Trinidad and Tobago expecting above average hurricane season

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) wishes to reiterate that the 2010 Hurricane Season has begun and will continue until November 2010. Meteorologists have indicated that this season will be an above average one. Protecting oneself and one’s property from a hurricane means protecting against very strong winds and heavy rainfall. To ensure that all citizens are prepared for the possible onslaught of tropical storms and / or hurricanes, the ODPM advises the following.

Before the Hurricane

· Check your home:

o Make sure your roof is secure. Hurricane straps are an affordable way to do this

o Repair leaking roofs, broken windows and / or broken doors

o Clean gutters, downspouts and drains

o Tie down or properly store items around the yard that could be picked up by strong winds such as galvanized metal sheets or pieces of wood

o Check trees in the yard and trim loose or dying branches

· It’s a good habit to always have your emergency supplies accessible:

o Medical / First Aid supplies

o Working flashlight, radio and batteries

o Bottled water, canned foods and can opener

N.B. Important documents must be protected in a sealed plastic bag

· Determine which friends or relatives can provide alternative accommodation. Additionally, check the ODPM website or your Regional or Municipal Corporation for the list of official shelters and take note of the ones nearest to you.

During the Hurricane:

· Stay indoors and away from windows and doors.

· Listen to your radio for notification of when it is safe to leave your home. If the winds and rains stop, this does not indicate that it is entirely safe. Continue to be alert.

After the Hurricane:

· Continue to listen to your radio to know if it is safe to go outside and what areas you should avoid

· Beware of outdoor dangers such as downed power lines, weakened bridges, damaged roads, scattered debris and contaminated flood waters

· If you are injured, seek medical attention at First Aid stations, hospitals or clinics

· Boil your drinking water

· Discard all spoilt food

· Help members of your community who may have been injured or affected by the storm impact.The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management further encourages everyone to continue to:

PLAN. Properly formulate an emergency plan at home for all members of the family as well as develop plans on what you can do to:

PREPARE. Prepare your homes and property by putting the proper precautionary measures in place so that you and your belongings could be resilient against the effects of flooding, so that you and your loved ones can:

PRESERVE. Preserve your life and the lives of your loved ones.

If you become a victim of hurricane impact, please call your REGIONAL or MUNICIPAL CORPORATION or the ODPM at 800 ODPM.

For additional information on emergency tips, hazards to which our region is prone and additional ways to protect yourself and your family, please contact the ODPM at 640 1285; send us an email: publicinformation@odpm.gov.tt; peruse our Facebook page: ODPMTT or visit us online at www.odpm.gov.tt.



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CREDITS:

- Text by Dike G. Noel, ODPM

- Photo by Shivayanamahohm