ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 1st, 2012 – Despite experts’ predictions of a relatively “normal” hurricane season, the Department of Disaster Management nonetheless began its Hurricane Preparedness Campaign under the theme “Be Aware, Be Prepared, Be Alert”.
Forecasts issued by Colorado State University and NOAA anticipate the 2012 Hurricane Season to be less active than previous years. Scientists have predicted 12 possible named storms with seven7possibly developing into hurricanes. Of these seven, three may become major hurricanes of Category Three strength or higher.
A joint message from the Governor and the Premier will soon be aired and published with all local media, summarizing the various predictions and the key preparedness issues that need to be considered.
Throughout the Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30, the DDM will partner with the local media outlets and businesses to issue Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and other methods of public information dissemination to provide guidance for residents.
Among the DDM’s Hurricane Preparedness Campaign activities will be a partnership with a local company to produce a Hurricane Guide, information for the Spanish speaking community, presentations to local civic groups, e-blasting and social networking. The Department wants to ensure that messages reach all cross-sections of the community.
Information and Education Manager, Mr. Linton Leonard said, “As usual, we shall employ all the opportunities afforded to us, including assistance from local businesses, to distribute Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness tips for individuals and businesses alike.
We have also included local entertainers in the scripting, videotaping and voicing of PSAs. One thing we are especially mindful of this year is to distribute information in Spanish as well, including PSAs that will be aired on the local Spanish radio programmes.”
The Public Information and Education Programme Area within the DDM is also recognizing Ms. Zora Williams of the Seventh-day Adventist Secondary School for submitting the 2012 Hurricane Season theme, which was well received.
All residents and visitors are urged to pay close attention to the information being broadcast or printed and to ensure that they remain in a heightened state of readiness for the next six months.
For more information on Hurricane Preparedness please visit the DDM’s website at www.bviddm.com or visit our offices at #3 Wailing Road, MacNamara, Tortola.
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