On May 01 2022, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), officially launched the 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Month Campaign at the Grand Turk Methodist Church. The sermon conducted by Rev. Claire Robinson, emphasized the need for residents be in a state of readiness as we brace for another busy hurricane season.
The Hurricane Preparedness Month campaign, is strategically observed during the month of May, ahead of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which lasts from June 1 to November 30. The campaign is guided by the theme “MISSION: READY! PLEDGE TO PREPARE.”
The main goal of this educational campaign is to strengthen public knowledge on the hazards and their risk, to cause behaviour change in how the public plan and prepare for the Hurricane season. All activities are geared towards enhancing the capacity of our stakeholders, residents and business owners to take action to ‘Prevent, Prepare and Protect’ themselves and their property through mitigation and preparedness before the official Atlantic Hurricane Season which begins on June 1st.
The Colorado State University forecast anticipates 19 named storms, compared to the average 14. The forecast further calls for the formation of 9 hurricanes, including 4 major hurricanes (i.e. Category 3 or higher), compared to the average 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
The start of what is forecasted to be another active and “above-normal” Atlantic hurricane season is a few weeks away. Early preparation is the key to Mission Ready! When you pledge to prepare you are taking the necessary steps to protect everyone you love. Research has shown that families, individuals and businesses, who know their vulnerability and who have taken concrete steps to prepare for an event are more likely to increase their chances of surviving than those, who are not prepared.
All residents and visitors are encouraged to download the DDME ALERT a free mobile application that delivers emergency alerts and important safety tools and tips directly to your phone. Click the link to download: http://onelink.to/jbcy7d
DDME’s Acting Director Mike Clerveaux said “Turks and Caicos Islanders are well-versed in the damage that hurricanes can cause. The trend in recent years, shows that systems are developing before the June 1 start of the hurricane season. It would be wise for residents to prepare for the possibility of early impact. As we head into the 2022 “above average” Hurricane Season, I urge our residents to use this month of May to assemble a disaster supply kit, understand their evacuation routes, identify safe spots and update or purchase home insurance.”
Residents and visitors are urged to participate in the activities outlined and pay close attention to the information being broadcast 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 DDME’s website at www.gov.tc/ddme
