DTI Urges Community to Prioritize Safety During Aruba's National Care Day

Richella Dorothal, Interim Director of DTI, emphasized that while every citizen can contribute to the well-being of Aruba, it is essential to do so safely and responsibly. "Aruba's National Care Day is a major public event. Therefore, we want to make all participants aware of basic safety measures and advise them to use the necessary personal protective equipment," stated Dorothal.

Personal Protection During Cleanup

DTI advises all participants to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to help prevent accidents and injuries while working.

DTI recommends the following:

• Wear appropriate footwear: Do not perform cleanup work in slippers or flip-flops. Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes—preferably safety boots—to protect your feet from sharp objects, heavy debris, and hazardous materials.
• Protect your head: Wear a hat or cap for sun protection, especially if working outdoors for extended periods.
• Use suitable gloves: This is particularly important when picking up or moving wood, glass, metal, and other sharp objects.
• Wear safety goggles: Use eye protection if the type of work or materials being handled poses a risk to your eyes.
• Watch out for glass and sharp objects: Never place broken glass or sharp items loose into a trash bag. They can puncture the bag and cause injury to anyone carrying or handling the waste. Instead, place glass and sharp items in a sturdy cardboard box or container. If a trash bag does contain dangerous materials, inform the person handling it so they can proceed with caution.

Heat and Sun Protection

National Care Day takes place in very warm weather conditions. DTI reminds all participants to:

• Apply plenty of sunscreen.
• Wear protective clothing or headwear against the sun.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade when needed.

Keep an Eye on Children Helping Out

If children are participating in cleanup activities, they must always be supervised by an adult. Ensure they wear gloves and closed-toe shoes, and do not allow them to handle glass, chemicals, or other dangerous materials.

Be mindful of your surroundings when lifting or moving heavy items to ensure nothing falls on children or bystanders. Keep walkways clean and clear to prevent trips and falls.

Safe Transport of Waste

Anyone transporting waste or materials in a pickup truck or trailer must properly secure and cover the load. This prevents bags, branches, or debris from flying onto the road, creating hazards or causing damage to other vehicles.

Unknown Chemical Substances

If you encounter chemicals or a container with unknown contents during the cleanup, do not touch them. Never assume a bucket, can, or container is safe just because it lacks a label. The contents could be toxic or corrosive. Such materials must be disposed of responsibly.

Leave Asbestos to Professionals

DTI makes a special appeal regarding materials that may contain asbestos. Never attempt to remove, break, or transport asbestos yourself. Asbestos fibers pose severe health risks and should only be handled and disposed of by certified specialists equipped with the proper training and safety gear.

If you suspect you have found asbestos, stop working immediately, keep others away from the area, and contact DTI for guidance.

Reporting Dangerous Situations

To report a dangerous situation, an unknown substance, suspected asbestos, or any other hazard requiring DTI's attention, the public can call the DTI emergency hotline at 593-7922.

The Government of Aruba, together with DTI, wishes all citizens a productive and safe National Care Day. Keeping our island clean is our shared responsibility, but safety comes first. Take care of Aruba, and take care of yourself and those around you!

About Aruba's National Care Day

Aruba's National Care Day (Nationale Dag van de Zorg voor Aruba) is an initiative by the Government of Aruba to reinforce shared responsibility for taking care of our island. Under the motto "For me. For you. For all of us.", citizens, businesses, schools, and organizations are invited to join hands during a massive national cleanup effort on Saturday, July 25. Beyond cleaning up various areas across Aruba, the initiative aims to raise awareness that protecting our environment is everyone's responsibility. A clean Aruba begins with the effort and action of every citizen. For more information, visit  https://arubatanostur.com/..