The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season begins today (June 1) and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is encouraging residents to ensure they are prepared for what is forecast to be an active season.
Residents should ensure that emergency supplies are in place, which should include non-perishable food, such as canned items, water, flashlight and important documents.
Individuals should try as much as possible to ensure that their homes are resistant to the effects of a hurricane, trim overhanging branches, secure windows and doors, acquire shutters or plywood to cover windows and clear the yard of items that could become missiles.
In observance of the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season, NODS will join the Bible Speaks Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Valley Road tomorrow for a service beginning at 11:00 a.m. and then on Monday host a briefing with members of the media.
Meanwhile, NODS has released the names of 50 structures so far that will be utilised as shelters during this year’s hurricane season which runs until November 30. The list can be viewed on NODS facebook and Instagram pages and has also been disseminated to media houses throughout the island.
Included on the list are the names of the 17 district disaster coordinators and deputies who volunteer in the various communities on behalf of NODS. They lead a team of other volunteers who are responsible for ensuring that issues relating to hazards and disasters are brought to the attention of NODS to be addressed. Each of the 17 disaster districts, which consist of several communities, has at least one shelter.
NODS advises residents that whenever a storm is threatening public shelters should be the last option and if this is not feasible persons can seek shelter with family and relatives. Individuals going to a public shelter should take along food, water, emergency supplies, clothing, bedding and any other necessary items as these will not be available in the public space. Pets are not allowed in shelters and animal owners should make alternative arrangements for them. There are also rules in place at the shelters which occupants must follow.
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