A Special Look At Kick-'em-Jenny & Emergency Management Procedures

A Look At Kick-'em-Jenny Morphology of Kick'em Jenny volcano, as revealed by a multi-beam survey by the NOAA Ship Ron Brownin (March 2002). The survey shows that the modern cone of the volcano is nested within a larger horseshoe-shaped depression formed by slope failure.

Kick-'em-Jenny (also: Kick'em Jenny or Mt. Kick-'Em-Jenny) is an active submarine volcano or seamount on the Caribbean Sea floor, located 8 km (5 mi) north of the island of Grenada and about 8 km (5 mi) west of Ronde Island in the Grenadines. Kick-'em-Jenny rises 1,300 m (4,265 ft) above the sea floor on the steep inner western slope of the Lesser Antilles ridge. The North American tectonic plate is subducting the Caribbean tectonic plate to the east of this ridge and under the Lesser Antilles island arc. Since its debut eruption in 1939, it has provided scientists with a rare opportunity to learn about the growth and development of submarine volcanoes into eventual islands.

                                                                    

    Location map and statistical data of submarine volcano Kick-'em-Jenny

The first record of the volcano was in 1939, although it must have erupted many times before that date. On 23-24 July 1939 an eruption broke the sea surface, sending a cloud of steam and debris 275 m (902 ft) into the air and generating a series of tsunamis around two metres high when they reached the coastlines of northern Grenada and the southern Grenadines. In 2003, the summit reached 180 m (591 ft) below the sea surface and is thought to have remained constant since the 1960s. The volcano has erupted on at least twelve occasions since 1939 and 2001 (the last being on December 4, 2001), although none of the eruptions have been as large as the 1939 one and most were Letplanninonly detected seismically. The larger eruptions have also been heard underwater or on land close to the volcano as a deep rumbling sound. A submersible survey in 2003 detected a crater with active fumaroles releasing cold and hot gas bubbles. Samples of fresh olivine basalt were collected. An arc shaped collapse structure appears on the west flank and was the apparent source of a submarine debris avalanche extending 15 km down the ridge slope to the west toward the Grenada Basin.  

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California State University San Marcos Emergency Management Procedures

EARTHQUAKE

If you are indoors when shaking starts:

• “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.
• Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking.
• Stay away from buildings. Glass from tall buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances.
• If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
• Do not use elevators.
• If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.

If you are outdoors when shaking starts:

• Move to a clear area if you can safely walk. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees.
• If you’re driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead hazards.
• If you are on the beach, move to higher ground. An earthquake can cause a tsunami. 

Once the earthquake shaking stops:

• Check the people around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
• Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines and structure damage.
• If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately.
• Turn off the gas only if you smell gas.
• Check your phones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.
• Inspect your home for damage.

If you are trapped in debris:

• Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.

TSUNAMI

A local earthquake may generate tsunami waves that can reach shore in minutes. If you are on the beach or other low-lying area close to the ocean or bay, immediately evacuate by walking to higher ground if:

• Officials issue a tsunami warning and order evacuations.
• You hear the Outdoor Warning System.
• The earth shakes so much that you can’t stand.
• Shaking lasts longer than 20 seconds; and/or
• You notice water receding from the shoreline.

STORM & FLOODING PROCEDURES

The Atlantic hurricane region (or basin) includes the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Atlantic Hurricane Season (June-November) rains can cause floods, landslides, uprooted trees, and downed or broken utility lines in almost any neighborhood.

During the Storm:

• If water has entered a garage or basement, do not walk through it – it may contain hazardous materials.
• Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately. Attempting to move a stalled vehicle in flood conditions can be fatal.
• Tune to local radio or TV channels for emergency advisories and instructions.
• If you are asked to leave your property, disconnect all electrical appliances.
• Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A PANDEMIC

Know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need to prepare in case of a flu pandemic.

Family Emergency Communication / Contact Plan

• Create a list of all cell, work, and home numbers, and e-mail addresses of all family members. 
• Discuss a plan if a family member becomes ill and lives out of state.
• Prepare for the possibility that airports and roads may be closed and think about a location to meet when travel is possible.
• Each family member should have a medication list that is shared among members.
• Have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Have a thermometer on hand.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

Plan for a pandemic

• Store a two-week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and natural disasters.
• Ask your doctor and insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs.
• Have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including fever and pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Keep cleaning supplies at home to adequately clean any potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.

Limit the spread of germs and prevent infection

• Teach your family and friends how to wash hands frequently with soap and water/gel hand sanitizer, and model correct behavior.
• Teach your family and friends to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and dispose of tissues properly - and be sure to model that behavior.
• Teach your family and friends about fever control and taking their temperature.
• Teach your family and friends to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick.
• Teach your family and friends to use a disinfectant on contaminated surfaces.
• Stay home from work and school if you or your family member is sick.

Prepare a quarantine room. If anyone in your family becomes stricken, they should be immediately moved to a location that is isolated from the rest of the house. This room should be as far away as possible and should be stocked with food and water, medical supplies, sanitation facilities, communication, cleaning tools, and entertainment (books, radio, TV, etc.).

Items To Have On Hand For An Extended Stay At Home

Examples of perishable and non-perishable foods:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter or nuts
• Dried fruit
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Bottled water
• Canned or jarred baby food and
• Baby formula
• Instant souplo
• Jell-O
• Gatorade-type drinks
• Pet food
• Other nonperishable foods

Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies:

• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment
• Soap and/or alcohol-based (60-95 percent) hand wash
• Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Thermometers
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Vitamins
• Fluids with electrolytes such as Gatorade or Pedialyte
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Disinfectants such as Lysol or bleach
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Portable radio
• Manual can opener
• Garbage bags
• Tissues, toilet paper, and disposable diapers
• Water

Information adapted from:

www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/Individuals.pdf.

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EMERGENCY & ESSENTIAL SERVICES (B’DOS)

Police 211

Fire 311

Ambulance – QEH 511

Department of Emergency Management (DEM) – Office Hours 438-7575 
http://www.dem.gov.bb/

Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) 434-4880 
http://www.cdema.org/

Barbados Defence Force & Coast Guard – 536-2500/536-2900 

Regional Security System (RSS) 420-7110
http://www.rss.org.bb/

Water (BWA) - PBX 434-4200
http://barbadoswaterauthority.com/
Electricity (BL&P) - PBX 626-1800
http://www.blpc.com.bb/

Natural Gas (NPC) 430-4000
http://www.npc.bb/

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Also see within this blog for a more extensive look at earthquakes and related preparedness protocols by clicking on the link below:

http://teach7g-education.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-protect-yourself-during.html 

OOW

2011

BARBADIAN CULTURAL ICONS

Barbados’ traditions are drawn from the synergies of West African and British cultures that shaped the island’s national identity.  While the majority of the population is of African descent the island was a colony of the British Empire for over 300 years, hence the British influence is inextricably interwoven in the shaping of its cultural icons.

INTRODUCTION

A country’s culture is what makes it unique and sets it apart from the culture of other countries. This neither excludes nor can it negate the influence of earlier parent cultures, which help to shape and define that country’s cultural identity. The shaping of Barbadian cultural icons certainly springs from this maxim. Indeed, our dominant parent cultures, what some term the historical hegemonies, are at times an uneasy symbiosis of African and British cultural influences. One must also remember the Arawaks; the first indigenous people to settle the island.

Recent archaeological discoveries unearthed at the site of Port St. Charles Resort, located on the northwestern coast of Barbados, point to Amerindian settlement some time around 1623 B.C. The British settlers of 1627 A.D., like their ancient Amerindian seafaring predecessors, who arrived here from Venezuela, also saw the unique geographical location of Barbados as an ideal place to call home. As the eastern-most Caribbean island, this sovereign island nation with just 431 square kilometers (166 sq. mi) of land area has become home to more than 280,000 people. If home is where the heart is, then Barbadians, whether born on Barbados or born elsewhere, continue to express heartfelt commitment to the preservation of Barbados as a prosperous, peaceful and democratic state.

Barbadians, or Bajans, a people of warm, friendly and open character, have always embraced and celebrated authentic Barbadian culture as a growing multiethnic one, developed under the influence of various cultures into a strong character of its own. Nowhere is this more evident than in the demographics of Barbados. About 90% of the inhabitants are of Afro-Caribbean descent. The rest of the population, comprised of Europeans (4%), mostly from Ireland, and the United Kingdom, as well as Asians, particularly Indians and Chinese, including communities of Syrians and Lebanese, Indo-Guyanese, and a Jewish community of descendants who arrived in the early 17th century; have all come to call Barbados home.

This cohobblopot of strong historical elements has given rise to inherent iconic folk traditions. We are more than the dialect we speak, a regional variant of English, the official language of Barbados, spoken by most people in informal settings. While we share similar cultural characteristics to those of our sister Caribbean nations and to others further afield, such as Japan: both countries have the highest per capita occurrences of centenarians on earth, these alone do not define us. Our uniqueness stems from the fact that we are Bajan. It is a distinction of privilege, which can only be claimed by those so ‘born and bred’, naturalised, assimilated and ‘culturised’. Like our beloved centenarians, the Bajan cultural identity is a finely aged tradition.

Yet, one cannot underestimate the irresistible influence of the Afro-Caribbean folk traditions in the shaping of Barbadian cultural icons. Specific mention will only be made of some of these cultural icons. Namely: Tuk Band, Shaggy Bear, Mother Sally, Green Monkey and Stilt Walker.

 EXAMPLES OF CULTURAL ICONS

EXAMPLE I: TUK BAND

The Tuk Band is an African-based Barbadian musical ensemble, which plays tuk or rukatuk drum music mixed with British military rhythms, folk ballads and religious songs. Tuk is one of the most traditional forms of folk music, having its origins in the slave culture of the 17th century in Barbados. This is a roving band that consists of a kettle drum, bass drum, triangle, and penny whistle. It starts with a slow waltz, followed by marching rhythms and then breaks into a fast African beat accompanied by dancing, movement and merriment. Over the years, Bajans have added their own mix to these regimental rhythms.

The Tuk Band performs during various festivals, such as, Crop Over, the Holetown Festival, and at Christmas and New Years. In addition, the Tuk Band provides musical accompaniment for the Barbados Landship; an institution unique to Barbados. Indeed, the ship’s “engine” is the Tuk Band. Various costumed figures that are African in origin accompany the Tuk Band.

EXAMPLE II: SHAGGY BEAR

    Shaggy Bear is said to represent an African witch doctor figure. Shaggy gained a reputation as the Bank Holiday Bear because he always shows up on Bank Holidays. His shaggy costume, designed to frighten as well as impress onlookers, resembles the bushy coat of a bear as he flips around the Tuk Band doing acrobatics. While the shaggy costume speaks to the existence of harsh economic times the energetic movements simultaneously represents the persistence of Barbadians to break free from the doldrums of financial hardships. Perhaps this is Shaggy’s way of ‘conjuring’ good fortune for those seeking prosperity during difficult economic times.

EXAMPLE III: MOTHER SALLY

    Mother Sally, pronounced by Barbadians as ‘muddah sally’, represents female fertility, with extra large buttocks and protruding bosoms. Some would argue a genetic or anatomical legacy and blessing of Mother Africa on her diasporic daughters of the New World. Traditionally, a man dressed as a woman who wore a mask to hide his identity, bearing the trademark bulging buttocks, performed the role of Mother Sally. Within recent times, women who wear no mask have increasingly performed Mother Sally. Their comical performance is a favourite among Bajans and visitors alike, specifically since the movements of rhythmic pelvic thrusts and gestures are heightened by the voluptuous shape of the wearer.

EXAMPLE IV: GREEN MONKEY

    Like Shaggy Bear, the masquerader who performs the Green Monkey is male, and his comic and at times startling performances are acrobatic in nature. His antics mimic these mischievous little creatures, which inhabit the gullies that run across the island and even in peoples’ gardens! The Barbados Green Monkeys originally came from Senegal and the Gambia in West Africa, approximately 350 years ago. However, as a result of environmental differences and evolution, the Barbados monkeys today have different characteristics than those in West Africa.

    As our most famous or infamous resident, the Barbados Green Monkey often carries the dual ambivalent role of national animal of Barbados but also a national nuisance, particularly for farmers. Yet, this green hairy primate, whether mischief-maker or merry-maker, has secured its residency in the parishes of St. John, St. Joseph, St. Andrew and St. Thomas, where much natural vegetation and woodlands still exist. His notoriety has been enshrined in the logo of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve and carved into the prodigious estates of The Green Monkey golf course of Sandy Lane, Barbados’ premiere world-renowned golf resort. The Barbados Green Monkey unquestionably has also found his home in the hearts of all Barbadians.

EXAMPLE V: STILT WALKER

The Stilt Walker or Stilt Man (‘tilt man), Moko Jumbies, as they are commonly known in Trinidad and Jamaica, is a stilt walker or dancer who represents a ghost or spirit (traditionally a god) of Congolese origin. The Stilt Walker dances on long pieces of wood known as stilts. These stilts make him appear to have long legs. The Stilt Walker not only accompanied the Tuk Band during festive occasions but also acted as guide to the Tuk Band as he was elevated above the band. Due to his towering height and power of divination, he watches over his village and is able to foresee danger and evil.

While this figure was rooted in African heritage, the costume of the Stilt Walker imitated the style of clothing worn by elite men of Barbadian society and was made complete with the use of a mask which was intended to look European. Today, the Stilt Walker wears brightly coloured clothing and seldom wears a mask. He also represents the importance of surviving hard times, often symbolised by the stilt figure effigy of Mr. Hardin’. The latter so named due to that period between sugar crops, when employment was difficult to obtain and money was scarce. This time was referred to as “hard times”. The burning of Mr. Hardin’, a tradition that ended in 1979, symbolized the hope that the hard times to come would not be too severe.

 REFERENCES

Best, Curwen. Barbadian Popular Music and the Politics of Caribbean Culture. Rochester, Vt.: Schenkman Books, 1999.

Callender, Allison. “Folk Culture and Costume at the Folk Museum in Barbados”. Clothes Tell Stories: Working with Costume in Museums. (ICOM Triennial General Conference), Aug. 2013 

Hoyos, F. A. Barbados: A History from the Amerindians to Independence. London: Macmillan, 1978.

Marshall, Trevor G. and Watson, Elizabeth F. “Barbados”. Music in Latin America and The Caribbean, Vol. 2. Austin, Tex.: U of Texas P, 2004. 345–357.

Meredith, Sharon. “Barbadian Tuk Music – A Fusion of Musical Cultures”. Music, Power and Politics. Ed. Annie Randall, London: Routledge, 2004.

Millington, Janice. “Barbados”. Garland Encyclopedia of World Music, Vol. 2. New York: Routledge. 1999. 813–821.

https://barbados.org/history1.htm#.X8mh5Gj0m00

OOW

2015