Tropical Storm Isaac Approaches!!
Ladies & Gentlemen:
As Tropical Storm Isaac enters the Caribbean, projections continue to show the system heading into Jamaica's area just south of the island and continuing westward.
While the system is no longer forecast to be a Hurricane upon entering our area - The system remains unpredictable and could still be a Tropical Storm or Tropical Depression close to Jamaica on Saturday evening into Sunday. See Graphics below.
The following actions are therefore critical at this time:
All EntitiesContinue to monitor the system and releases from the Met Service and ODPEM
Ensure entity preparedness actions are activated and remain on alert should activation become necessary
All EOCs, Command Centres and Headquarters should be prepared be to activated in 24hrs or less
Ensure staff is brief on potential increase rainfall activity on the weekend and possible activation of essential staff
Designate primary and alternate representatives for Parish Emergency Operations Centres (PEOCs) and the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). Make contact with relevant officials as necessary.
Emergency First RespondersRemain on full alert
Ensure essential staff are briefed for a possible activation over the weekend
Be prepared for potential flooding and landslides in flood prone areas. Especially, South Central, South Western, Western and North Western Parishes.
Ensure response facilities report on current status and make arrangements for facilitate any increase in emergency operations
Municipal Corporations & the NWABe prepared to activate Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs)
Ensure contractors of heavy duty equipment and other potentially needed resources are alerted
Examine and take any urgent corrective actions in critical drainage infrastructure
Secure and make safe all existing works sites. Be prepared to take other measures to the integrity of sites should conditions demand halting activities
MLSS and Municipal CorporationsEnsure all shelters and other community systems are alerted and remain on full alert and standby.
Activate and place on standby all assessment officers/volunteers
Activate and place on standby potential suppliers for any welfare or other humanitarian assistance.
Best Regards
Horace A. Glaze
Senior Director, Preparedness & Emergency Operations
OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (ODPEM)
2-4 Haining Road
Kingston 5
Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 906 9674-5 or 754 9077-8
Cell: (876) 470 8238
Fax: (876) 754 3229
Email: hglaze@odpem.org.jm
DISASTERS DO HAPPEN, BE PREPARED!!!