ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 16th, 2012 – Though disasters, resulting from an emergency at a crowded event, is an uncommon occurrence in the Virgin Islands; it is very probable and of major concern for the Public Information and Education Sub-committee.
Vigilance and education is key to minimising the threat and loss of life that can follow as a result of an emergency taking place at crowded schools, day cares, public buildings, parks, ferries, public transportations, beaches, clubs and even supermarkets.
During the month of July specific emphasis on crowd safety in public buildings and other venues will be the focus of the committee’s public awareness campaign. Chairman of PIE Geraldine Ritter Freeman noted that while the BVI fortunately has not had any major incidences as it relates to crowded buildings or events, the public should be made aware of contingency plans to protect lives as well as the need to exercise personal safety when attending any event.
“Crowd safety has become a very important issue around the world. Statistics have shown that poor planning, venue inadequacies and deficient crowd management has led to multiple fatalities and even greater injuries. It is important that we make the public aware of the safety features of our public venues as well as the limitations especially as we get closer to our annual festivities,” she said.
A series of messages and programmes will assist with alleviating the fear of not knowing what to do during these types of emergencies and will heighten awareness on the need to plan ahead in the event of a mishap.
An informative and illustrative television programme on event planning and crowd safety will highlight safety features of some of the most popular venues on Tortola. The programme will be aired on Thursday, July 19 on CBN Channel 51 and HLSCC Channel 52 featuring guests from the BVI Fire Service, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, and Department of Disaster Management.
During the programme the panellists will discuss topics such as crowd control, fire and health safety, and security. The programme will be re-aired throughout the month.
In addition, on July 16 to 18 the topics of “how to keep safe when attending an event” and “how to plan a safe event” will be highlighted on ZBVI Programme the Almanac.
The National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) is chaired by His Excellency the Governor and coordinates disaster preparedness and response readiness. The NDMC’s Public Education and Information Subcommittee promotes public awareness of hazards, among other responsibilities.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News