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