The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued Adverse Weather Alert #2 – Yellow Level for Trinidad and Tobago, extending the period of adverse weather from today - Wednesday 31st October, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. to Friday 2nd November, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Yellow level means that there is the potential for negative impacts. However, damage can be avoided if persons take the necessary precautions to preserve life and property.
For more information regarding the adverse weather alert, please visit the TTMS’ website at http://www.metoffice.gov.tt/early_warning.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) urges all persons to remain vigilant in light of the Adverse Weather Alert, by taking the following necessary precautions to preserve life and property.
1. Pre-position sandbags around your property, especially if your area or property has a history of flooding;
2. Clear drains around your property;
3. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts;
4. Place important personal documents, valuables and vital medical supplies into a waterproof bag or container in an accessible location;
5. Activate your 72-hour plan and ensure you have enough food, water and medical supplies for at least three (3) days;
6. Prepare a household emergency plan. Know how your family will communicate and remain updates if separated;
7. Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers on display on your refrigerator or anywhere easily accessible to everyone in your household;
8. Learn the hotline numbers of your municipal corporation, especially your Disaster Management Unit number or TEMA (see attached);
9. Monitor weather conditions before leaving the house;
10. Listen or look out for further updates on television, radio and/or social media from official sources.
If where you live, work or travel is affected by the adverse weather, here are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
1. After heavy rainfall, stay inside until water levels have subsided and it is safe to venture outside;
2. Be cautious when walking/driving along hillsides or landslide-prone areas;
3. Do not walk or drive through flood waters;
4. Avoid entering floodwaters, if you must walk through a flood, use a stick to determine the firmness of the ground as well as the depth of the water in front of you;
5. Practice electrical safety - In the event of flooding, turn off electrical power to your home or business;
6. Do not allow your children to play in flood waters. Flood waters may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection;
7. Stay away from drains, culverts and flood waters. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children;
8. Practice good hygiene (hand washing) after contact with flood waters;
9. Drink clean or preferably boiled water.
If impacted by the adverse weather, please contact your Municipal Corporation or the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) through its toll-free hotline numbers. See attached.
WE WISH TO UNDERSCORE THAT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IS NOT CURRENTLY UNDER ANY TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE THREAT, WATCH OR WARNING.
