Hazards: Take Control SPILLS By NEMO Saint Lucia

DISASTER RISKS FACED BY THE CARIBBEAN Source: Primer Series by the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction DISASTER RISKS FACED BY THE CARIBBEAN Source: Primer Series by the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction FIRES HURRICANES VOLCANOES FLOODS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE DEVELOP POLICIES FOR ACTIONS HAVING HIGH BENEFIT/COST FOR THE CARIBBEAN REGION GOAL: REDUCE DISASTER RISK LANDSLIDES EARTHQUAKES MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

People are becoming victims of industrial accidents when hazardous materials are released into the environment. Such incidents have the potential to cause medical and ecological damage and are therefore likely to impact several areas. Hazard Defined

Accidents can occur by: Production of materials Transport of materials Technological system failures Contamination of food or the environment by the use of chemicals, or improper waste management. Explosion in a plant or storage facility handling toxic substances Arson or sabotage Other precipitating factors like lightning, flood and earthquake. Hazard: Spills

THE KEY IS: 1) KNOW THE DISASTER HISTORY OF YOUR REGION 2) KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY Preparing for Oil Spills

Discuss the hazard with your family. Prepare a disaster plan. Know the safe zones. Prepare an evacuation plan. Don’t forget your pets! Preparing for Oil Spills

Groceries Hardware [lumber, plywood, nails, roped, wires, plastic sheeting, sandbags] Papers [Passport, ID, Insurance, Mortgage, Wills] Medicines and First Aid Supplies Baby Supplies Animal Supplies Preparing for Spills You may have to Shelter-in-Place

Building code November 30, The Ministry of Planning says a National Building Code for St. Lucia - three years in the making is about to come to fruition. The development of the code has been further prompted by an increase is the destructive nature of natural disasters in recent times, which has been further exacerbated by spontaneous developments in several disaster prone areas of the country. Preparing for Spills As of April 2010 the Building Code has not been adopted

“It is generally accepted that disaster mitigation pays. For example, the World Bank and United States Geological Survey once calculated that economic losses worldwide from natural disasters during the 1990s could be reduced by $280 billion if $30 billion were invested in disaster mitigation and preparedness — a ratio of $7 saved for every $1 spent.” Twigg 2001, p. 3. Preparing for Spills What will you spend your $1.00 on?

Preparing for Spills I want to urge you to act now in getting the insured household percentage up from 35%. I want to challenge you to strive at a 60% figure for this year, no matter how painful the financial cost Dr. Kenny D. Anthony Prime Minister of Saint Lucia January 16, 2005

The four components of an early warning system: 1.Monitor the hazard; 2.Quantify the hazard; 3.A disaster plan to address the hazard; [Oil Spill Contingency Plan, Hazardous Materials Response Plan, Strategy On the Management Of Used Oil, Medical Waste and Other Bio-Hazardous Wastes Management Plan] 4.Effective communications for warning. Early Warning Systems

Responding to a Spill

ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINATION Close all windows and doors and block off any other openings to the outdoors Extinguish any naked flames Reduce oxygen consumption by bringing physical activity to a minimum Cover mouth and nose with dampened cloth Seek First Aid

Responding to a Spill CONTAMINATION OF THE SKIN Wash the affected parts to remove toxins Use soap and water and wash body carefully Remove all clothing while washing Do not use chemical antidotes, as the heat generated from the neutralising reaction may make the lesions worse.

CAUSALITIES Many people may be killed or injured and require medical treatment HEALTH EFFECTS Direct inhalation of toxic substances in most common in the early phases. Afterwards, skin contaminations become more significant. Dose of contamination is critical certain non- carcinogenic substances have threshold levels above which they are harmful to man Better protection offered in closed places Effects of Spills

PHYSICAL DAMAGE Damage or destruction to structures and infra- structure Transportation accidents may damage vehicles and other objects on impact Industrial fires may reach high temperatures and affect large areas Effects of Spills

ENVIRONMENTAL The most dangerous elements are gases, vapors, volatile liquids and suspended articles in the air Contamination of water supply, land, and animal life. Ecological systems may be disrupted Effects of Spills

Castries: Chemical Spill [Aug 2003] Source: Oil Spill Committee Effects of Spills

Source: Oil Spill Committee Effects of Spills Corinth River near the school: Chemical Spill [October 2009]

Corinth River at Bois d’Orange: Chemical Spill [March 2010] Source: Oil Spill Committee Effects of Spills

“All Clear” announcements are not given for Spills. However as long as it remains unsafe the Emergency Services will keep the site secured. ALL CLEAR

Family Disaster Plan Family Evacuation Plan Family Disaster Supplies List pliesCalendar.pdf Online Resources National Emergency Management Plan