Don’t be alarmed if you see Public Works Department and National Roads Authority staff erecting shutters on numerous government buildings today.
The activity is part of the department’s extensive preparation for the hurricane season, just days away on 1 June.
‘The public can rest assured that, despite the enormous damage from Hurricane Ivan, PWD and NRA are back doing normal preparation for the storm season. This Friday’s exercise is part of our extensive preparations for this year’s season, and will specifically test the department’s readiness in the event of a hurricane,’ said Acting Director Max Jones in a press release.
This will be the 19th consecutive year for the hurricane exercise.
‘If anything, this year’s exercise is more important than ever,’ Mr. Jones said. ‘After the damage caused by Ivan it is essential that public shelters and government facilities get a thorough check.’
PWD and NRA teams, assisted by Environmental Health and Prisons departments, will shutter and prepare 107 government complexes and buildings, including all hurricane shelters.
In addition to shuttering the buildings, teams will operate standby generators in shelters and key government buildings, and verify cistern water levels.
After securing shelters and buildings, government inspectors will conduct detailed building inspections to certify they are adequately secured.
Mr. Jones said it was also an opportune time for homeowners to review their own protection plans.
‘People should at least start to think about what materials they will use to cover windows and glass doors, where they will get these materials and how they will install them,’ he said.
The department suggests stocking up on plywood or installing purpose-built aluminium hurricane shutters early as the materials may be in short supply after a hurricane warning is issued.
People should also decide if their home is a safe place to stay in the event of a hurricane. If your home is not hurricane resistant and necessary repairs cannot be made, or if the dwelling is near the sea or in an area that has experienced severe flooding, you should prepare to stay with friends or family with a well-constructed house in a safer location.
People working for private companies with hurricane-rated buildings should ask employers about sheltering there. If this is not possible, Mr. Jones said, plan to stay in a public hurricane shelter.
‘People should make every effort now to secure their own homes or to find someone who has safe accommodation in which they can stay in the event of a storm,’ Mr Jones said.
He explained: ‘Shelter space is limited and we want to use those accommodations for people who genuinely have no other alternative.’
What you need to know
Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Members of the public are encouraged to review their home-protection plans by considering:
Which materials will be used to cover windows and glass doors in the event of a hurricane? Usually plywood or purpose-built aluminium shutters are used.
Where will these materials be obtained, and how will they be installed? It is often too late to consider this once a hurricane warning has been issued as these materials are in short supply.
Is your home a safe place to stay in a hurricane? If it is located on or near the sea or is of poor construction, then it is not. In that case, occupants must consider where they will stay – with a friend, relative or in a public shelter. Because of the limited number of hurricane-shelter spaces, people should make efforts to stay in the safe home of a friend or relative. Staying in a hurricane shelter is a last resort, as shelters are usually crowded and uncomfortable.
The public is strongly encouraged to begin implementing their personal plans by collecting and testing emergency supplies, and determining safe shelter as soon as possible.
For more information on preparing for hurricane season, finding the supplies you need and locating hurricane shelters and emergency medical centres, call the Government Information Services at 949-8092.
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