St James PC on track with disaster readiness

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Secretary manager of the St James Parish Council, Winston Palmer, says it is about 75 per cent ready with its disaster response plan as the parish readies for the hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1.

Palmer said the council has been crafting a holistic response to its disaster-preparedness plan for the parish.

"Shelters have been identified and inspections of these shelters have begun to identify those which need to be repaired. A lot of preparation is done during the month of May, including making contact with the relevant agencies, as to the resources they have in place for a multi-agency response."

Palmer said the annual quiz and performing arts competitions are used to highlight matters relating to disaster preparedness and how to deal with certain matters including environmental awareness.

The secretary manager indicated that during the month of June, the disaster committee is more focused on areas that are most prone to flooding or are likely to be affected in the event of a hurricane.

"Separate and apart from that, hurricanes are not the only natural disasters. There are also fires, earthquakes and floods, so we prepare for those as best as we can," he shared.

"The disaster-preparedness coordinator has been to schools throughout the year and also to organisations where staff members are educated, including hotels and other companies."

He said the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management generally provides relief goods and other materials, which are supplemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.