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WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Electrical engineer Shavalo Porter has issued a stark warning to consumers about the pitfalls of purchasing inadequate generators for home use. According to Porter, many of the smaller, cheaper models flooding the market are virtually ineffective for household needs. ‘Anything under 3000 watts hardly makes sense,’ he told the Jamaica Observer. ‘If your generator can’t even power a refrigerator, it’s a waste of money. Trust me.’

While some believe that small generators can sustain basic appliances, the reality is that most household devices—refrigerators, washing machines, and even water pumps—require significant wattage to function properly. For instance, a refrigerator alone may need between 1,200 to 2000 watts during startup, rendering a 1000-watt generator insufficient or entirely useless. The required wattage, however, varies depending on the appliance’s specifications.

For those seeking reliable backup power, Porter recommends investing in a generator rated at 3000 watts or higher. These models typically cost between $120,000 and $180,000, depending on the brand, fuel type, and features. There are three main types of generators available: diesel-powered, gasoline-powered, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) generators. Diesel models are known for their durability and efficiency but tend to be noisier. Gasoline-powered generators are more common and easier to fuel, while LNG generators are cleaner but less widely available.

Porter also emphasized that owning a powerful generator is only half the battle; proper usage is equally critical. One often-overlooked hazard is the use of inadequate extension cords, or ‘drop cords.’ ‘Many people use small, cheap cords that heat up quickly,’ he cautioned. ‘This can cause backfeeding or even start a fire. Avoid thin Chinese extension cords and invest in a durable, heavy-duty one rated for high power.’

Solar generators, while environmentally appealing, may not be practical during Jamaica’s rainy and stormy seasons. ‘The sun hardly comes out during these times,’ Porter noted. ‘So what will charge it?’

For those preparing for hurricane season or prolonged blackouts, the advice is clear: choose a generator that meets your household’s actual needs, use appropriate cords, and understand the fuel and maintenance requirements. Cutting corners on backup power can lead to far greater costs than the initial savings. Several appliance stores have reported that their generator stocks, ranging from 1000 watts and up, were sold out by Friday.

Roxanne McPherson, a local resident, shared her experience: ‘I couldn’t stand the heat during and after Hurricane Beryl. So I decided, wherever I must find the money, I will find it. I only need my fan running, my phone, and my daughter’s tablet charged. I have canned food, so I’m not too concerned about the refrigerator.’

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a dramatic reversal of sentiment, residents of Savanna-la-Mar have transitioned from a defiant stance to a state of urgent preparedness as Hurricane Melissa looms closer. Initially, many locals confidently declared their intention to remain in their homes despite the impending storm. However, by Saturday afternoon, a palpable sense of urgency had taken hold, with families hastily packing their belongings and preparing to evacuate to safer locations.

Carey Levy, a local resident, encapsulated the growing anxiety, stating, ‘We not staying. We know it ago bad. Later tonight we a push out.’ This shift in attitude underscores the escalating threat posed by the hurricane, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and potentially devastating winds.

Marcine Campbell-Kerr, the Disaster Coordinator for Westmoreland, emphasized the importance of taking precautionary measures. She urged residents to stock up on essential supplies, particularly those with medical conditions like diabetes, and to seek refuge in designated shelters. ‘We know that residents may be in the shelters for more than 24 hours, so we are encouraging them to carry enough food supplies. Even if it’s perishable items, bring them,’ she advised.

Local authorities have been working tirelessly to ensure that shelters are well-equipped to accommodate evacuees. Campbell-Kerr confirmed that shelters have been on standby since October 23, with two residents already checking into the Godfrey Stewart shelter. As dark clouds gather and the threat of severe weather intensifies, the once-casual atmosphere in Savanna-la-Mar has been replaced by a mood of cautious readiness.

With the community bracing for a potentially long and challenging night, officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and prioritizing safety. Residents are being urged to heed all warnings, stay alert, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the impending storm.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the flood-prone parish of Westmoreland is grappling with significant challenges in disaster preparedness. Illegal electrical connections, unauthorized water pipes, and informal settlements are obstructing critical drain-cleaning efforts, exacerbating the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities. Abigail Malcolm, Caretaker of the Cornwall Mountain Division, highlighted the difficulties faced during drain cleaning in the Petersfield Division, where illegal wires and improperly placed structures hindered the work of heavy machinery. In other areas, illegal water pipes and homes built too close to drains have further complicated the process, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable to flood damage. Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dwayne Vaz, has raised concerns about the parish’s garbage management crisis, noting that garbage trucks assigned to Westmoreland and Hanover were reportedly reassigned to St James. Vaz questioned the prioritization of resources, emphasizing the urgent need for the National Solid Waste Agency to address the backlog and ensure equitable service delivery. The closure of the Frome Sugar Factory has also worsened the situation, as the factory’s annual drain-cleaning practices previously mitigated flooding in Petersfield. With heavy rainfall now causing heightened fears of property damage, local authorities are calling for increased awareness campaigns, enforcement of regulations, and resource allocation to address these long-standing issues and protect the community’s safety and livelihoods.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Tropical Storm Melissa poised to bring severe weather conditions, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) has issued an urgent call to its member organizations to prioritize the safety of workers, worksites, and assets. The Council is also advising the public to exercise heightened caution around construction zones, particularly avoiding unsecured or partially completed sites during and after the storm.