Tortola, BVI, January 29, 2009 (DDM) – The Department of Disaster Management continues its mission to promote disaster awareness Territory wide, with the production of a Geological Hazards Handbook for Secondary Schools. The 86 page publication provides detailed information on geological hazards, which include earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. The publication also captures local and regional impacts and gives students tips on how to be prepared for each hazard.
The handbook was designed out of the need to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of Geological hazards that can affect the BVI and the wider Caribbean. According to Information & Training Manager, Ms. Natasha Lettsome, “Over the last few years we have concentrated our educational efforts in primary education, by means of school preparedness activities, posters and publications. We saw that there was a need to replicate these efforts within the Secondary schools to provide tools for teachers to support these efforts.
The Geological Hazards Handbook was produced as a part of the department’s Public Information and Education Programme and will be disseminated to all public and private Secondary schools throughout the Territory in the coming weeks. The DDM encourages Principals and Teachers to make good use of these material in their classrooms. Copies of the handbook will soon be available for free download at the department’s website at www.bviddm.com.
Contact: Natasha Lettsome, Information & Training Manager Department of Disaster Management #3 Wailing Road MacNamara Tortola, British Virgin Islands Phone: 284-468-4200 Fax: 284-494-2024 E-Mail: bviddm@surfbvi.com, NLettsome@gov.vg
