ODM ADVISES PUBLIC TO BE PREPARED FOR 2021 HURRICANE SEASON  

June 1 marked the start of the 2021 hurricane season, and the Office Pf Disaster Management is urging all Dominicans to be prepared at all times by putting the necessary plans in place to protect their family and properties.

“The ODM encourages the public to be prepared for the hurricane season and any other hazards given Dominica’s vulnerability to multiple hazards. Some preparedness actions that are recommended are: Prepare a family emergency plan. Write down the details including evacuation needs, shelter needs, and assign responsibility for persons in your household such as who is going to pack the emergency kit, who is responsible for transportation etc. Create a communication plan which is a list of important numbers, contact details of family members, schools, work, and health care and emergency support agencies. Identify an agreed location within and outside your neighborhood to regroup should a family be separated during an emergency. Pack your family emergency kit and remember to include masks, sanitizers, non-perishable food, water, medication and a battery operated radio,” stated National Disaster Coordinator, Mr. Fitzroy Pascal.

Mr. Pascal urges the public to ensure that they have adequate insurance to cover hurricane hazard related damage. He says being prepared is key to minimize damage to your properties.

“Inspect your home and property, identify and take steps to address issues that could increase your exposure resulting in damage of property and loss of life such as faulty windows and doors, compromised roofs, poor drainage around the house, and importantly trim overhanging trees that could increase impact on your home. Being prepared is key regardless of the number of storms predicted, because as we know it only takes one system to set us back. Keep the guidelines for covid-19 in mind and take your personal supplies with you if you must go to a shelter. When evacuation orders are given, or if you determine that you are in danger in your location, leave home before severe weather activity begins,” Mr. Pascal explained.

Meanwhile, Acting Senior Meteorological Officer, Mr. Marshall Alexander, says the met services is ready for the 2021 hurricane season.

“We have coordination with the Barbados Met Service and the National Hurricane Center when there is threat but this time around we will be doing Google Meet to have discussions with the Barbados Met Service and the National hurricane Season.  So we in Dominica will be part of this discussion and the final word in terms of a decision to be taken will be done by the Met Service. So if there is discussion that a watch or warning may be issued out based on the discussion the Dominica Met Service will be the one with the final say in terms of issuance for Dominica,” Mr. Alexander added.