Hurricane Season 2011 is here!

The 2011 Hurricane Season has officially begun and is expected to last until November 30, 2011.Meteorologists, locally and internationally have indicated that this season will be an above average one. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) United States National Hurricane Centre’s prediction for the 2011 Hurricane Season is as follows:

• 12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:
• 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:

3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)

In light of this, one must adopt the relevant measures to protect oneself and one’s property from a hurricane or any similar hazard.   Preparing also means that you have a greater chance of safety and survival. We encourage 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 will be resilient.

Here are some safety tips:-

Before the Hurricane/ Tropical Storm

• Check your home:
• Make sure your roof is secure. Hurricane straps are an affordable way to do this;
• Repair leaking roofs, broken windows and / or broken doors;
• Clean gutters, downspouts and drains;
• 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;
• Check trees in the yard and trim loose or dying branches.
• It’s a good habit to always have your emergency supplies accessible:
• Medical / First Aid supplies;
• Medication for the elderly or the differently-abled
• Working flashlight, radio and batteries;
• 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/ Municipal Corporation for the list of official shelters and take note of the ones nearest to you. Ensure all family members know where they should go.
• Pay special attention to the daily and special forecasts from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TT MET). www.metoffice.gov.tt.

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.

However, if you are impacted by the effects of a hurricane, we assure you that we will work assiduously to ensure that relief is provided to those that have been adversely affected in the shortest and most effective manner. As the lead coordinator and manager of crises and emergencies, the ODPM will continue to work with all first responder and critical support agencies (such as the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Disaster Management Units of the Municipal and Regional Corporations, the Emergency Medical Services and the Ministry of Works and Transport) to help keep you safe.

We remind you that if you are impacted by any hazard (landside, flooding, storm surge etc), please call your REGIONAL/MUNICIPAL CORPORATION or the ODPM at 800 6376.

Additionally, we underscore that the ODPM has a wealth of information on family preparedness and preparedness at the community level so please call us at 640 1285 ext 14240; send us an email: publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com; peruse our Facebook page: ODPMTT or visit us online at www.odpm.gov.tt.

Issued by:

Public Information Education and Community Outreach Unit

For further information:

Dike G. Noel, Public Information Specialist

868 640 1285 ext 14240/publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com