Officers from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) have been hosting community preparedness meetings on the sister islands to improve community-based resilience in the face of natural disasters. The meetings, held in collaboration with the Sister Islands Programme, have taken place in North Sound, Valley, The Settlement and the Jost Van Dyke Methodist Church Annex.
DDM Community Relations Officer Cecil Jeffrey said in a recent release that these sessions provide residents of the sister islands an opportunity to meet the team and learn ways to prepare for and respond to hazards.
“The worst thing that could happen after a disaster is for persons to feel helpless,” Mr Jeffrey said. He emphasized that the goal is to empower individuals across the Territory to take action after an emergency, whether it’s in their home, their neighbourhood, or their business.
Residents received tips on contingency and disaster planning, staying informed, considerations for emergency shelter, and preparation for hurricanes and other hazards.
Training opportunities and community evacuation planning were also discussed by DDM and Sister Islands Programme officers.
Residents can access various resources such as a hurricane tracking map, templates for family and business emergency plans, and tips on preparing for storms and other hazards on the department’s website www.bviddm.com.