Disaster preparedness expos in St. Mary

PORT ANTONIO — The first in a series of disaster awareness expositions, being hosted by the St. Mary Disaster Committee, was held on Friday June 24 in the community of Gayle.

Part of activities to mark disaster preparedness month in June, the sessions aim to sensitise residents about the importance of preparation to mitigate the effects of disasters.

Friday’s exposition provided the opportunity for interaction between members of the community and representatives of various emergency response organisations in the parish including the St. Mary Health Department, St. Mary Fire Brigade, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, St. Mary Parish Council, and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

In addition to the distribution of brochures and the mounting of displays on disaster preparedness and mitigation, as well as the general services offered by the agencies, residents also benefitted from free blood sugar and blood pressure tests conducted by the St. Mary Health Department.

Speaking to JIS News during the event, St. Mary Disaster Coordinator, Yolande Jankie, said she was pleased with the turnout of residents, noting that the information gleaned would greatly enhance the disaster preparedness effort in the parish for the hurricane season.

She informed that similar expositions will be held in the communities of Richmond, Retreat, Belfield and Annotto Bay during the month of July to reach as many persons as possible.

By ASTON G. BAILEY, JIS Reporter