Portland prepared for disaster
Published:Saturday | July 2, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:THE PORTLAND Parish Council is declaring that the parish is now in an advanced state of readiness to combat any natural disaster and other eventualities, with the various emergency groups on high alert.
The disclosure was made by acting Secretary/Manager Joan Thomas, during a face-to-face meeting with The Gleaner, which toured sections of east Portland, to highlight the many challenges plaguing that constituency.
"The parish is 95 per cent ready to combat natural disaster, "she said. She added, "All the emergency groups and shelter managers have being trained and briefed. Disaster shelters have been identified and are in place throughout the parish. The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been identified and will be activated the minute disaster threatens. This will result in all the emergency teams operating from one central location."
The EOC would comprise all the various emergency groups, including the fire department, the police, the ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the Ministry of Health.
spared
During the passage of Tropical Storm Nicole in 2010, Portland was spared, although approximately 90 persons occupied disaster shelters. The situation was somewhat different two years before, when Tropical Storm Gustav ripped off dozens of roofs from houses, trees were toppled and many roads were left impassable by flood waters and debris.
Meanwhile, Parish Disaster Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Denise Lewis, agrees that the parish is in a state of readiness, as several disaster workshops and training have benefited emergency groups and volunteers.
"We try to stay one step ahead," she said. She added, "In terms of organisation, we are ready, but problems usual arise during the actual disaster, as emergency supplies, including food, bedding, flashlights, tarpaulins, and toiletries are usually available in small proportions. So I can conclude that our biggest challenge yet will be our ability to secure emergency supplies and to make them available to those persons who are affected."
But while boasting that the parish's emergency groups are in a state of readiness, Lewis is cautioning residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas of the parish to be on the alert and to be ready to evacuate the minute danger threatens. She is also appealing to residents to consider their safety first during the time of disaster.