Kingston, Jamaica, August 26, 2008 (ODPEM) - As the island remains under a Hurricane Watch due to Category 1 hurricane Gustav that continues to strengthen as it bears down on southwestern Haiti, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) national response mechanism has been activated and steps put in place for any eventuality. A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours.

National Preparedness:

1. The subcommittees of the National Response Team (NRT) met today at 10:00 a.m. to discuss preparatory and response plans to Gustav.

2. The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the National Disaster Committee (NDC) in which status reports were given on preparations for the event, the positioned resources and the current gaps.

3. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) continued at a level one activation throughout the day and will be scaled up to a level two activation at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

4. 140 priority shelters have been identified across the island and are being prepared for activation should the need arise, and shelter managers are now on alert. This number may increase if necessary or be reduced as the situation demands.

Sector Preparedness:

• Agriculture:
  The Agricultural sector met this evening to prepare its various stakeholders
•  Tourism:
  The Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) and its Operations Centre will coordinate preparedness and response activities for the sector.
•  Shelters:
  Shelters will also be used as Registration Centres, the management of which will be reinforced with volunteers from the Cadet core.

Donor Preparedness:

An international donor briefing was convened at 2:30 this afternoon today to advise their various missions of the possible impact of hurricane Gustav and to position themselves in the event any needs may arise.

The ODPEM is paying especial attention to:

• „X Communities in low-lying areas, particularly in the northern parishes of Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland and St. Thomas.
• „X The Palisados Strip
• „X Sections of the Sandy Gully that were impacted by Tropical Storm Fay.

The public is advised to continue monitoring radios and televisions for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions in the event of heavy rains:

1. Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.

2. Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas.

3. Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.

4. Wrap important personal items, family documents, and electrical appliances in plastic bags and store away from the reach of floodwaters.

5. Fishers and other marine interests, including fishers on the cays and banks, should by now be arriving in port to start preparations for safe harbour.

The progress of Hurricane Gustav will continue to be closely monitored by the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the ODPEM and updates will be released to the public as soon as new information has been gathered.

Contact: Kerry-Ann Morris, Information Officer, kmorris@odpem.org.jm