KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging Jamaicans to continue making preparations for the impending inclement weather conditions that the island is expected to receive from Hurricane Beryl.

Up to Sunday evening, Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service, told journalists at a media briefing that it was still too early to declare the Category 4 storm a “threat” to the island, but said the country is at “risk” of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

“At this point in time we have not declared that this is a threat to Jamaica. It could very well pose to be a threat… right now this is a risk that we have to manage,” Thompson said on Sunday.

READ: WATCH: Jamaica at risk of heavy rainfall, strong winds as Beryl approaches Caribbean

Following this warning, the health ministry issued an advisory Monday morning with precautions people should take regarding food and water safety, people with chronic illnesses and pregnant women.

People with Chronic Illnesses

• People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma, are reminded to have adequate supply of medication and if they have to evacuate their homes, they must ensure that they take their medications with them to their place of shelter.
• They should continue to take their medications as prescribed by the doctor, while away from home.

Pregnant Women

• All pregnant women who are within one month of their delivery date should relocate to family or friends, who are in close proximity to a hospital or delivery centre.
• Please note that public hospitals will remain open.

Evacuation

If you must evacuate your home, certain items should be taken when disaster threatens:

–          Medical supplies: prescriptions, medications and dentures

–          Disaster supplies: flashlights, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water

–          Clothing and bedding: sanitation supplies, (diapers, toilet tissue, soap, feminine hygiene products)

–          Non-perishable foods (canned and dry foods)

–          Special foods (diabetic or baby foods)

–          Important family documents (birth, marriage and death certificates, passports, land titles), passports, immunization cards

–          Entertainment: games and books

Food Safety

• Do not store food items with chemicals such as kerosene, bleach, detergents and insect sprays
• Do not purchase/use food from tins which have signs of dents, bulges or other damage
• Keep food items in a dry and cool place
• Store packages of sugar, flour, rice and crackers in their original package or in tightly closed containers
• Keep a bag with emergency food supply in the event that you have to evacuate your home. This should include only canned and dry food items

Water Safety

• Store water in a clean covered container. The lid of the container should fit tightly to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Do not use containers which have previously stored harmful chemicals
• Use a clean container, with a handle, to “dip up” water from storage

For further information, members of the public can contact the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Emergency Operations Centre at 888-ONE-LOVE (888-663-5683).