Why Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica Reminds Us: Be Prepared, Be Self-Reliant, Be for Each Other
A man watches the coastline in Kingston, Jamaica, as Hurricane Melissa closes in, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Matias Delacroix/Associated Press)
When disasters strike, they don’t just destroy buildings — they shake our sense of security and remind us how fragile life can be. Hurricane Melissa has done just that for Jamaica. The island nation is facing unimaginable devastation right now after this historic Category 5 storm tore across its shores with sustained winds near 185 mph, torrential rain, and flooding that swallowed communities whole.
This is being called Jamaica’s strongest hurricane on record, with rainfall reaching up to 40 inches and storm surges up to 13 feet in some areas. Homes have been flattened, roads washed out, and power and communication lines snapped. Officials have said bluntly that many communities will not survive this flooding.
And yet, amid the heartbreak and chaos, this tragedy carries a lesson we cannot ignore: the time to prepare is before the storm comes.
A Wake-Up Call for All of Us
It’s easy to think, “That won’t happen here.” But the truth is, disasters don’t care about borders, wealth, or routine. Whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, power outages, or floods — preparedness is no longer optional.
Hurricane Melissa shows how quickly life can change. In just days, what was a “watch the forecast” kind of storm turned into a catastrophic event that left families stranded and supplies scarce.
When we prepare before disaster hits, we replace panic with peace of mind. We give our families the best chance at safety, comfort, and stability — no matter what’s happening outside our doors.
What Being Prepared Really Means
Preparedness is more than stockpiling food or batteries — it’s about building resilience and self-reliance. Here’s how we can learn from what Jamaica is facing right now:
1.) Stay Informed & Aware
Knowledge is power.
Learn about the risks where you live — hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, etc.
Sign up for local alerts and know how to track weather updates from reliable sources.
Don’t wait for others to tell you when to act; trust your instincts and start early.
When Jamaican authorities urged evacuations, those who moved quickly were safer. Time truly matters when disaster is approaching.
2.) Make a Family Plan
Every family should know exactly what to do if communication is cut off or you’re separated.
Pick a meeting place.
Write down emergency contacts (don’t just store them in your phone).
Have a plan for pets, medications, and elderly family members.
Talk about how you’ll get in touch if cell service goes down.
Preparedness is love in action — it’s protecting the people who matter most.
3.) Secure Your Essentials
Think of it as your “peace of mind kit.”
Water: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days (more if possible).
Food: Choose non-perishables your family will actually eat. (For my plant-based friends — think lentils, oats, quinoa, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and protein powders.)
First aid, batteries, flashlights, hygiene, medications — and don’t forget comfort items for children.
Many Jamaicans are now going days without electricity or access to clean water. Having these essentials already prepared makes all the difference when stores are empty or roads are blocked.
4.) Build Community Connections
No one gets through a crisis alone.
When roads wash out and cell towers go down, your neighbors become your lifeline.
Check in on the elderly, share resources, and look out for one another.
Preparedness isn’t about fear — it’s about fellowship. It’s about ensuring that no one in your circle faces disaster unprepared or unsupported.
5.) Cultivate a Resilient Mindset
Storms will come — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But resilience is what turns fear into faith and hardship into growth.
Hurricane Melissa is part of a pattern of stronger, faster-forming storms. Scientists say extreme weather is intensifying. That means it’s time to adapt — not with anxiety, but with action and awareness.
When we choose self-reliance and preparation, we’re not just protecting ourselves — we’re creating peace in uncertainty.
How You Can Start Today
Here are a few small but powerful steps you can take right now:
Create a 72-hour emergency kit. (You can build this on any budget using what you already have.)
Store 2 weeks of food and water. Rotate it into your regular meals so nothing goes to waste.
Write down your emergency plan and review it with your family.
Print copies of important documents — ID, insurance, medical info — and keep them in a waterproof binder.
Pray, prepare, and stay connected. Spiritual readiness brings peace of mind that no supply can replace.
A Heart-Centered Perspective
Preparedness isn’t about panic or doomsday thinking. It’s about love, stewardship, and responsibility.
It’s a way of saying: “I love my family enough to plan ahead. I love my neighbors enough to share knowledge. I love my Creator enough to care for what He’s entrusted me with.”
When we prepare, we’re not living in fear — we’re living in faith.
We’re choosing to be the calm in the storm, the light in the dark, and the helping hand when others feel lost.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready, Be Hopeful
Hurricane Melissa has shown us the power of nature and the fragility of modern life. But it’s also revealed something beautiful: humanity’s resilience. People in Jamaica are already banding together, helping one another, rebuilding piece by piece.
Let their courage move us to action — not just sympathy.
Because preparedness isn’t just about survival…
It’s about serving, sustaining, and shining — even when the winds howl and the world feels uncertain.
So let’s begin today.
Gather your family. Start your kit. Write your plan.
Be the one who’s ready — and help others be ready, too.
When we prepare, we create peace.
When we care for others, we create hope.
And together, we can weather any storm.
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