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May 17, 2010 – 9:30 AM
The Meteorological Service advised on Friday May 14 that the rainy season has
officially begun. In this vein, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and
Management (ODPM) advises that the commencement of the rainy season normally
means that one must start preparing for the heavy rainfall and flooding that
could occur as a result of increased hydro-meteorological activity. The effects
of flooding may be minimal in some cases but there are times when they may be
quite major so the ODPM advises you to prepare yourself and follow the tips
listed hereunder:-
• Do not build or extend your home or business too close to rivers, ravines and
drains. Rain water needs a place to go so we must leave these areas clear so
that the water can flow out to sea. Also, the banks of rivers move naturally
over time, so we need to leave some space for these changes to occur.
• Do not throw any garbage, including appliances, into the rivers, ravines and
drains. Remember the rainwater needs somewhere to flow so if the drainage
channels are blocked, the water will have to find another route.
• You can help to protect your possessions by elevating your home on stilts, or
by elevating the most valuable items in your home to a higher level, above the
expected flood waters. You can also construct flood barriers to prevent flood
water from entering buildings.
Some other Precautions for just before or during a flood:
• Turn off gas and electricity. Unplug all electrical appliances
• Put dangerous liquids, like strong chemicals and flammable liquids, in a safe
place and close containers securely
• Place important documents in waterproof containers or sealed plastic bags
• Try to park your vehicle in an area that will not flood
• Secure pets on higher ground.
• Have an emergency plan for your family or business, so you know beforehand
what to do, where you will go, etc.
If you become a victim of flooding, please call your region’s corporation.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management encourages everyone to
firstly:
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 way of life and the welfare of yourself and your
loved ones.
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.
Contact:
Dike G. Noel (Mr.)
Public Information Specialist Public Information,
Education and Community Outreach Unit
868 640 1285/ publicinformation@odpm.gov.tt