Vincentians told to prepare for 2007 hurricane season

With June 1st marking the onset of Hurricane season, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, in a statement to the nation last Friday, urged residents to prepare for the 2007 hurricane season.{{more}}

Mentioning the formation of subtropical storm Andrea near Florida during the early part of May, Dr. Gonsalves suggested the possibility of an above average season, quoting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) prediction of 13-17 named storms, and 7-10 hurricanes, with anticipation that 3-4 may be major hurricanes of category 3 or higher. It is also expected that there may be as many as 40 hurricane days and 11 intense hurricane days in 2007.

The Prime Minister said these predictions are not to dismay, but to remind us that preparedness is of utmost importance during the hurricane season. He cited the recent devastation in neighbouring Grenada as testament to the force of Mother Nature.

Dr. Gonsalves reiterated regional governments’ decision for disaster management to be high priority, and said that several steps had been taken at the national, regional and international levels to reduce the risk of disaster, including the establishment of a well-staffed and supported National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

Citizens were reminded that funding is available from the Social Investment Fund for community groups to undertake projects in their areas to retrofit houses to make them stronger and more resilient against hurricanes.

The Prime Minister reminded families, organizations, government departments and businesses of their responsibility to get ready for the hurricane season by making and testing emergency plans and to take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk to life, to protect assets and ensure the continuity of businesses in the aftermath. (KP)