PUBLIC ADVISORY #3

ADVERSE WEATHER ALERT 3 –YELLOW LEVEL

TRINIDAD

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has updated its Adverse Weather Alert – Yellow Level for Trinidad. This adverse weather alert remains in effect until this evening, Wednesday 18^th September 2019.

The TTMS indicates that there is a medium chance (60%) of heavy to intense showers and/or thunderstorms developing over Trinidad towards midday today, Wednesday 18th September 2019, and continuing into the afternoon. In the event of heavy or intense downpours, street/flash flooding and gusty winds can be expected. Given the rainfall accumulations over the last 24 hours and the rainfall activity expected today, there is also an increased risk of landslides/landslips in areas so prone.

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

The ODPM reminds all citizens to ensure that they take the following precautionary measures during this 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. Assemble a household emergency kit (water, food, medical supplies, radio, batteries, flashlight etc.)
3. Charge all mobile devices.
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 Appendix 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/Hurricane Season by downloading the ODPM’s Wet/Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide at www.odpm.gov.tt/hurricaneguide.

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