“Child Care Facilities Secure” Says CPFSA in Wake of Hurricane Beryl

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says that both Government and Private residential Child Care Facilities have been secured in wake of hurricane Beryl, a category 4 storm slated to pass by the island later this week.

“The CPFSA’s Disaster Committee met today, and the reports that we have received from our regions are that all 50 of our residential child care facilities have been properly secured in anticipation of this upcoming hurricane.” Said Mrs. Laurette Adams Thomas, CEO of the CPFSA.

“As June marks the beginning of the hurricane season, we began our preparations across the island last month by activating the established Disaster Plan at each of our child care facilities.” She said.

“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. It would also state the necessary measures to be undertaken in the event of an emergency at that facility.” She added.

“Currently all of our facilities have at least a two week supply of food and water for our children and caregivers. The facilities would have also secured necessary disaster supplies based on their individual needs, such as tarpaulin, flashlights and sandbags.” She continued, noting that there are currently no child care facilities in low-lying or coastal areas.

“We only have one facility that has seen serious flooding in the past, which was due to a nearby river, and we recently erected a wall to prevent future flooding on that property.” She said.

Mrs. Adams-Thomas further stated that local disaster committees are also on-the-ground, standing by to assist each facility in the case of an emergency.

“Each Facility also has a local disaster committee, which includes members of the local community that would be able to assist in the event of a disaster. Members include medical and health care personnel, such as those from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, transportation personnel and fire prevention personnel from the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), as well as members of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).” She said.

“Additionally the CPFSA will convene an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) which will offer more centralised assistance to both our facilities and parish offices, as well as liaise directly with central personnel from ODPEM, MOHW, JFB, JDF and the JCF.” She added.

Mrs. Adams-Thomas also shared that during the passing of the hurricane, two child abuse reporting numbers that can receive text messages will be prioritized.

“We can’t let our guard down when it comes to child abuse, even during a hurricane. So while persons can still dial 211 our 24/7 child abuse reporting hotline to make a child abuse report; if they have difficulty getting through to us during the storm, they can Whatsapp us or call on two numbers, 876-878-2882 and 876-822-7031” Mrs. Adams Thomas said, adding that child abuse reports can also be made via email report@childprotection.gov.jm or through the CPFSA’s social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), @cpfsajm.

“While we give our all to ensure that our children are protected, 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 utilizing soft phones, so that they can have access to our child abuse reporting numbers as if they were in office.” Mrs. Adams Thomas said.

Tips for Parents to Help Children through the Hurricane

The CPFSA knows that hurricanes and other storms can be particularly frightening or traumatic for children.

Please see a list of tips below that parents may use to get their children emotionally through the storm:

1. Talk with your child about their fears. Sit with them and allow them to share how they may feel about the coming hurricane. 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, neighbors or emergency responders.

3. Model calm behavior. 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 Loodie.

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.