PUBLIC ADVISORY#2

BE PREPARED FOR POTENTIAL TROPICAL STORM 

In preparation for the passage of a potential Tropical Storm, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) will be activating the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to coordinate activities among response and support agencies that currently are on high alert to respond to any emergencies or disasters.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorology Service (TTMS), issued a Tropical Storm Warning #2 - Orange Level from 8:00 pm Tuesday 28^th June to 5:00 pm Wednesday June 29^th 2022. At 8:00 pm yesterday, the centre of Potential Cyclone Two was located near 8.8ºN latitude 51.6ºW longitude or about 1180 km East of Trinidad. The system is moving toward the west-northwest near 18 mph (30 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue for the next few days.

The TTMS advises that Trinidad and Tobago should be prepared for likely storm conditions within 36 hours. Periods of heavy to intense showers/thunderstorms are likely, which can result in rainfall accumulations in excess of 3 inches. Gusty winds in excess of 70km/hr can be expected. These wind gusts are capable of breaking tree branches, displacing unsecured roofs and loose outdoor objects, and can even topple over unhealthy trees. The risk of landslides/landslips is likely in areas so prone and sea conditions can become occasionally rough.

In light of this, the ODPM is cautioning persons living in low-lying or coastal areas, near river banks, or living/working in flood 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.

Coordination is being conducted with the Disaster Management Units (DMUs) of the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), the protective services, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross (TTRCS), along with the other first response agencies. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force remains on high alert. These agencies have activated their emergency plans and continue to coordinate response mechanisms in impacted regions.

Citizens should take the following precautionary measures in light of the Tropical Storm Warning #2-Orange Level:

Know and reduce your risks

1. Firstly, stay informed by looking out for alerts, warnings, and public safety information from official sources like the ODPM, TTMS and T&TEC, Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government before, during, and after emergencies.
2. Ensure that you have the necessary contact information written, secured and readily available to your family members or co-workers.

Make/ Review Emergency/Business Continuity Plan

1. Review and update your family emergency plans. If you live or work in an area that is prone to flooding, please adequately prepare for the possibility of an evacuation.
2. Identify easily accessible and safe locations to meet in the event that you are separated. Prepare for the specific needs of your family, which may differ if you have pets, people with special needs, or nowhere to go.
3. Ensure that you secure your pets and livestock.

Prepare Emergency Resources

4. Assemble an emergency kit with enough essential items to last you and your family 3-7 days.
5. Also, prepare a Grab and Go Bag/Kit for each family member, with essential items in the event you need to evacuate.
6. In light of COVID-19 guidelines, include extra face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers in your emergency kits or grab and go bags.
7. Ensure that all your important documents are stored in a waterproof bag.
    

Act and Assist Others

8. Prepare for flooding by elevating items above ground level and unplugging sensitive electronic equipment.
9. If you are in an area where flood risk is high, keep sandbags on hand. These can be acquired from your local municipal corporation.
10. Reinforce and protect windows and glass doors from high winds by placing a protective shield such as ply board. This can prevent projectiles, such as pieces of wood or other airborne objects, from shattering windows. 
11. Consider developing a buddy system with neighbours, friends, and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate members of your household if you are unable to do so.

In case persons are impacted by adverse weather, immediately contact the Municipal Corporations’ Disaster Management Units and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) via the relevant hotline numbers below:

To view the entire version of the Public Advisory, please click here.

End

Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit