NEMO to host disaster risk reduction activities

Tuesday, June 1, marks the beginning of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The forecast from the experts at the Colorado University, Dr Klotzbach and Professor Gray indicates that this will be a very active hurricane season.{{more}} The projection is that there will be 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes (the average being 10 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes).

For the Caribbean it is estimated that there is a 58% chance of a major hurricane in the region. This more than average activity is being attributed to a weakened El Nino effect and warmer waters in the Atlantic.

In an effort to prepare the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the hurricane season and at the same time heighten their awareness of the other hazards that can pose a threat to the islands, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) will be hosting a week of activities during the period May 30 – June 5, 2010. This week of activities dubbed “Disaster Risk Reduction Week” will be hosted under the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction; Building a Culture of Safety through our Children our Future”.

The week of activities will commence on Sunday, 30th May, with a day of Prayer and a “Views on Issues” Radio Discussion originating from NBC Radio 705, linking a number of other radio stations. The topic for discussion will be “Preparing for the 2010 Hurricane Season”.

On Tuesday, 1st June, the official start of the hurricane season, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves will address the nation. There will also be a telecast on the Agency for Public Information (API), with experts from different agencies that play a critical role in informing the public on various hazards, threats, and provide guidance on safety measures which can be undertaken as we approach the beginning of the hurricane season.

On Wednesday, 2nd June, 2010, NEMO’s staff and volunteers will visit a number of Special Needs Institutions to make preparedness presentations and hand out information to help the staff make the necessary preparations for hazards.

The activities continue on Thursday, 3rd June, with an Open Day and Exhibition at NEMO’s Headquarters, Old Montrose, Kingstown. A number of key agencies will take part in the exhibition. There will also be a series of 15 – 20 minutes Seminars at NEMO’s Conference Room, an opportunity will be given to the general public to use hand held radios and become familiar with NEMO’s operations in times of emergency.

On Friday, 4th June, 2010, NEMO’S staff and Volunteers will visit pre- schools in Kingstown, to make preparedness presentations and have interactive activities for the children. The Disaster Risk Reduction Week of Activities ends on Saturday, 5th June, 2010. Adventists are invited to use the opportunity to pray for the nation and undertake preparedness activities with their congregations. The day is being dubbed “Community Disaster Risk Reduction Day”. Disaster groups and other community groups and members of Communities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will be asked to organise activities at the community level to promote Disaster Risk Reduction and Hurricane Preparedness.

During the week of June 6 to 12, the focus will be on the Grenadine Islands. NEMO will be conducting activities and training with the disaster groups in the Grenadines to ensure that these communities are well prepared.