WILLEMSTAD – Residents of Curaçao are being urged to prepare emergency kits containing essential supplies, medication, drinking water, and important documents as part of efforts to improve household readiness for hurricanes and other emergencies.
The Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) highlighted the importance of advance preparation during the fourth edition of the “Ami Ta Prepará Expo,” held on October 17 at Brionplein in Otrobanda.
The ministry participated through Emergency Support Function 7 (ESF7), which is responsible for social shelter and assistance during crises and disasters.
During the event, ministry representatives explained what residents should take with them if authorities order an evacuation and how to prepare supplies that can be accessed quickly during an emergency.
According to SOAW, residents should keep essential identification documents, including passports, identity cards, and driver's licenses, in a safe and accessible location.
Other important records, such as insurance policies, property documents, vehicle documents, and educational certificates, should also be organized so they can be taken along if evacuation becomes necessary.
The ministry additionally recommends keeping a mobile phone and a portable power bank available, particularly because electricity supplies may be disrupted during severe weather.
Families should also prepare a list containing the names and important contact information of household members.
Beyond documentation, residents are encouraged to assemble an emergency supply kit with basic necessities.
The recommended items include prescription medication, flashlights, bottled drinking water, ready-to-eat food, canned goods, crackers, a small battery-powered radio, personal hygiene products, cash, and toilet paper.
Having these supplies ready can reduce the need for last-minute shopping and allow households to respond more quickly when authorities issue emergency instructions.
The ministry emphasized that disaster preparedness should not begin only after a warning has been issued.
Instead, residents should gradually assemble their emergency supplies and regularly check whether essential items remain available and usable.
SOAW also stressed the importance of knowing where government emergency shelters are located, particularly for households that may need assistance during an evacuation.
However, residents were reminded that shelters become operational only when the government determines that evacuation or emergency accommodation is necessary.
The ministry said better household preparation allows emergency responders to focus their resources on vulnerable individuals and families who require immediate assistance.
With hurricane season running through November 30, SOAW is encouraging residents to review their emergency arrangements and prepare their supplies without delay.
Additional information is available through the official “Ami Ta Prepará” Facebook and Instagram pages and the Government of Curaçao's communication channels.