National Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Fitzroy Pascal has said that all preparedness actions by the public should have been completed and plans ready for activation as Tropical Storm Tammy approaches the area.
He was addressing a press briefing on Thursday night.
“Note well that information regarding the progressive development of Tammy has been in circulation by the National Disaster Management System for several days, this means that by now, all preparedness actions by the public including the business community should have been completed and plans ready for activation,” he said.
According to him, by now, emergency kits should have been already packed with the necessary supplies.
Pascal said the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has been activated as well as the emergency services and first responders.
Furthermore, he said customary heavy equipment will be pre-positioned to ensure limited downtime, continued access, and ease of mobility.
Pascal mentioned also that during the passage of Tammy the public should be on alert as the usual hazards of heavy rains, gusty winds up to Tropical Storm strengths, flash flooding, landslides, and rough seas are expected.
“People living near rivers, ravines, and other waterways are reminded to be on alert during heavy rains and be ready to move to safety as required,” he advised. “All should take the time to ensure that waterways are cleared to reduce flood impacts.”
He continued, “Importantly, the ODM strongly discourages walking, swimming, or driving through flood waters.”
Additionally, Pascal indicated that marinas and fisherfolks by now, should have secured fishing vessels and other equipment until further guidance is provided.
“People who live along coastlines should be on alert for rough seas and storm surges that may threaten and be ready to move to a safe area,” he advised.
He is a novice and it seems like he is new on the job as most of the other ministers. But all he is saying is that, “you should have already eaten your cereal, you should have already packed your school books, you should have already tied your shoe laces and don’t forget to take your pencils.” But he didn’t give the student lunch money. I feel for this man. But he will learn. I made some mistakes on my job which was mostly on paper which was easy to correct. But when you are unprepared for a hurricane that is barreling down on you as a poor person, and to hear a government minister or someone in authority saying to you that you should have been so and so – If you get killed in the hurricane ( God forbid) what is he going to say? The same blasted thing; “you should have taken precautions and have all the necessary gears and secure your house better.” I’m not beating down on this young man. But his “presentation” wasn’t well prepared. God bless and protect us all during this season. Love
Why do you feel for this man? The citizenry was given daily updates on the progression of the storm and the actions they should be taking in preparation of the storm so where did he go wrong? His approach is exactly how it’s done in big cities all across the US. Next time you hear of a storm approaching the Gulf of Mexico, monitor the gulf states and get enlightened about hurricane/storm preparedness so you can comment sensibly in the future.
And this nonsense about cereal, pencils, shoe laces is nothing but immature talk from someone who doesn’t know anything about disaster preparedness but wants to be relevant.
If you don’t have anything positive to contribute to the island’s safety, stay in your lane with your foolishness.
@ Mark “National Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Fitzroy Pascal has said that all preparedness actions by the public should have been completed and plans ready for activation as Tropical Storm Tammy approaches the area.”
“All preparedness actions by the public should have been completed.” Help us understand what that mean. When we have people who (Because of their political beliefs) were not given any help from the government to have their roof and other parts of their homes repaired, and are still living in deplorable conditions as of this day. So, tell me, who are the people Pascal is referring to when he says that they should have been prepared already? Who are these people? Then he said, “Don’t go swimming in flood waters.” Who goes swimming in flood waters? And don’t compare Dominica to developed countries, because in developed countries the government doesn’t simply go on the air and talk. They send help in advance and even help in evacuating their people to safe shelters.
Raj, it simply means that one should have already acquired the basics, canned goods, flashlight/batteries, candles?, water, your medication, possibly have a medical kit with items such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever tablets etc. Also, do not forget to gas up your vehicle. This is basic stuff that one should already possess.
Now, with regards to house conditions, this is definitely not the time to be addressing partial roofs, leaky roofs and general house repairs. This should have been dealt with a long time ago and not when a storm is fast approaching. Whatever the reasons are for the houses being in the condition they’re in, I can’t speak to that but what I can tell you for a fact is I know of individuals who could comfortably afford house insurance and simply chose not to insure so in my opinion, these folks don’t deserve a dime from the government.
Raj, I am a firm believer of personal responsibility so it’s high time Dominicans develop that mindset.
I am speaking on behalf of hundreds perhaps thousands of head of households. Mr. Pascal, you have declared that all preparations should have been completed by now. When you don’t have a cent to buy roofing materials, adhesives to patch fissures and holes, tin foods, flashlights, batteries, how do you prepare for an imminent storm?