The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will be observing Hurricane Preparedness Week (HPW) 2015 from Sunday, May 31st to Saturday, June 6th under the theme ‘Keep Calm and Be Prepared.’ During the week DDME will promote key messages and actions aimed at strengthening preparedness, evacuation, response and recovery throughout the territory. The overall goal is to have TCI more resilient to hurricane impacts by implementing the necessary safeguards at the personal, community and national levels to save lives and protect property.
Several activities have been planned to mark the week, which will begin with a National Church Service at the Anglican Church in Grand Turk on May 31st at 9.00am.
Other activities of HPW 2015 are as follows:
- Opening Ceremony for HPW 2015 at the Gustavus Lightbourne Centre, Providenciales June 1st at 10.00a.m.
- State of Preparedness Meeting, at NJS Francis Building, Front Street June 2nd, at 9:30a.m.
- Business Continuity Presentations to businesses and the hotel sector Dates to be confirmed.
- Prize giving Ceremony for Schools Costume Competition, June 1st, 2015
- Emergency Communications Test, Thursday June 4th, 2015.
- Cure Volunteers event in Salt Cay, June 6th, 2015
- Tribute to past Directors of DDME, Date to be confirmed.
- Public Service Announcements on RTC, throughout the 2015 Hurricane season.
- Open House, Friday June 5th, 2015
In addition to the activities planned, the DDME is inviting individuals, schools, businesses and community groups who are interested in learning more about what can be done to become more resilient to hurricane impacts to call the Department’s offices in Grand Turk or Providenciales for more information or to schedule a presentation.
DDME is also encouraging the residents to visit our Facebook Page and website to obtain tips on hurricane preparedness and safeguarding life and property.
DDME also takes this opportunity to remind you that it only takes one hurricane impacting our islands to bring severe damage and disruption to our normal daily routine. The key to maximizing your resilience to hurricane impacts is preparation, so “Keep Calm and Be Prepared.”
Therefore as we begin Hurricane Preparedness Week 2015 under the theme “Keep Calm and Be Prepared,” it is important as residents and business owners that we also begin our preparations now. It is also important that we remember to assist others within the community who may need help with their preparations. Business and families must ensure that emergency plans are in place in the event that the Turks and Caicos Islands are impacted by a hurricane.
We encourage you to take the following steps:
Know your Risk: Understand how hurricanes can affect where you live, work, go to school and play and how the weather could impact you, your family and your community. When you understand your risk, you are more likely to know how to prepare. Check the weather forecast regularly and residents who would like to receive weather updates can sign up by calling DDME to register your email address and obtain a NOAA Weather Radio.
Take Action: Develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by your emergency management officials. Obtain up to date information on how to strengthen your home and business against hurricanes. You can visit the department’s website and Facebook pages to access important safety tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. Understand DDME’s advisories, watches, warning and alerts.
Be an Example: Once you have taken action to be prepared, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors on what you have done to prepare and inspire others to be prepared.
For further information please Contact; Andrea Been, DDME Email: