The Department of Public Health (DVG) has made a public announcement. Spokesperson for the department, Jurette Croes, informed that DVG has launched a special section dedicated to disasters on their official website.
The main goal of this initiative is to educate and prepare the community of Aruba for times of crisis. According to Croes, the objective is to provide continuous and crucial information on what a citizen should do before, during, and after a disaster situation.
Different types of disasters and crises
The new section on the digital platform covers a wide variety of crisis scenarios. Among others, the community can find clear instructions on what to do in case of:
• Hurricanes and Tsunamis
• Earthquakes
• Disasters or failures at home
• Crisis situations managed in cooperation with the Crisis Management Office (CMO)
DVG spokesperson Jurette Croes emphasized the importance of being properly informed. She explained that from experience, when a crisis situation arises suddenly, a lack of information can lead to panic, fear, and widespread confusion.
“When a person or a family doesn’t know what to do, you get chaotic situations where people panic or have many unanswered questions. That can lead to decisions that are not responsible for the situation at that moment,” Croes stated.
Preparation and the “Emergency Kit”
One of the most important parts of this new section is the checklist for an Emergency Kit. DVG advises all households to have a bag or kit prepared with essential items that you can grab and go quickly.
This emergency kit should include:
• Medication: A sufficient supply of medicine for all family members.
• Important documents: Medical records, passports, and ID cards (AZV/Censo).
• Special medical equipment: For people who depend on electrical medical devices, there must be a structural alternative plan for when the power goes out.
DVG invites the entire community of Aruba to visit the official website www.dvg.aw, look for the disaster section, and take note of this information so that every household is better prepared for any eventuality.
DVG launches disaster section on their website to help you prepare
