KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) is encouraging all persons with disabilities and their families to take precautionary steps now to prepare for Tropical Storm Melissa and the potential for flooding.

The JCPD says before a storm or flood:

• Stay Informed: Listen to the radio or television for weather updates and instructions from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and local authorities.
• Understand the Alerts:
  • Flash Flood Watch means Be ready!
  • Flash Flood Warning means Move now! Go to a safe location immediately.
• Make a Safety Plan: Identify where you will go if evacuation becomes necessary and share your plan with family members, caregivers, or trusted neighbours.
• Locate an Accessible Shelter: Ensure the shelter you plan to use has ramps or other features that meet your mobility needs.
• Prepare an Emergency Bag: Include medication, medical supplies, food, water, clothing, important documents (in a waterproof bag), flashlight, batteries, phone chargers, and cash.
• Protect Mobility Aids:
  • Keep wheelchairs, walkers, and canes dry and within easy reach.
  • For electric wheelchairs, unplug chargers and keep them elevated.
• Protect Your Home: Move important items to higher areas and turn off electricity, gas, and water if flooding begins nearby.

DURING A FLOOD

• Stay indoors if safe. Move to higher ground or a higher floor if water rises.
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters — even shallow water can be dangerous.
• If evacuation is ordered, leave immediately and go to the nearest accessible shelter with your assistive devices and medication.
• At night, use a flashlight instead of candles for safety.

AFTER A FLOOD 

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Watch out for loose wires, damaged walls, or slippery floors.
• Wear rubber boots and gloves for protection.
• Do not touch fallen electrical wires — report them to JPS or your local authority.
• Discard any food or water that came into contact with floodwater.
• Clean and dry mobility and assistive devices promptly.
  • Wipe metal parts to prevent rust.
  • Avoid using electric wheelchairs until checked by a technician.
  • Gently dry hearing aids, prosthetics, or other devices with a towel.

If your assistive devices are damaged, contact the JCPD Social Work Department or your Parish Responder for help replacing them.

The JCPD says if you are a person with a disability and need help evacuating, finding an accessible shelter, or recovering after a flood, contact your Parish Social Worker or the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities.