PUBLIC ADVISORY #2

BE PREPARED FOR ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) would like to remind citizens that the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has advised of possible Adverse Weather, which is expected to affect Trinidad and Tobago from the morning of Sunday 22nd September to Monday 23^rd September 2019.

The TTMS indicates that in the event of heavy or intense downpours, street/flash flooding and gusty winds in excess of 65 km/h can be expected, with the increased risk of landslides/landslips in areas so prone.

 In light of this, the ODPM is again cautioning persons living in low-lying areas, near river banks, or living /working in flood prone or landslip prone areas, to be extra vigilant and to take the necessary precautions to preserve life and property.

We are assuring persons that Trinidad and Tobago is not currently under any Tropical Storm or Hurricane threat, watch or warning, and any information to the contrary is to be disregarded, unless otherwise advised by the ODPM or the TTMS. However, citizens should be prepared for the possibility of inclement weather by following these precautionary measures:

1. Assemble a household emergency kit (water, food, medical supplies, radio, batteries, flashlight etc.)
2. Pack a ‘Grab and Go’ bag to last at least 72 hours in the event you and your family need to evacuate.
3. Reduce potential property damage by elevating appliances/ key equipment and applying sandbags to vulnerable points in your home/business (persons may check with hardware outlets/ the Disaster Management Units at Municipal Corporations for sandbags).
4. Pay attention to the television, radio and social media for any changes in the weather conditions and updates.
5. Keep in contact with family and community members.

Citizens may learn more on how to prepare for this Wet/Hurricane season by downloading the ODPM’s Wet/Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide and note below the relevant Municipal Corporations’ Disaster Management Unit and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Hotline numbers at www.odpm.gov.tt/hurricaneguide.

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

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