Shutdown PLAN being reviewed

THERE was some uncertainty and contention surrounding the National Shutdown procedure last year, but the Department of the Emergency Management (DEM) is assuring that the guidelines which are being reviewed will be disseminated to the general public within coming weeks.

She was speaking at the press conference at the DEM’s Headquarters to address the outlook for the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season which officially began yesterday.

Hinds reminded the media that the procedure was in place since 2014. “So there are persons that may need to be refreshed on the context of the guidelines. We would have had initial interventions with the Social Partnership as they wanted to have a discussion on how those guidelines would have impacted them last year after Tropical Storm Matthew and needless to say, this is also part of the awareness building as we seek to ensure the safety of all persons as we go through the season,” she explained.

“The guidelines are there to stay, at some times you may as with any plan or procedure that we have at the national level, there is room for review and updating of the guidelines. That is done through a consultative process and the National Shutdown guidelines are no different,” it was further pointed out.

Hinds revealed that discussions are continuing and assured that a pervasive public awareness programme will be mounted with the Government Information Service, to ensure that persons are kept abreast of the various plans being undertaken by the department.

The director told the media that for the 2017 Hurricane season, there are 20 Category 1 shelters. Which would accommodate just over 1 200 persons if required and 51 Category 2 shelters, which can accommodate just over 3 100 persons.

“As we would have indicated through the years, let the shelter be your last resort. We have always made sure that we have those available to persons who may need. Traditionally we have not seen a lot of persons going into the shelters . In Matthew there were one or two persons. But I find persons tend to go first to friends and family.”

She said there is scope for the private sector to assist in the national preparedness effort, noting that in the past a number of agencies came forward to assist the adopt a shelter programme, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

It was noted that the response and management during Tropical Storm Matthew brought to the fore some areas which required improvement. “Thus we have forged a stronger working relationship with the Barbados Council for the Disabled.... as we continue to find tangible and beneficial ways to include special needs populations in emergency level,” she said.

Hinds, encouraged persons to volunteer of their services at the community level. (JH)