Changing our approach to hurricane preparedness
Dear Editor,
During the 2017 hurricane season Jamaica has been spared devastation from hurricanes and tropical storms so far. Whenever there is a weather advisory of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane the public typically becomes anxious and there is a crowding of supermarkets, hardware stores, etc as everyone is in a rush to secure a stock of items for their household.
The hurricane season is officially between June 1 and November 30 each year.
My simple proposition includes a practical approach by both consumers and retailers, and perhaps the Consumer Affairs Commission can play a role as well. On the part of the consumers, my suggested plan of action is to purchase tin foods, batteries, candles, etc during April and May. If consumers purchase these supplies in reasonable quantities, along with their regular groceries, then over the span of two months, and with the same shopping frequency, I imagine that they should have amassed enough items in preparation for a hurricane. Doing so is more efficient and less chaotic than the scenario in which people flock to supermarkets soon after the public announcement of an approaching tropical storm or hurricane. It also reduces the instances of items being sold out quickly.
There is the argument that people would have wasted money stocking up on items for a hurricane if the hurricane diverts from a path towards the island and we are only mildly affected. How exactly is that true, though? Will people not eat the tin foods eventually anyway? Items that were not used can simply be stored for another occasion and tin foods are typically good for two years.
On the part of the retailers, I suggest that they implement a scheme consisting of discounts and price bundling for hurricane preparedness items during April and May as well. For those not familiar with price bundling, it is combining several products (or services) into a single, comprehensive package for an all-inclusive reduced price. For example, offering a discount on corned beef and candles and packaging the two together. Another example is to bundle two AA batteries with two tins of mackerel, and so forth. Bundling products will ensure that everyone has the basic items that they need because it should not be taken for granted that there are people who, for whatever reason, will not purchase the necessities otherwise.
We need to have a smarter approach to readying ourselves for a hurricane, because last-minute preparations in the midst of overcrowded stores is unnecessary public stress.
The Writer
blackpencilpoint@gmail.com