“Be prepared” – ODM as hurricane season begins

hurricaneAs the hurricane season opens the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is warning that all Dominicans should have plans finals in the events of a storm.

“We are in the hurricane season and all residents should have had all plans for the hurricane season finalized, simulated or practiced again and should be in a state of readiness to activate such plans should the need arise,” the ODM said in a statement. “The hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Whatever the predictions it must be noted that it only takes one event to cause severe capital, infrastructural and social impact on our island state.”

Experts have revealed that there is a 50 percent chance of a below normal season this year.

According to the ODM, residents should not become complacent despite of the predictions.

“The National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO), therefore encourages individuals, families, institutions, including churches, clubs, corporate and business sector entities and also public service departments to use this week June 2nd to June 7th 2014 and beyond to do some introspection on our readiness and to hold in house and indoor meetings at strengthening the disaster plans and procedures of our various institutions and also to test the adequacy of such plans and procedures,” the statement said.

The ODM encouraged citizens to apprise each and everyone on their specific roles, functions and responsibilities before, during and after an emergency event.

“It is known that if you don’t give people information they are likely to make their own decisions therefore it is imperative that people under your responsibility are clear on what is required of them should your institution be faced with an emergency situation it takes a team effort to plan for, manage and respond to emergency events,” it said.

The Office of Disaster Management urged everyone to get involved and be prepared for any eventuality.

It noted that individuals should get involved by joining a disaster committee in their respective areas.

 

 

 

 

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6 Comments

  1. des
    June 3, 2014

    Yes but its not everyone that are computer literate or has access to a computer or smartphone like u do.think about the less fortunate and the older folks.i support Pedro’s comment.

  2. anonymous2
    June 2, 2014

    DA is one island that doesn’t have to worry that much about hurricanes due to the high mountains which slow them down. Be prepared for anything, however.

  3. Simply the Truth
    June 2, 2014

    I have not forgotten the following I learned since in elementary school:

    June too soon
    July stand by
    August, look out you must
    September remember
    October all over.

    The first and last ones, especially the latter may not always be accurate since hurricanes do occur in November.
    I hope all bad storms and hurricanes bypass Dominica. Pray for that.

  4. Pedro
    June 2, 2014

    ODP should give more information on what can be done to get more ready. It would be easy using this medium to make a manual available to the organizations mentioned in the article, rather than simply asking them to “be introspective”. Anyone can think as to whether they are ready but they can still miss the mark… since the ODM has the expertise, then please share! Ditto regarding earthquakes too, which have no season!

    • icepop
      June 2, 2014

      Well just go to the website and get the plans – that was what I understood – we can search the web for all kinds of stuff but when it comes for our own safety we like to be spoon fed – go check the website like I just did especially the weready.org and you will get all the information you need.

      • Pedro
        June 3, 2014

        First of all reader, this is DA, be realistic. ODM never mentioned a website or websites either. If they had one or had suggested one, that would be great. This is what such organizations do – lead and guide people. Not just tell them to go think. I was not speaking for myself in any case. You also assume that all who come across the information mentioned are well versed at researching without assistance. Finally the statement made by the ODM was also in other media like radio and there can be no presumption that the majority of listeners are online.

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