Given the backdrop of a hurricane season that is expected to be “above normal”, a global pandemic that continues to rage on and climate changes that have ushered in unprecedented weather patterns, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says its 2021 hurricane preparedness campaign will be observed under the theme Hurricane Readiness in Trying Times.

Speaking during the launch of the country’s hurricane preparedness campaign which coincided with the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season earlier today (June 1), Acting Director of ODPEM, Richard Thompson, stated that this year’s theme “gives our current realities a rather fitting end”.

He noted that “to say we are in a dynamic or trying time in our history would be an understatement…”.

Despite this, the ODPEM has remained committed to ensuring the nation’s safety during the upcoming disaster season with preparation strategies that are best suited for the country’s current realities.

Thompson stated that in light of COVID-19, ODPEM has taken a multi-sectoral approach to shelter management, reducing capacities by 50 per cent and increasing square footage ratios from 20 square foot to 40 square foot per person to allow for physical distancing.

He added, “that in preparation for the 2021 hurricane season, ODPEM conducted a series of shelter management training across the island, where our shelter managers were re-engaged in shelter management material which includes our COVID-19 shelter guideline.”

During his presentation, the acting director also highlighted the revamping of the ODPEM website which has been outfitted to include shelter locations across the island, making it easier for citizens to identify the shelter that is closest to them.

For persons who will utilise shelter locations, Thompson advised that they take with them, “water, medication, non-perishable food items, first-aid kit, additional face masks, and personal sanitization products such as sanitisers and soap”.

In addition, Thompson stated that in keeping with COVID-19 protocol it is important for shelterees to note that they will be screened prior to entering the shelter and they should notify the shelter staff immediately if they are experiencing any kind of illness or COVID-19 related symptoms.

Persons exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be moved to isolation areas within the shelter.

In closing, Thompson expressed that “as we enter what is projected to be an above-average hurricane season, this year’s preparedness campaign will place a special focus as it relates to youth engagement”.

He continued: “As youth involvement in disaster preparedness can effectively spread important messages about preparedness to their families, friends and school communities…acting for the first time in the position of ODPEM Youth Ambassador is Kayla Gaynor.”