PUBLIC ADVISORY #1

BE PREPARED FOR ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued an Adverse Weather Alert #1 – Yellow Level for Trinidad and Tobago for the period Tuesday 17^th September 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to Wednesday 18^th September 2019 at 8:00 p.m.

The TTMS indicates that there is a medium chance (65%) of intense showers/thunderstorms developing by late morning on Tuesday 17th September 2019 and a high chance (80%) during predawn hours of Wednesday 18th September 2019. This activity will be intermittent with some settled periods but in the event of heavy downpours, street/flash flooding and gusty winds could be expected. The possibility of landslides/landslips could also be heightened during this period.

A 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 could 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 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 (water, food, medical supplies, radio, batteries, flashlight 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 (remember as little as 6 inches of moving water could knock an adult off his/her feet).
7. STAY AWAY from moving water, drains and culverts. Swiftly moving shallow water could be deadly, and even shallow standing water could be dangerous for small children.
8. If flooding is imminent or occurring, evacuate to higher ground.
9. Complete your Emergency Plan in case a flood disrupts your normal route.
10. Flood waters can damage important documents. Store important documents in a waterproof container or electronically.  
11. Reduce potential property damage by installing sandbags and elevating appliances.
12. Practise electrical safety - In the event of flooding, disconnect all electrical power to your home, business or property.  
13. If impacted and in need of assistance, first make contact with your Disaster Management Unit at the Municipal Corporation or the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) through its toll-free hotline numbers (see attachment for contact numbers).
14. In the event that you are unsuccessful contact the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management’s (ODPM) at 800-6376 or 640-1285.
15. Pay attention to the television, radio and social media for any changes in the weather conditions and updates.

Citizens may 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.

Persons should continue to monitor the TTMS and ODPM websites and social media profiles for weather forecasts, alerts, warnings and cancellations. Visit http://www.metoffice.gov.tt or www.odpm.gov.tt.

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

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

ENDS

Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

For further information, please call:

ODPM’s Customer Call Centre 800-6376/ 640-1285/ TEMA’s Hotline 211