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PUBLIC ADVISORY # 3 - Tropical Storm Bret - Monday 19th June, 2017 – 9:00 p.m.
Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management
4A Orange Grove Road, Trincity, Tacarigua
Email: publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com
Website: www.odpm.gov.tt
Monday 19th June, 2017 – 9:00 p.m.
ODPM urges citizens to be cautious and prepared for Tropical Storm Bret
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is advising citizens to be aware that the Potential Tropical Cyclone #2 developed into Tropical Storm Bret, according to the latest bulletin issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office (TTMET) at 6:00 p.m. on Monday 19th June, 2017.
Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and its Dependencies can expect Tropical Storm conditions within 6 - 12hours. The centre of Potential Tropical Cyclone #2 was located near 9.4ºN latitude 59.8ºW longitude or about 200 kilometres southeast of Trinidad.
Tropical Storm Bret is moving to the west at about 48 km/hr and is expected to continue at a slightly slower speed over the next 48 hours. As such, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and its Dependencies will therefore be mostly exposed to Tropical Storm conditions from tonight and early Tuesday. Gusty winds, street/flash flooding, landslides/landslips and disturbance in sea conditions are likely to arise.
The ODPM has not received reports of incidents in Trinidad at this time. However, Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has reported loss of power on the Northern side of Tobago, due to a fallen tree on Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) utility lines and a collapsed structure in Signal Hill. No injuries have been reported thus far. Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) teams have been mobilised and power will be restored within the hour.
Citizens are asked to remain vigilant, calm and pay attention to relevant advisories from authorised agencies in Trinidad and Tobago namely the TTMET Office, the ODPM and local media houses. Shelters in Trinidad have been activated, while shelters in Tobago are opened.
Consequently, we continue to underscore the following:-
During a Tropical Storm
Never ignore evacuation orders. Leave as soon as possible when told to do so
Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors. If need be, stay inside a closet or a room without windows. You can also lie on the floor under a table or sturdy object.
Avoid using open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Do not walk through moving water. Even 6 inches (15 centimeters) of water can make you fall.
Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary. When the winds get very strong, you are in danger of being hit by flying objects.
Children should not be taken outside, since they may be in danger of being blown away.
If you are away from home, remain where you are until the storm has passed. Many people have lost their lives trying to go from one place to another.
If your glass windows have not been boarded up, place a large heavy object in front of the window to protect yourself and others from splintering glass.
Be calm! Your ability to act logically is important.
Listen to the radio, watch your television and check the official social media sites for information on what is happening e.g. ODPM and TTMET.
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We wish to underscore that Trinidad and Tobago is under a Tropical Storm threat at this time. Citizens are asked to resist following any social media posts or unauthorised messages which are not disseminated by the TTMET Office or published on the ODPM’s social media platforms.
The ODPM as the lead National Office for Disaster Management is coordinating with all relevant agencies, including the Regional Corporations’ Disaster Management Units, to prepare for the possibility of incoming weather within the next 6-12 hours, as we continue to closely monitor this weather event through the TTMET Office. The ODPM reminds all citizens that should you be affected by this upcoming inclement weather, please contact our Customer Care Centre at 511.
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ENDS
Issued by:
Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit
publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com
For further information, please Call:
ODPM’s Customer Call Centre 511
TEMA’s Hotline 211
