September 27, 2016: The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is advising citizens to be vigilant of upcoming adverse weather as indicated in Information Bulletin #4 issued by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office (TTMET) at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday 27th September, 2016. While the centre of the Tropical Wave system will pass north of Trinidad and Tobago, both islands are expected to be experience showery activity and gusty winds regardless of whether the system intensifies into a Tropical Depression or Storm. As such, there is a high chance of flash and riverine flooding and landslides in areas so prone.
Citizens are asked to remain vigilant and exercise caution while conducting their daily activities. We urge you to remain calm and pay attention to relevant advisories from authorised agencies in Trinidad and Tobago namely the TTMET Office and the ODPM. Citizens must not panic but rather take the time to prepare yourself and your families.
We encourage you to download our mobile application “Disaster Ready” to obtain emergency contact numbers, shelter location information and receive alerts of new information bulletins from the TTMET Office. The ODPM reminds all citizens that should you be affected by this upcoming inclement weather, please contact our Customer Care Centre at 511 and visit our website www.odpm.gov.tt for additional safety tips and our Disaster Preparedness Checklist.
Consequently, we continue to underscore the following:-
- Pack an emergency kit for your entire family including non-perishable food, potable water, first aid supplies, flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries etc.
- Ensure that preparations are made for persons with special needs and pets.
- Secure all important documents in a waterproof bag.
- If you live in a flood-prone area, place furniture and appliances on a height from the ground and keep sand-bags easily accessible.
- Develop a family emergency and evacuation plan.
- Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Ensure that lawn furniture and loose outdoor items are properly tied down or brought inside.
- After heavy rainfall, stay inside until water levels subside and venture outside only when it is confirmed safe.
- Do not walk / drive through flood waters.
- Be cautious and vigilant when walking /driving along hillsides or landslide prone areas.
We wish to underscore that Trinidad and Tobago is not under any Tropical Storm threat, Watch or Warning at this time. Citizens are asked to resist following any media, social media posts or unauthorised messages which are not disseminated by the TTMET Office or published on the ODPM’s social media platforms.
The ODPM as the lead National Office for Disaster Management is coordinating with all relevant agencies to prepare for the possibility of any incoming weather, as we continue to closely monitor this weather event through the TTMET Office. Further, issuance of any other information bulletins will be done in a timely manner to advise the public of any further developments.
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ENDS
Issued by:
Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit
publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com
For further information, please Call:
ODPM’s Customer Call Centre 511