have a mandate that soldiers have to be vaccinated against COVID, for example. If they have a force that comes to Bermuda to help after a hurricane, they won’t take people off that force if they aren’t vaccinated because that would be discrimination.” 

Instead, Cosham says it’s a matter of personal responsibility. “It’s a good idea to see your doctor for regular checkups. When you’re there, ask what vaccinations you need to protect yourself.” 

People need a Tetanus shot every 10 years, for example. This shot is especially helpful for anyone who gets cut, especially during recovery efforts. “You should look at your health record and see what you’ve been vaccinated against and when,” says Cosham. “See what’s available or recommended by your general physician as you age or for your own personal circumstances.” 

Cosham also suggests checking online with the Ministry of Health if you’re travelling overseas. Some countries may have a risk of Malaria or Zika. Ministries of Health liaise with each other to ensure everyone has the latest information. Keep in mind that vaccinations take time to work. The Covid vaccine, for instance, offers full protection two weeks after receiving the shot. That’s why these things should be thought about in advance. 

“Now’s a good time to think about you, your spouse, your children and elder people in your family,” says Cosham. “It’s good to know your vaccination records in general, not just when things happen.” 

As a rule, it’s also a good idea to keep medical details where you keep passport and financial records so you can keep them safe in an emergency. 

The post Vaccines Are A Matter Of Personal Responsibility appeared first on RG Magazines.

Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Many of us don’t. But it’s important to educate ourselves, as fire extinguishers can save lives and homes. As too many people know, fires can happen unexpectedly and escalate quickly, becoming out of control if we don’t act fast. 

While it’s not possible to cover an entire course in one article, it’s helpful to have some tips in the back of your mind as hurricane season approaches. You never know when you might find yourself needing to put out a small fire. They can be caused by things you have in your home—like candles, cooking oil, home heaters or smokers. They can also be caused by things like malfunctioning electrical outlets or even lightning in a storm. 

To begin, make sure you have smoke alarms throughout your house. Check them regularly, every six months, so they can do their job in an emergency. Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home or office? Make sure you have one and that it’s in working order. While this piece of equipment doesn’t work for every type of fire and can be used to put out small fires, it’s still a good idea to have one handy. 

Let everyone know where the extinguisher is and how to use it. Keep it near an exit so you can make a fast escape. If you don’t know how it works, schedule some training. Call your fire department for more information. Then you can train others or invite them along for training. 

In the event of a fire, make sure everyone in your home or office has an escape route and that the exit is clear. Don’t block it with boxes or doors that are locked. If someone is going to use the extinguisher, are they capable? Children should not be left in charge. Call 911 immediately and alert others to leave the building. 

If you need to use a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS. This will help you if you can’t think clearly during an emergency. PASS stands for: 

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism. Face the fire, staying six to eight feet away from the flames as you prepare to use the extinguisher. 
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Keep your back to the exit so you can leave in a hurry. 
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. 
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side. 

The post HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER appeared first on RG Magazines.

Accidents happen, but accidents are avoidable. In the case of fire, there are many things a small business owner can do to prepare for or mitigate the fallout of a serious disaster in the event of a blaze. 

As Fire Prevention Officer Lieutenant Jamal Albouy notes, in the case of fire, we “react, as opposed to being proactive. If you have a plan on what to do in the event of an emergency, it’s a matter of just activating that plan and putting into practice.” 

The Bermuda Fire Service follows the recommendations of the National Fire Prevention Association in terms of safety, encouraging that Bermudians employ measures like “not overloading electrical outlets, having portable fire extinguishers and knowing where the exits are” as part of their safety and evacuation planning. 

SETTING YOUR FIRE SAFETY PLAN 

Large or small, in an office building or from a store front, the needs of each small business owner will be unique. However, the suggestions below can be used as a stepping stone for anyone looking to “fire proof” their investments. 

• Create an evacuation plan. Small or large, every business should have an actionable evacuation plan in place. This should include which exits to use, how to find them and a muster point that is at a safe distance and easily accessible by both staff and emergency personnel. 
• Keep all staff, including part-time or seasonal, informed about your procedures by posting easy-to-follow instructions in high-trafficked areas like the break room. Practice drills on a regular basis. Task supervisors, management and anyone in charge of training to include these safety procedures as part of the new employee basic training. 
• Keep stairways and hallways clear of boxes or other supplies. Not only can piles of product or paperwork fuel a fire, but they can also become an obstacle for anyone trying to evacuate. 
• Store or dispose of flammable materials in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Disposing or storing hazardous materials, particularly for a small business, can be a costly expenditure, but it’s necessary to avoid accidents. 

Take precautions with your electrical equipment: 

• Overloading an electrical outlet can result in tripping the circuit. Especially true in older buildings, there is the potential that overheating the system can cause the insulation to melt and may result in a fire. 
• Don’t break off the third prong on a plug to fit a two-prong outlet. The third prong guarantees the system is properly rounded. 
• Avoid using extension cords as a permanent solution, as they are designed for temporary use, and store all power cords away from heat, water and oil. Avoid using staples or nails to attach cords to the wall or floor as they may cause damage to the exterior insulation or integrity of the wire within. 
• Keep electronic equipment like computers, printers and kitchen appliances far enough apart so air can circulate to keep them cool. Anyone who has worked in a sever environment will understand how much heat can be generated by a machine that is in constant operation and the devastating effects of such equipment overheating. 

Depending on the nature of your business, be diligent about regularly inspecting tools, power cords and electrical fittings. Keep equipment well maintained and clean. Repair or replace any damaged equipment before use. 

Invest in a solid fire alarm and sprinkler system and keep them in good repair. Equally important, keep your fire extinguisher up to date. Easily one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment, fire extinguishers are vital in keeping small flames from spreading. Make sure you place them in strategic, easily accessible locations, that they are charged and that they are regularly inspected to avoid a misfire in the event of an emergency. 

Designate a smoker’s area away from open trash cans or other garbage and provide a safe method to dispose of butts that cannot easily be tipped over. 

Reduce your risk of arson. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, arson is one of the leading causes of workplace fires. Ensure that all employees are diligent about locking up, keeping all points of exit clear of obstruction. This is also a case for requiring that garbage be removed every day. 

Not mentioned above is the purchase of a comprehensive insurance policy that will cover you in the event of disaster, including fire and other acts of vandalism or the whim of Mother Nature. This will help provide a bit of cushion and may be a little salve in the aftermath, though it will never replace the years of sweat equity you’ve invested in your project. In the same way your unseen labour can bring you financial success, a little investment into safety upfront can save you a lot of woe down the road. 

The post Fire Safety Tips For Small Business Owners appeared first on RG Magazines.

There’s no place like home—unless, of course, your home has no electricity, the roof has come off or the garden has been turned upside down by a hurricane. 

In times like those, there’s no place like your favourite bar. Pubs and restaurants in Bermuda serve a vital role as community hubs during the days after a major storm, providing air conditioning and cooked meals to those without power and a chance for people to share their disaster stories. 

“We all know what it’s like after a hurricane,” says Philip Barnett, President of Island Restaurant Group, which includes bars such as The Pickled Onion and Hog Penny in Hamilton and The Frog and Onion in Dockyard. “It’s hot, you’re swimming in humidity and you have no air conditioning at home. People are able to come here, see their family and friends and relax.” 

He says the restaurants and bars become people’s living rooms, the places where people can hang out in air-conditioned bliss. “It’s a fantastic thing. That’s what fills all our buckets. It’s that ability to help people. It harks back to the reason people in hospitality enjoy being in the industry so much. We love to give hospitality and we love to make people feel at home.” 

The aftermath of one of Bermuda’s worst storms, Hurricane Fabian in 2003, also provided one of Barnett’s strongest hospitality-related memories. “I reflect back to Hurricane Fabian, where power was just devastated across the island,” he says. “Usually after a hurricane, people’s power comes back after three or four days, a week at the most. After Fabian, there was a significant number of people who had no power for three, four or five weeks,” he remembers.“People were literally coming in every day as they had no power. They would go home, try to shower at their office, and then come into us for lunch and dinner.” 

The hurricane meant that the traditionally quiet post-Labour Day period became unusually busy. 

People came for three things, Barnett recalls. “Firstly, the camaraderie; then the respite from all the challenges at home after the storm; but also because it was pleasurable to be in the conditions we could provide.” 

He remembers how people traded their stories about which window got blown in, how their roof had come off, and all the other things that happened during that storm. “Those are the things that bring us together after a hurricane. The first thing you do after the storm is make sure your neighbour is safe. Neighbours will all bind together and help clear the road—it’s all about being part of the community and doing your bit to help each other. That creates a community camaraderie that we love.” 

Being at the workplace also has its perks for staff, who might also be without power at home. 

“We do the best we can. We have a single shower at our head office available for our staff to traipse in one by one by one to get fresh,” Barnett says. “Once you are in the air-conditioned premises, even if you’ve not been able to have a shower, you can wash up in the staff bathroom. That at least makes you feel half-human, and then you are able to get on and do your work.” 

Bermuda Bistro at the Beach on Front Street has gained a reputation as one of the first places to reopen after a storm. Owner Rick Olson says: “I feel we have an obligation to feed the community in disaster-like situations, especially if you have a bunch of tourists on the island and they have no power.” 

It’s important for residents, too. If you have no power and your refrigerator isn’t working, how else are you going to eat? “It’s just the nature when you are in hospitality–your human nature. We are kind of lucky where we are in town. We don’t lose power very often, and when we do it is always back on again within a few minutes,” says Olson. “Town always gets cleared up quite quickly so we are able to open as soon as it’s safe to travel on the roads for our staff to get in.” 

Olson recalls one storm when homes in St. George’s lost power for a week. “We were flat out all day long,” he says. “The whole island was out of power for three or four days. It’s nice because you get all walks of life in at the same time. For the first day or two, it’s more of a big party–a relief to get through the storm for a lot of people. Then reality sets in and it’s ‘oh no, we have got a lot of work to do’ 

The aftermath of a hurricane is a hectic time for bar staff. Olson says: “I think staff really like to come in. It’s one of the busier times, so they will make more money themselves. They look forward to it. A hurricane can be one of the best things that happens to us as we can be extremely busy and we don’t get that too often these days.” 

Staffing levels can be hit if some are dealing with storm-related damage at their homes, meaning Olson is often required to get behind the bar himself. “That’s the thing I love to do more than anything—be behind the bar myself, socializing with people, meeting new people. That’s the fun of the business.” 

The Beach offers special post-storm meal deals to families who cannot cook at home, but many people just like to know there’s always somewhere they will be welcome. 

“We will probably continue that on. It’s kind of our reputation. People think we are always open,” Olson says. “It makes me feel proud and makes my staff feel proud. We have a strong work ethic.” 

The post No Electricity? Eat In A Restaurant! appeared first on RG Magazines.

It’s hard to choose the perfect name for a child, but when it comes to hurricanes, it’s all planned out long in advance by the World Meteorological Organization. 

Since these storms occur every year, some at the same time, weather experts agreed that having human names for each one would avoid confusion and enable everyone to better communicate. Each season, 21 names are chosen according to the Greek alphabet. Names are chosen in chronological order, so Albert would be before Bob. There are six lists of names that rotate every six years. The names of very bad storms are retired. In 2017, Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate were removed from the list. They were replaced with Harold, Idalia, Margot and Nigel. Names starting with Q, U, X, Y and Z aren’t used. You know it’s a bad storm season when you run out of names and have to start at the beginning. That happened in 2005, when the season ended with a tropical storm named Alpha. 

Interestingly, the names chosen have to be simple and easy for the people of the affected area to pronounce. That’s why Atlantic storm names include names familiar to Caribbean people, such as Cristobal and Edouard. Storms that affect Hawaii, for instance, will have Hawaiian names like Moke and Walaka. 

When hurricanes were first named in the Atlantic, a practice that began several hundred years ago, they were named after Roman Catholic saints. If there were two hurricanes, they could be named Hurricane San Filipe the First and Hurricane San Felipe the Second. When meteorology was new in the United States, storms were named according to the longitude and latitude coordinates where they began. These were impossible to remember and errors were made. During the Second World War, military meteorologists began to use women’s names. The system was easy and adopted in 1953 by the National Hurricane Centre for stories originating over the Atlantic ocean. This continued until the women’s movement, when men’s names were finally added to the list by 1979. 

“Women are human beings and deeply resent being arbitrarily associated with disaster,” reads one 1970 protest letter sent to the U.S. National Weather Service by the National Organization for Women. 

Now, it’s more equitable. During even-numbered years, so 2022 and 2024, for instance, men’s names are given to the odd-numbered storms, like 1, 3 and 5. During odd-numbered years, like 2023 and 2025, women’s names are given to odd-numbered storms. 

If you’re ever competing in hurricane trivia, you will surely have your opponent’s number and know all the names! 

The post How Are Hurricanes Named? appeared first on RG Magazines.

Taking a “staycation” in Bermuda may be just what the doctor ordered, suggest locals Kristin White and Carrie DeSilva. Both women have opted for local holidays over international vacations over the past two years. Here, they share their top reasons for taking a staycation on the island. Even though it’s hurricane season, it can still be the perfect time to enjoy a much-needed break. 

1. To relax and unwind. Let’s face it: the last couple of years have been stressful as we all adjusted to the ‘new normal’ brought about by COVID-19. For health and fitness coach Carrie DeSilva, of Carrie Lee Fitness, it became even more important to take time out from the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic to relax, have fun and recharge. “Oftentimes we really needed that staycation,” says DeSilva, who says she took five or six local breaks since the pandemic started in 2020. “Working for yourself, you want to do it all and wear all the hats in your business, but I’ve had to learn to set boundaries and separate work from my personal life. Staycationing in Bermuda gives me the chance to leave my laptop behind, switch off my phone and be present. We get to the hotel reeling from the busyness of the week, but when we leave we feel so much more refreshed.” Same goes for local blogger and entrepreneur Kristin White. For her, the pandemic lockdown period had a huge impact on business, forcing her to pivot and think of new ideas and ways to generate income. “For the most part, I wasn’t as busy as I typically am when tourism is booming,” says White. “My husband’s workload stayed the same, but he wasn’t taking any time off. When we go on staycation, he puts an Out Of Office response on his email and we commit to not picking up any work.” 
2. To experience local hospitality. When you’re born and raised in Bermuda you don’t always get to experience the island’s hospitality industry for yourself. White, owner of St. George’s-based gift shop and tour business, Long Story Short, says the pandemic gave her the chance to fall even deeper in love with the Bermuda’s beauty, culture and local hospitality. “We live in a bucket-list paradise and typically when we have a chance to unplug we do it overseas in a different country,” White says. “Whether it’s a night, a weekend or a full week, taking a staycation allows you to witness Bermuda’s hospitality and tourism up close. You get to see exactly what our tourists experience when they come to Bermuda.” White and her husband Dueane didn’t feel comfortable travelling during the pandemic lockdown period. If ever they started to feel claustrophobic from being on ‘the rock’ for too long, that’s when they made it a priority to book a short stay at one of their favourite hotels. 
3. To take advantage of the local deals and discounts. When you factor in the savings from not having to pay for a flight, plus the fact that many hotels offer great deals for local guests, particularly in the off season, a staycation doesn’t have to break the bank. Over the past few years, DeSilva has stayed at hotels including The Reefs, Hamilton Princess, Grotto Bay, Tucker’s Point and The Loren. Though each of the hotels offer slightly different environments and amenities, she gets to decide whether to spend her weekend ‘playing tourist’ and sightseeing around the island or just enjoy laying on the beach, catching up on rest and dining at different restaurants. “You get to decide the pace of your holiday and can do as much or as little as you like,” she says. 
4. To connect with the ones you love. White has found staycations to be a great way to celebrate special moments and milestones with the people she loves. From wedding anniversaries and birthdays to a special New Year’s Eve with her family, she recommends staycations as the perfect way to reconnect and make new memories with others. “Especially in the last couple of years we have had so much stress and depressing, sad, anxiety-ridden moments,” White says. “Just giving ourselves some time to disconnect from that has been really important.” 
5. To invest in your romantic relationship. While staycations can be done solo or with the whole family, newlywed DeSilva also recommends using them as a chance to have alone time with the special someone in your life. Thanks to family support, she’s able to leave her son Arlo with grandparents, while she and partner Stephen Astwood intentionally go on dates to nurture their close bond. “With relationships, I believe the ones that are the best are the ones you put work into building and strengthening,” DeSilva says. “You can’t not water your relationship and expect it to grow. That’s why staycations are such a good option to pour back into yourself and give your spouse some undivided attention as well. By taking time for myself and my relationship, I feel like I can show up better in other areas of my life. Even if it’s not a staycation, make sure you have small pockets of time to fill your own cup.” 

The post Why Go Anywhere Else? appeared first on RG Magazines.

Generally speaking, Bermudians know how to keep themselves safe during a hurricane. Tracking the storm well in advance and making preparations are key to safety. But sometimes, it’s hard to know whether to stay home during a storm or seek shelter elsewhere. How do you decide where to go, what to do and how to weigh your evacuation options for this kind of natural disaster? What factors do you have to consider? 

First, it’s important to know the difference between a hurricane “watch” and “warning.” A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in a stated area. A hurricane warning is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings as far in advance before tropical-storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm. 

The Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will inform the public if they feel certain parts of the island should be evacuated. There’s been examples of people whose homes are right on the North or South Shore who have been advised to seek shelter elsewhere (or at least get to the highest point in the structure) to avoid the storm surge. 

According to AccuWeather, which provides weather forecasting services worldwide, if severe weather is expected and a person or family has the time and resources to evacuate, they’re urged to leave as soon as possible. Take your emergency go kit and evacuate far out of the path of the storm so that you aren’t impacted by high winds, rain, flooding or other dangerous conditions. 

There may be times, however, when the EMO or its related affiliates advise people to seek shelter where they are. During those scenarios, experts say the safest location to be is in the interior area of the building that’s surrounded by walls and is not close to any windows. That’s because glass on most homes can break quickly. Even if the storm isn’t severe, winds can turn any object into projectiles. Projectiles can include anything that’s laying around outside, like tree branches that have broken off or yard furniture. Areas like bathrooms or closets are typically the best options for sheltering inside a home for avoiding flying debris, which is a major source of injuries during a hurricane. 

Whether you decide to evacuate or are able to shelter in place, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the following advice: 

IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE: 

• In advance, locate the nearest shelter and identify various routes on how you can get there from your home. Then, if you have to evacuate, you’ll know where to go and which route to take. 
• Grab your emergency supply kit, which you will have prepared in advance, and only take what you really need with you. 
• Unplug your appliances. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity and water. 
• Follow the roads and instructions issued by the EMO to safely get to an emergency shelter. 

IF YOU NEED TO STAY HOME: 

• Keep your emergency supply kit in a place you can easily access. 
• Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the hurricane. 
• Stay inside. Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside. Wait until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over. Sometimes, weather gets calm in the middle of a storm but then quickly gets bad again. 
• Stay away from windows—you could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris during a storm. Stay in a room with no windows or go inside a closet. 
• Be ready to leave. If emergency authorities order you to leave or if your home is damaged, you may need to go to a shelter or a neighbour’s house. 

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First responders are everyday superheroes, but supporting the public can be as mentally exhausting as physically. This is more so when called upon during a natural disaster. While trauma is an inevitable part of the job, working the muscles in your mind can help mitigate any emotional fallout for our dedicated front-line workers. 

“Health professionals can be vulnerable to psychological stress due to the nature of their work,” explains Dr. Kauliss P. Lanthier, a Clinical Psychologist at Patterns Bermuda. 

It takes a specific personality to manage the ups and downs that come with being a first responder. Still, even innately altruistic individuals may suffer from burnout—general exhaustion and lack of interest or motivation. You may also present with symptoms like: 

• Sleep disturbances 
• Angry outbursts 
• Irrationality 
• Feelings of alienation 
• Depression 
• Weight gain 
• Opioid dependence 

Then, there’s compassion fatigue, also known as vicarious trauma. Compassion fatigue can develop after repeated or long-term exposure to traumatized folks. Compassion fatigue presents as a lack of empathy or even negative feelings towards those with whom you are working. 

If symptoms persist, you may be dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “If you are so overwhelmed by the event that memories don’t resolve, they remain stored in the brain and nervous system in an unhealthy way,” Dr. Lanthier says. “The memory lingers and disrupts everyday life.” 

Bermudians are no stranger to natural disasters; many of us have experienced the howling winds, thrashing waves, and torrential rains that accompany hurricanes and tropical storms. Unfortunately, first-hand experience does not make emergency workers exempt from burnout. However, the ability to work through trauma goes a long way to ensuring a strong mindset in the face of catastrophe. 

“If you can process and make sense of the event by feeling okay with moving on afterward, you are unlikely to develop PTSD,” Dr. Lanthier says. 

First responders should make a point of practicing coping strategies in their downtime to guarantee their mental muscles are ready when the wind speed starts to pick up. 

“Emotional distress can happen before and after a disaster,” Dr. Lanthier warns. “But you can make preparations to manage things within your control.” These preparations can include stocking up on necessities, self-care and identifying support systems. 

Psychological preparedness can be developed through techniques like mindfulness. The proper psychological tools can help increase your ability to think clearly and rationally during a natural disaster, which may help reduce the risk of severe injury and loss of life during disasters. 

“Understanding one’s own and other’s psychological response in a natural disaster warning situation helps people feel more confident, more in control and better prepared. Remaining cool, calm and mentally collected is a substantial aid to family members and others who may not be as well prepared for what is happening.” 

Mitigating the long-term effects of a disaster 

It’s common to experience mild to moderate anxiety or stress after a natural disaster, but you can mitigate the long-term effects by preparing in advance. Dr. Lanthier suggests: 

• Give yourself time to adjust. Allow yourself to mourn the losses you have experienced and try to be patient with changes in your emotional state. 
• Surround yourself with supportive and caring friends and family. Social support is a key component of disaster recovery. There is comfort when sharing with those who have gone through a similar experience. On the other hand, speaking to those not involved may lend greater objectivity and support. 
• Attending a support group can be quite beneficial. Groups can help those with limited personal support systems. 
• Maintain prior eating and sleep regimens. Eat well-balanced meals at regular times. Get plenty of rest by keeping a regular sleep cycle. Engage in relaxation techniques if sleep difficulties persist. Avoid alcohol and drugs to assist with emotional numbing. Substance use only delays positive actions that will assist with recovery after the disaster. 
• Establish or re-establish routines. Maintain your workout schedule. Create new positive outlets such as a new hobby, walking along the beach or reading a book trilogy to offset the distressing days. 
• Avoid making major life decisions. Switching careers or jobs and other important decisions tend to be highly stressful endeavours. Such major decisions will be harder to manage when recovering from a disaster. 
• Self-Soothing is Important. Stress reduction interventions such as mindfulness, yoga and sports participation have been shown to boost mood and strengthen resilience factors, protecting before trauma and healing after trauma. 
• Limit watching the news. News is available 24 hours a day via television, radio and the Internet. There can be a replay of news stories depicting devastation from disasters or traumatic events. Watching disaster news reports can trigger stress and anxiety that lead to reliving negative memories. This can contribute to poor sleep, nightmares and jumpiness. 

Dealing With Trauma Before, During, And After Natural Disasters 

Firefighters, police officers, soldiers, EMTs, nurses and even electrical technicians securing downed powerlines are at high risk of trauma when they’re in rescue and recovery mode. Stresses related to the job can be mitigated by stocking your “toolkit” well in advance. 

Prepare Before the Disaster 

• Train hard and know your job. “You will perform at peak capacity with more confidence and less stress if you know you are as ready as you can be.” 
• Keep a freshly stocked go-kit in your car or at your worksite and include your top choices for stress reducers. 
• Know the Incident Command System so you understand the language, the lines of reporting and ways to work effectively with responders from other units. 
• During the Disaster 
• Activate your disaster plan and include loved ones who may be directly affected by the event. 
• Review your communication plan and know where each family member and/or loved one will be located and when you will be checking in. 
• Recognize your stress signs and those of your teammates. Create “stress break” opportunities for each other. 
• Avoid over-identifying with survivors’ grief and trauma. “For example, remind yourself this is not happening to you or your loved ones.” 
• Be aware of “compassion fatigue.” Accept when you need to end direct contact with survivors and alert your team leader for support. 

After the Disaster 

In the case of emergency workers, one of the most important pieces of self-care in the aftermath of a natural disaster is to shift focus from supporting the community to supporting yourself. 

• Focus on the core components of resilience: adequate sleep, good nutrition (including hydration), regular physical activity, and active relaxation 
• Engage with your fellow workers to celebrate successes and mourn sorrows as a group. 
• Create space to be alone where you can think, meditate and rest. 
• Remove yourself from the disaster area to confirm that not every place is so troubled. 
• Find things to look forward to. 
• Creating new rituals can bring peace, such as writing down your anger and then burning it as a symbolic goodbye gesture. 

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