The Office of Disaster Preparedness and
Emergency Management (ODPEM) has been advised by the National Meteorological
Service, that Hurricane Emily, currently a Category 2 hurricane, will pass
close to the island's south coast on Saturday, as it moves towards the
Northwestern Caribbean. This means that Hurricane Conditions could
start affecting the island within 36 hours. Showers, thunderstorms
and increasing wind speeds could begin to spread across the island by Friday
evening.
The Public is advised to monitor News
Releases from the ODPEM and the Meteorological Service closely in case
conditions change rapidly, and to start taking precautions to protect life
and property. Organizations are advised to activate their disaster
plans.
As the nation prepares for Emily, the National Response Team is still on full alert.
Fishermen on the cays and banks, especially on the Morant and Pedro Cays, are advised to evacuate immediately and start returning to the Mainland.
The ODPEM is advising the public to take the following precautions:
- See that galvanized sheeting on your
roofs, outbuildings and fences are securely fastened. Ensure that
you have enough boards, nails, rope etc. on hand to batten down your property.
- If you live in low-lying, coastal or
flood-prone areas, be ready to evacuate. Decide on likely evacuation
routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or
in a public shelter.
- Put together an emergency supplies kit
with enough items to last a few days. Make sure to include tinned
food, water, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, and
a first aid kit and family medication.
- Trim trees and secure loose objects
which could become missiles
- All business houses should prepare their organizations and activate their disaster plans.
ODPEM continues to monitor the situation. For further information the public may call the ODPEM at 928-5111-4 or check the website at www.odpem.org.jm.
Contact:
Nadene Newsome
928-5111-4