WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao will soon launch a nationwide survey to assess how prepared residents are for emergencies and crises. The study will examine how people prepare for possible disasters, which sources of information they rely on, and what challenges may prevent them from being better prepared.
The survey is part of the project “Enhancing Self-Reliance in Curaçao through Crisis and Disaster Preparedness Education” and is funded by the European Union. The results will be used to strengthen Curaçao’s crisis management policies and improve future public awareness campaigns so they better respond to the needs of the community.
The fieldwork will take place over a two-week period. During this time, survey teams will approach residents at various locations across Curaçao and ask them to complete a short questionnaire. The survey workers can be recognized by their red shirts with the words “Survey team” printed on the back.
The government encourages residents to participate when approached by an interviewer. Participation is voluntary and anonymous, and completing the questionnaire takes approximately five minutes.
According to the government, every response will contribute to gaining a better understanding of Curaçao’s level of preparedness and help build a more resilient and better-prepared society.
Residents can also take steps themselves to improve their readiness for emergencies. One of the first recommendations is to prepare an emergency kit containing essential supplies that can help households manage during the first days of a crisis.
A basic emergency kit may include:
- Battery-powered transistor radio
- First-aid kit with instructions
- Battery-powered flashlight with extra batteries
- Candles and matches stored in a waterproof plastic bag
- Cash money
- Copies of identification documents and insurance papers
- Spare house and car keys
- Map of the neighborhood and a list of phone numbers and addresses of family and friends
- Basic tools such as pliers, screwdriver and hammer
- Drinking water: 2–3 liters per person per day for at least three days
- Packaged, long-lasting food such as canned goods and dry foods
- Hygiene products including toilet paper, sanitary products and disinfectant
- Essential medication stored in a waterproof container or bag
- A whistle to alert emergency services of your location
- Duct tape, rope and a pocketknife
The government advises residents to check what supplies they already have at home and identify what is still missing. Proper preparation does not need to happen all at once; every step contributes to greater safety and resilience.
“Together, we can build a better prepared and more resilient Curaçao,” the government stated.