PUBLIC ADVISORY #3

ADVERSE WEATHER ALERT UPGRADED TO ORANGE LEVEL

Further to Public Advisory #2 issued by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), the Adverse Weather Alert has since been upgraded to Orange Level by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS). Orange level means that should a hazard event occur e.g. excessive rainfall, there could be a high risk to public safety, livelihoods and property, if persons are unprepared.

The TTMS indicates that Trinidad and Tobago should be prepared for heavy or intense downpours, street/flash flooding and gusty winds in excess of 65 km/h, with the increased risk of landslides/landslips in areas so prone. The TTMS also indicated that sea conditions are likely to become occasionally rough.

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. Persons who operate small sea crafts as well as sea bathers are advised to note the changing sea conditions.

The ODPM reiterates 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. Citizens however 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 from www.odpm.gov.tt/hurricaneguide and observe below, the relevant hotlines for the Municipal Corporations’ Disaster Management Units and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

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.

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

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