2005_season

2005 SEASON NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE ON THE START OF THE 2005 HURRICANE SEASON

Nevis Disaster Management Office

June 1st is the start of another hurricane season, following a very historic 2004 Atlantic hurricane season that saw fifteen tropical or subtropical storms formed in the North Atlantic. Nine of these became hurricanes, with six becoming major hurricanes. Atlantic tropical cyclones were directly responsible for more than 3,000 deaths in 2004. Property damage in the U.S. and Caribbean is estimated to be more than 45 billion U.S. dollars making 2004 the costliest hurricane season on record.

While fortunately no hurricanes impacted Nevis directly, we must not allow ourselves to become complacent and be severely negatively impacted as our sister Caribbean island was in 2004, through a state of unpreparedness. The 2005 season is expected to an above average season, with some 15 named tropical storms expected in the Atlantic, eight of which will become hurricanes, with three turning into major hurricanes.

The Nevis Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in the Premier�s Ministry on the Nevis Island Administration, is appealing to all Agencies, the Private and Public sectors, and the general public to begin the process of preparedness, for this destructive hazard. It is important however that we cultivate an attitude of general preparedness for all hazards, whether natural (e.g. hurricanes, earthquakes, floods), manmade (e.g. fires, road accidents) or technological (e.g. disastrous computer crashes), ensuring that we use mitigative measures to soften or limit the impact.

The general public must prepare their homes and families for any of these eventualities, and in this regard the NDMO will be providing a periodic and continuing series of tips and guidelines throughout this period. Some essentials will include preparation of hurricane kits, inspections of buildings, a hurricane checklist, maintenance of your surrounding and paying attention to weather bulletins and announcements.

The private sector must also develop disaster plans for their building and businesses (and especially for public buildings) that cover the hazards that provide little or no warning (earthquakes, fires etc.). To do any less would be to put the general public at risk. Buildings should be provided with detailed plans covering all contingencies and emergencies, with clearly defined action plans and identified exits, with a staff trained in the implementation of the plan.

The public section agencies must have detailed disaster plans, tested as to their effectiveness and efficiency, to provide the required modus operandi in the event of a disaster or emergency. The Utility companies and the first responders (e.g. Public Works, Water, Electricity, Health etc.) must be fully prepared to meet any challenge that arises during this or any other period.

NDMO will be promoting a comprehensive Disaster Management Approach, incorporating Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Rebuilding, with the current focus on the first four. Disaster Management is the RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL OF US, corporate and private citizens, residents and tourists alike, and it is our responsibility to take all necessary and essential steps to save life and property.

As part of this process the �Nevis Disaster Plan� has been updated and Agencies are formulating comprehensive and workable plans covering all hazards. Workshops, courses, seminars, conferences, meeting, simulations, training opportunities and website development, all will be part of the process focusing on Disaster Management. Particular areas of focus will include Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, Shelters and Shelter Management, EOC establishment and training, Warehouse & Supply Management, Communication, Public Awareness and Education, Interagency coordination, Community Involvement, Safety in Schools and more.

As part of the development process, the Nevis Disaster Management Office, which is currently operating out of the former Customs warehouse in Charlestown, will be establishing a new Base of Operations courtesy of the U.S. Southern Military Command. The building will house a warehouse, agency room, library, communications and information rooms, Emergency Operation Centre and administrative offices.