The Department of Public Health (DVG) continues to expand on the importance of being properly organized, following the recent power crisis in Aruba. Spokesperson for the department, Jurette Croes, stated that material preparation is not enough; every household must have a clear family plan and a support network within the neighborhood.
According to Croes, the main goal of having a structured family plan is to avoid confusion and panic, ensuring that every member of the household knows exactly what to do in a high-stress moment.
The danger of not having an organized plan
The spokesperson explained that the lack of a plan within the family can bring serious consequences to the emotional well-being of individuals.
“If the family doesn’t know what to do, everyone can panic. People start going in different directions, and the family ends up focusing entirely on that disorganization,” Croes pointed out, highlighting the need to communicate these measures preventatively throughout the community.
Contact with neighbors and support networks
A new and fundamental point that DVG is advocating for is neighborhood cooperation. Croes stressed that in the event of a major emergency, the very first people who can offer immediate help are the neighbors.
The key advice in this area includes:
• Contact list: Make sure to have the phone numbers of your family, but also of your closest neighbors, written on a piece of paper inside your emergency kit if possible.
• Neighborhood bonds: Establish a connection with your neighbors so that if an uncontrollable situation arises, you will know who in the neighborhood needs extra help (such as the elderly or those with medical needs).
The impact of crisis on human beings
In continuous cooperation with the Crisis Management Office (CMO) and other entities (such as the Police Force, Fire Department, or Elmar), DVG focuses its preventative efforts on public health and mental impact.
Even though many crises often begin due to infectious diseases or structural failures, Croes reminded that DVG views every crisis through a human lens:
• Mental Health: All disasters affect human beings, causing fear, anxiety, and emotional distress.
• Comprehensive Support: By sharing information on all types of disasters, DVG’s goal is to serve as a supportive guide so the community can handle these emotional and physical burdens as safely as possible.
DVG reiterates its call to all citizens to review their contingency plans together as a family and to strengthen bonds of cooperation with neighbors before any crisis occurs.
DVG emphasizes: Alongside preparation, a family plan and neighborhood contact are crucial; “It is always important to be prepared”
