NEMO calls for wise shopping during hurricane season
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Contact: Chris Satney
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 – The Hurricane season is here again and the National Emergency Management Organisation NEMO is wasting no time in getting out its message of early preparedness.
Dr. William Gray, the worlds most trusted hurricane forecaster and his colleagues are predicting an active hurricane season, of probably thirteen systems - from tropical waves to a category five hurricane.
Director of NEMO Dawn French warns it only takes one system to affect the island. St. Lucians, she says, should be prepared for any eventuality.
“Sometimes the wave causes more damage because they can carry more water than a storm, NEMO's directed noted. “So even though it is not a hurricane that may be announced and it is just a depression or a wave, we also need to be on our P’s and Q’s. If the meteorology office gives a flood warning, for example, we need to know the implications for those of us who live along the coast or in flood plains along rivers.”
She has also advised that St. Lucians avoid panic buying and to stock up items ahead of time.
“That means when the meteorology office says there is a system coming, one should not be in crowd at the supermarkets trying to get last minute items. We would like people to change their shopping patterns now. Buy an extra tin of milk. If they usually buy two, squeeze and buy one more. That way they will have that extra tin there if they have to go to a shelter. I want people to also bear in mind that shelters are not open automatically. Specific instructions have to be given to the district committee,” Miss French said.
This year’s list of hurricane names are Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paloma, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred. |
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