by Dennis Dames
Published on: Aug 1, 2002
Topic:
Type: Opinions

A yearly phenomenon of forceful winds, hurricanes originate in the west coast of Africa and move to the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The Bahamas is well situated in the hurricane zones mentioned, and every resident of the islands will spend half of his or her lifetime living in the hurricane season.

From June’s beginning to November’s end, the time of energized winds and their potential harm to human life and private property becomes a national and regional concern. Hurricanes have proven deadly, and damaging throughout the region over the years. The Bahamas, too, has had its share of casualties and other related costs. Generally, the season of violent winds and sometimes accompanying heavy rains has been a sparing visitor to the islands. In recent memory, an attitude of hurricane curiosity, excitement, and plain casualness has spread like wildfire throughout the Bahamian communities. Islanders for the most part enjoy hurricanes, because they can cause unceremonious holidays.

Information relating to hurricane watches and warnings are readily available nowadays. In the age of satellite technology, the movements of any system in and toward the region are as accessible as fry fish or chicken, but the deadly mentality: “…it’s just another passing storm”, dilutes the purpose of having crucial data available to ensure that lives are saved and property secured in a timely manner. Education and the campaign of hurricane preparedness are ongoing during the storm seasons, and the most of the island’s population is well informed. Each year, the possibility of a major storm hitting the Bahamas increases. However, that doesn’t stop the love and appreciation of an island life and the rich existence of God’s sunshine, crystal clear and multi-colored seawaters, and the precious ocean sands of varied shades. Hurricane readiness is the goal of all countries in the storm regions. In The Bahamas, like everywhere else, “Be prepared”, is the calling cry. Taking heed to those words is ceaselessly the wise thing to do.

Copyright ©2002 Dennis Arthur Dames
Email: dpoetry2002@yahoo.com
http://www.dennisdames.web.com


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