Director General says ODPEM ready for 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season

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 suggests that the season, which runs from today, 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 Jamaicans to be vigilant during the season, paying attention to bulletins being issued and to have supplies ready.

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