PUBLIC ADVISORY #2

ADVERSE WEATHER ALERT #2 – YELLOW LEVEL
 

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued Adverse Weather Alert #2 – Yellow Level for Trinidad & Tobago for the period Wednesday 14^th August, 2019 from 12:00 p.m. to Thursday 15^th August, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

The TTMS indicates that heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely over Trinidad & Tobago during the period. Street/flash flooding and gusty winds up to 65km/hr are likely near heavy downpours. There is the possibility of landslides or landslips along hilly areas. This activity is due to the passage of a Tropical Wave interacting with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Yellow level means there is a moderate risk to public safety, livelihoods and property.  Conditions may cause disruptions in a few places. However, the level of disruption can be reduced if persons monitor conditions and reduce their level of exposure.

Persons residing or working in flood prone or landslip prone areas are urged to be extra vigilant and to take the necessary steps to preserve life and property.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) would like to remind all citizens to ensure that they take the following precautionary measures during the Wet/Hurricane season:

1. Pack a ‘Grab and Go’ bag to last at least 72 hours in the event you and your family need to evacuate.
2. Charge all mobile devices.
3. Assemble a household emergency kit (locate flashlight, radio, food supplies, etc.).
4. After heavy rainfall, stay inside until water levels have subsided, and it is safe to venture outside.
5. Be cautious when walking/driving along hillsides or landslide-prone areas.
6. Do not walk or drive through flood waters of unknown depth and current (6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet). STAY AWAY from moving water.
7. Stay away from drains and culverts. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children;
8. If flooding is imminent or occurring, evacuate to higher ground. But, do not enter flood waters to seek higher ground.
9. Complete your Emergency Plan in case a flood disrupts your normal route.
10. Flood waters can damage important documents. Store important document in a waterproof container or electronically.
11. Reduce potential property damage by elevating appliances and installing sandbags.
12. Practice electrical safety - In the event of flooding, turn off electrical power to your home or business.
13. Contact your Municipal Corporation or the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) through its toll-free hotline numbers if impacted and in need of assistance (see attached).
14. Pay attention to regular updates on television, radio and social media for any changes in the weather conditions.

Citizens can learn more on how to prepare for this Rainy Season by downloading the ODPM’s Wet / Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide at www.odpm.gov.tt/hurricaneguide.

Citizens should continue to monitor the website and social media profiles of the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service and the ODPM for weather forecasts, alerts, warnings and cancellations. Visit http://www.metoffice.gov.tt or www.odpm.gov.tt.

The ODPM reminds all citizens if impacted by the adverse weather to contact your Municipal Corporation or the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) through its toll-free hotline numbers.

WE WISH TO UNDERSCORE THAT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IS NOT CURRENTLY UNDER ANY TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE THREAT, WATCH OR WARNING.

ENDS

Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com

For further information, please call:

ODPM’s Customer Call Centre 511/ TEMA’s Hotline 211

To download the full version of the public advisory, please click here