THE Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has reported that all 50 of its residential childcare facilities are properly secured as Hurricane Melissa impacts the island.

According to the CPFSA, each of its residential facilities has at least a two-week supply of food and water for children and caregivers.

In a statement on Friday, as Jamaica braced for Melissa, CEO of the CPFSA Laurette Adams-Thomas said its Disaster Committee has been meeting regularly for some time and indications are that both Government and private residential childcare facilities are prepared.

“We have been preparing our childcare facilities by activating the established disaster plans. Each child care facility has its own disaster plan which guides the disaster preparation process for that facility, including checking physical structures for leaks or other repairs to be made, as well as securing adequate food, water, and necessary hurricane supplies. The plan also states the necessary measures to be undertaken in the event of an emergency at that facility,” said Adams-Thomas as she pointed out that all child care facilities have secured necessary disaster supplies based on their individual needs.

She said CPFSA has convened an emergency operations centre which will offer more centralised assistance to both facilities and parish offices, as well as liaise directly with central personnel from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Defence Force, and Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Adams-Thomas also shared that during the passage of Melissa two child abuse reporting numbers that can receive text messages will be prioritised.

“We must never let our guard down when it comes to protecting our children. While persons can continue to call our 24/7 child abuse reporting hotline 211 to make a report, if they experience difficulty reaching us during the storm they may also contact us via WhatsApp or by calling 876-878-2882 or 876-822-7031,”Adams-Thomas said.

She pointed out that child abuse reports can also be made via e-mail report@childprotection.gov.jm or through the CPFSA’s social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, and @cpfsajm.

“We also stand ready to support any child or children who might be displaced as a result of the impending storm. We are not only prioritising the safety and protection of our children under our care, but we are also ensuring the safety and security of our staff as well. We have ensured that staff members who are working at the child care facilities during the storm have adequate accommodations, should they be unable to get to their homes at the end of their shifts.

“We are also ensuring that the staff at our National Children’s Registry who receive child abuse reports are able to do so from the safety of their homes, by utilising soft phones, so that they can have access to our child abuse reporting numbers as if they were in office,” Adams-Thomas said.

In the meantime, Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison says her office remains at the beck and call of the island’s children should they need emotional support or counselling as the weather system impacts the island.

“I just really urge extreme caution at this time and remind our children that if they feel scared, if they feel anxious, if they have any desire to speak to anyone, they can reach out to us at the Office of the Children’s Advocate, directly through SafeSpot to provide that holding hand support and guidance throughout the storm. Our posts will tell you how to reach us but I pray safety, wisdom and that we will all be together when the storm passes,” Gordon Harrison said last Friday.

SafeSpot is Jamaica’s national child and teen helpline operated by the Office of the Children’s Advocate in partnership with Humanitarian Aid Agency UNICEF and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. Individuals can contact the entity at: 888-SAFE-SPOT (888-723-3776), WhatsApp at 876-439-5199, direct message @safespotja on Instagram, @safespotja on Snapchat, @safespotja channel on BIP, or via e-mail at info@safespotja.com.

CPFSA tips for parents to help children through Hurricane Melissa

1) Talk with your child about their fears. Sit with them and allow them to share how they may feel about hurricanes. If they are afraid, tell them that you understand that hurricanes can be scary, but you are there to help keep them safe.

2) Be honest about the potential hurricane danger. Don’t tell your children “nothing bad will happen”. Instead, let children know that if an emergency situation arises, there are people who can help — such as other adults they may know, neighbours or emergency responders.

3) Model calm behaviour. Children pick up on their parents’ emotional cues and tend to mimic them. Try being calm during the storm preparation as well as the passing of the storm and it will be easier for your children to remain calm as well.

4) Let your children help to create a family storm plan. A well thought out hurricane plan can help to put your family’s fears at bay, and by getting children involved they can look forward to doing their part to help keep the family safe. Create an emergency preparedness kit and ask your children to help gather essential items including flashlights, an FM or weather radio, batteries, candles and matches. Your hurricane kit could also include basic first-aid supplies, food, water, pet supplies and other essentials.

5) Keep them preoccupied with fun activities. During the passing of the hurricane, keep your children’s mind off the storm by playing games with them or otherwise engaging them. Now would be a great time for board games and puzzles and other fun games like Dominoes or Ludi.

6) Comfort them. Despite all plans to help keep your children calm, a hurricane can still be very overwhelming. If your children still appear to be distressed or afraid, hold them and show them comfort, hug them and carry them with you when you go from room to room. Be physically and mentally present with them while you ride out the storm together.