The National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was deactivated at 10am Thursday (September 29) following the All-Clear on Tropical Storm Ian given by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology. 

The NEOC was partially activated at 6pm Tuesday evening (September 27) for further monitoring of Hurricane Ian following the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for the Islands of Grand Bahama and the Biminis by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology. The NEOC remained open throughout the response period until this morning’s Deactivation. The NEOC was staffed during Partial Activation by Emergency Support Functions Teams from Health and Medical Services, Urban/Marine Search and Rescue, Mass Care and Shelter Services, Communications/Information, Local Government and The Bahamas Department of Meteorology.

 The teams monitor certain risks and/or hazards in areas that could be impacted by weather conditions associated with the passage of a storm, and as a means of communicating with/supporting disaster managers and planners and disaster consultative committees on the ground in those areas. The NEOC is responsible for executing emergency management and ensuring the continuity of operations for the entire country.

 The National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with The Bahamas Department of Meteorology further wishes to advise members of the general public that even though the All-Clear was given, residents in the affected areas are asked to remain indoors as best as possible as flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas can still present challenges. The All-Clear is given when winds subside below Tropical Storm levels. Hazards, however, could still remain.

 Total rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches are expected with isolated amounts of up to 8 inches through Friday. As a result, severe, localized flooding is possible in low-lying and flood-prone areas. One such precautionary measure is to avoid driving in or through floodwater, where possible, or playing in floodwater (children) as floodwater can contain numerous hidden hazards. These include:

·        Downed power lines.

·        Sewage and other contaminants.

·        Large Holes.

·        Sharp objects that can cause injury and lead to infections.

·        Objects such as lumber, vehicles, debris.

·        Carcasses of dead animals, in addition to rodents and snakes.

Exposure to contaminated floodwater can result in:

·        Wound infections.

·        Skin rash.

·        Gastrointestinal illnesses.

·        Tetanus (Lock-jaw).

If you do come into contact with floodwater, you are advised to:

·        Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you do not have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizers.

·        Wash clothes contaminated with floodwater or sewage water in hot water and detergent before re-using them.

If you must enter floodwater, protect yourselves by wearing rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles. The same goes for Standing Water.