The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued an Adverse Weather Alert #1 – Yellow Level for Trinidad and Tobago for the period Wednesday 14th November 2018 at 10:00 a.m. to Thursday 15th November, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.
Yellow level means there is the potential for negative impacts. However, the damage is avoidable if persons monitor conditions and reduce their level of exposure.
The TTMS has advised that periods of rainfall and thunderstorm activity are likely in Trinidad and Tobago during the outlined period. Street/flash flooding, gusty winds and landslides/landslips are possible near heavy showers and thunderstorms. For more information on the adverse weather alert, please visit the TTMS’ website at http://www.metoffice.gov.tt/early_warning.
The TTMS has also advised that the outlined period is an estimate based on current data. Thus, adverse weather activity may begin earlier in some parts.
Persons residing or working in flood prone or landslip prone areas are urged to be extra vigilant and to take the necessary steps to preserve life and property.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) would like residents and visitors toGet Ready and Stay Ready by implementing the followingsafety measures:
1. Pre-position sandbags around your property, especially if your area or property has a history of flooding or has been recently impacted;
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 updated 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 below);
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 traverse 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. If there are signs that flooding is about to occur near your property, move important items to a higher floor if possible;
3. Be cautious when walking/driving along hillsides or landslide-prone areas;
4. Do not walk or drive through flood waters;
5. Avoid entering floodwaters, if you must wade through floodwaters, use a stick to determine the firmness of the ground, identify obstacles around you such as open drains or culverts, as well as the depth of the water around you;
6. Practice electrical safety - In the event of flooding, turn off electrical power to your home or business;
7. 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;
8. 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.
If impacted by the adverse weather, please contact your Municipal Corporation or the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) through its toll-free hotline numbers.
Citizens should continue to monitor the website and social media profiles of the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service and the ODPM for weather forecasts, alerts, warnings and cancelations. Visit www.metoffice.gov.tt or wwww.odpm.gov.tt.
WE WISH TO UNDERSCORE THAT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO IS NOT CURRENTLY UNDER ANY TROPICAL STORM OR HURRICANE THREAT, WATCH OR WARNING.
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