GarethDavis, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Denise Lewis, parish co-ordinator of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Portland, says disaster and relief agencies in the parish are preparing themselves to deal with any eventualities.

She says these agencies are about 95 per cent prepared to deal with any disaster, which may arise during this hurricane season, adding that residents are being educated and sensitised about the dangers of natural disasters.

Disaster church service

"We are also holding a disaster church service (this morning) at the New Testament Assembly (in Port Antonio) to commemorate disaster preparedness month for this hurricane season," Lewis discloses.

According to the disaster co-ordinator, so far, they have managed to secure a variety of emergency items including mattresses, blankets and other bedding material, along with lanterns and flashlights, which would be dispatched to the various disaster shelter's, should the need arise

"In terms of food supply, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are responsible for the distribution of food to the various shelters in the wake of any disaster," she discloses.

Approximately 79 disaster shelters are available across the parish, and according to Lewis, shelter managers are already selected to monitor the various shelters, which are to be opened whenever disaster threatens.

She discloses that the various emergency groups, including the fire department, Red Cross and Salvation Army, have been meeting to formulate plans to deal with any eventualities.

Alert

In the meantime, Lewis reiterated that people living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should be on the alert to immediately evacuate the minute disaster threatens so as to prevent any loss of life. She says that Portland was far advanced in its level of preparedness there was always room for improvement.

"These agencies are about 95 per cent prepared to deal with any disaster, which may arise during this hurricane season."