ODPEM Ready for 2018 Hurricane Season – Major Davis
By: , June 1, 2018The Key Point:
Photo: Contributed
Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Major Clive Davis.The Facts
- Alberto, the first named storm of 2018, developed on May 25 bringing heavy rainfall and flash floods to parts of Mexico, Cuba, Florida and the eastern United States Gulf Coast and beyond.
- Speaking in an interview with JIS NEWS, Director General of ODPEM, Major Clive Davis, said that the agency is “exceptionally prepared” having made the necessary adjustments based on lessons from last season.
The Full Story
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says that “all critical checks and balances” have been put in place to ensure that the island is in a state-of-readiness for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season.
The forecast from the Meteorological Office of Jamaica (Met Service) suggests that the season, from June 1 to November 30, will be above average.
Alberto, the first named storm of 2018, developed on May 25 bringing heavy rainfall and flash floods to parts of Mexico, Cuba, Florida and the eastern United States Gulf Coast and beyond.
Speaking in an interview with JIS NEWS, Director General of ODPEM, Major Clive Davis, said that the agency is “exceptionally prepared” having made the necessary adjustments based on lessons from last season.
“We have constantly been improving and strengthening our programme. There have been a number of consultations with local authorities, who have critical roles to play and we have made our checks to ensure that supplies and shelters are ready and sufficient,” said Major Davis.
He noted that the necessary communication is being carried out to ensure that the facilities designated as shelters are not only ready and available, but that the local populace is aware of their location and shelter managers are accessible.
“There have been some allocations made for contingency funds to be put in place for the purpose of emergency response, which also helps to bolster our overall readiness for the season,” he indicated.
Major Davis is imploring all Jamaicans to be vigilant during the season, paying attention to bulletins being issued and to have supplies ready.
“We also encourage individuals, especially those in low lying areas, to heed evacuation orders if issued and to be aware of where the nearest shelters are,” he said.
Major Davis advised that irrespective of how active or inactive a hurricane season may be, it takes only one organised system to cause damage and as such, persons are reminded not to leave anything to chance.