St George, Jul 13, 2005 (NaDMA) - A state of emergency has been declared in Grenada as the island continues to brace for Tropical Storm Emily which is about to reach the Windward Islands.

The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Daniel Williams  declared the state of emergency today in the interest of public safety.

An island wide curfew is in effect from 7 p.m. today Wednesday  until 6 o clock Thursday morning.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Commissioner of Police, Winston James said that it will run until the Royal Grenada Police Force is satisfied that it is no longer needed.
He explained that  this action has been taken to  mitigate some of the opportunistic criminal activity that can accompany a natural disaster.

His announcement came as forecasters announced that the Hurricane Warning was downgraded to a tropical storm warning.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Grenada, Barbados. Trinidad, Tobago, St. Vincent, St.Lucia, and the northern coast of Venezuela.

At 5 pm the center of tropical storm Emily was located near latitude 11.4 north Longitude 59.8 west or about 125 miles., south of Barbados and about 135 miles east-southeast of Grenada.
 
Tropical Storm Emily is moving toward the west near 18 mph, a turn to the west-northwest is expected during the next 24 hours.
 
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph... 95 km/hr...with higher gusts...and some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours.

Emily is not expected to become a hurricane before clearing the Windward Islands, however hurricane force winds are possible over elevated terrain.
 
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles 185 km from the center.
 
Emily is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 6 inches across the Windward Islands and portions of northern Venezuela...with possible isolated amounts of 12 inches over mountainous terrain. These rains could produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.

If you live in low-lying areas, which are prone to flooding, or if you live in areas that could be affected by mud slides, you should move to a safer location.
 
Coastal storm surge flooding of 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels can be expected near and to the north of the path of the center.

Maximum sustained winds, 60 mph. 

The National Disaster Management Agency, (NaDMA) advises members of the public that the intensity of the storm has not lessened and that although the Hurricane Warning has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning, they should not let their guards down.

NaDMA reminds the public that tropical storms do have the potential to create significant damage.  Whenever a Tropical Storm Warning is issued, the following steps should be undertaken:

• Listen to your radio for further information;
• Check your emergency supplies and equipment (flashlights,  extra batteries,  canned foods, first aid kit, cash, toiletries and important documents);
• Pick fruits and trim trees near to your house/buildings;
• Check your vehicle battery, the tyres and fuel. Ensure that tanks are full;
• bring IN outdoor objects such as furniture, garden tools, garbage cans, and potted plants;
• Secure or fasten loose items in and around the house;
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and avoid opening them;
• Store lots of drinking water to last several days;
• Ensure that all required items on your hurricane preparation checklist are acquired;
• Warn your neighbours, especially the elderly and the infirm;
• Review your evacuation plan with your family;
• Ensure that you have an adequate amount of clean water in clean covered containers (fill up buckets and bath tubs);
• Check to ensure that that your surroundings are free from debris;
• Install hurricane shutters, board up windows and remove outside antennas;
• Prepare and move supplies into your “strong room” and prepare to stay there;
• Continue to listen to the radio for updates;
• Complete all preparations that were started when the watch was issued;
• Feed Pets and either bring them indoors or set them loose;
• Ensure that you have all your medication and seal all your identification documents and other important papers in water proof plastic containers or plastic bags;
• Park your vehicle in the safest place possible;
• If you are leaving home, tell someone where you will be;
• During the storm you should:
• Remain calm,
• Stay indoors,
• Do not go sightseeing;
• Do not venture out during calm spells, this may be the “EYE” of the storm and winds can continue with the same of higher magnitude;
• If radio signals are shut down, remain calm and please stay where you are until the all-clear has been given;
• If you need assistance at anytime,  after the all clear has been given,  contact your District Coordinator or other key personnel (police, health authorities etc.)

NaDMA reminds the public to be prepared at all times.

GLIDE REF: TC-2005-000115-GRD