Gov't Prepares For Another Possible Active Hurricane Season

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BVI Platinum News

(PLTM) - The Government of the BVI has initiated a plan to get ready for what may be another active season, according to the preliminary predictions released in December 2017.

According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), the commencement of the 2018 hurricane season is just about three months away and residents of the BVI are being asked to utilise this off-season to get their homes and businesses repaired and ready.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from 1st June to 30th November.

Director of DDM, Sharleen DaBreo while speaking about the ongoing preparations being made said that they have commenced a detailed inspection of the Emergency Shelters that were officially designated in 2017 and they are also looking at other facilities that were used during the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

"The Public Works Department and the Environmental Health Unit are fully engaged in this process. We are aiming to have a new list of emergency shelters available for release prior to the 1st June, 2018.”

Ms. Da Breo further explained that repairs have already started on critical facilities such as the elderly homes on Tortola and Virgin Gorda as well as clinics with others expected to commence shortly.

The department has also begun an early preparedness campaign under the theme, “Get Ready Stay Ready” providing tips online and through local radio stations.

Ms. DaBreo added that Cabinet has requested a Readiness Report to address the critical response agency needs. This report, she said will outline what is needed to get the emergency repairs completed and provide for the level of protection in the event of the formation of another major hurricane in the Atlantic.

“Cabinet is desirous of ensuring that we make preparations to initiate an effective response, should we be impacted again this year. The Readiness Report is expected to be laid before Cabinet on 21st February 2018,” she said.

Preparatory work is also expanding into other areas with road works moving ahead and plans to commence the ghut clearing and water restoration services in train.

The DDM is appealing to residents to reflect on the situations that occurred during and after the impacts from the three major events in 2017 – the August Flood, Hurricanes Irma and Maria and use the opportunity to commence their preparations early.

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