The Office of Disaster Preparedness and
Emergency Management has been advised that a Hurricane Warning is now in
effect for the island. This means that Hurricane conditions could
begin affecting the island within twenty- four hours or less. The
ODPEM has been advised that Hurricane Emily will pass as close as 70 kilometers
from the South Coast. The South Coast could experience very strong
wings and high sea levels from storm surges.
Therefore persons living along the coast
from St. Thomas to Westmoreland should now be making preparations to evacuate.
Persons who will be staying with friends and relatives should begin
doing so now. Other persons who will be seeking temporary shelter
arrangements at public shelters should wait until the order is given
to evacuate today.
There is also a threat from the flooding of rivers. Those persons who are living along the banks of rivers and gullies should evacuate now.
The Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, has authorized all government offices to be closed by 2:00 p.m. today. All non-emergency personnel should be sent home. In addition, the Private Sector is being asked to release their staff in time to reach home and make their necessary preparations.
Persons evacuating to shelters should take the following items when the order is given:
- Food
- Bedding
- Blankets
- Medication
- Infant Necessities
- Water
- Toiletries
All persons are being advised to continue to monitor the radio for further advisories from the Meteorological Service and the ODPEM.