Ahead of Friday’s official opening of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Disaster Preparedness officials here have stepped up their awareness campaign to alert the population about preparing for and responding to disasters including earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, and even tsunamis.
They are holding an exhibition on the ground floor of Government Headquarters on Wednesday as part of “Hazard Week”.
Programme Officer at the Office of Disaster Management, Mandela Christian, has been explaining that the exhibition is aimed at familiarizing islanders with the various services associated with managing disasters, including the Met Service, the Fire Service, the Red Cross, the Police Service, and environmental health.
“The overall aim is to basically sensitise the public as to what role each stakeholder plays in disaster management, and just to let them know what is being done in Dominica. Because a lot of people are not aware of all that is being done,” Christian told DNO.
The public’s role in disaster management is also being emphasized.
“We want them to be aware that disaster is everybody’s business, and that they themselves should be responsible for their own safety, and there are a number of things that they themselves can do to help increase their survival chances in times of disaster,” Christian said.
“Everybody should know how to prepare your homes, like have a disaster kit in a safe place, and in case of an emergency have some supplies there,” the disaster preparedness official said, adding that training opportunities were also available for interested members of the public on the subject.
This is a measure that should be supported whole-heartedly.That said, it has to be recognised that this is however, late. We need in this blessed land to have simulation exercises ALL YEAr ROUND. The more we are “bombarded” with the need to protect ourselves and property, the easier it becomes to be part of our daily routine.
On another note, when are we going to make policy that allows EVERY CITIZEN to be capable of applying CPR? We can surely learn from the Cuban experience (we have diplomatic ties)which has been recently described by the UN as the most prepared country in the world as it relates to disaster preparation.
However, like my |Grandma would say:better late than never!!
For an island where few things are as certain as hurricanes and tropical storms we are still very laid back in our approach to disaster preparedness. I find myself being more concerned during this season for the safety of family on island than they are, when they are the ones facing the direct impact should these storms manifest themselves.
Not a very sexy topic so do not expect much feed back – but great jobs guys- the disaster office has been preaching the message year round so if we doh get the message really they should not be blamed. Lets support the efforts and do our part to be prepared.