NODS, Antigua prepares for active hurricane season
By Antigua Sun
Fri, 27 Apr 2007, 14:52
Source: http://www.antiguasun.com/paper/?as=view&sun=281935077507132005&an=394321096704272007&ac=Local
As the June to November hurricane season approaches, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is moving ahead with is preparedness programme.
Deputy Director of NODS, Philmore Mullins affirmed that the region was forecast to have an above average season.
Before the end of May, he said NODS will be publishing the list of safe structures that have been identified for use as shelters in the event a hurricane strikes.
Mullin made it clear that no one at this stage can tell if any of the hurricanes will make landfall.
“It’s only a prediction and we do not have any control over that,” he stated.
Scientists from the Colorado State University are predicting that based on the elevated forecast for the 2007 hurricane season, the public should make plans early. Information from the Department Disaster Management Web site stated that the Caribbean forecast is expected to have an above average major hurricane landfall risk this year.
Forecasters are calling for 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three intense hurricanes.
As a result the NODS has available safety tips which cover a range of areas including the necessary contents of a Shelter Supply Kit, Emergency Home Preparedness Guidelines, the safety of food, the medicine that you should have personal needs, pets and general disaster questions and answers.
The safety tips will be published as it comes closer to the hurricane season.