Proactive Resilience for 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season says Turks & Caicos DDME

#TurksandCaicos, June 7, 2024 – Saturday, June 1, 2024, marked the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season which will end on 30 November. It was quite appropriate for the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) and its partners to seeks God’s protection for a safe Hurricane Season.  The team joined with Pastor Juan Montano and members of the Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Long Bay, Providenciales for worship.

Ms. Allison Gordon, Director, DDME brought Remarks and Mrs. Patrina Pollard Harris, Training Officer, shared the Scripture Reading.  Other partners in attendance were Dr. Holly Hamilton, Director of Meteorology, TCI Airport Authority and Ms. Charlene Higgs, Director – Health, Disaster Education and Training.

Pastor Montano commended Team DDME for its family emergency management plan which provided step-by-step procedures on how to prepare.  He spoke on the topic “Preparation and God’s People”.  His key text came from St. Matthew 7:24-25 which addressed one’s attitude towards preparation: a wise man who built his house upon a rock.  This house did not fall when the winds blew because it was built on a rock.  He emphasised that we must be prepared to help our neighbours.  He reinforced the Church’s commitment to provide support to the work of the DDME. He stressed that it is wise for one to prepare for a storm or any adverse event; but most importantly, one must prepare for the coming of Christ.

The DDME’s theme for the 2024 Hurricane season is: “Proactive Resilience:  Thriving through the Hurricane Season with Preparation and Vigilance”.

This theme aligns with the forecast of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is the main governing body that issues watches and warnings for much of the Atlantic Basin.  NOAA has stated that the stage is set for what could be the most active Atlantic hurricane season in recorded history.  The official forecast called for 17-25 total named storms, 8-13 hurricanes, and 4-7 major hurricanes.  It is, therefore, imperative for the people of the Turks and Caicos islands to continue to foster the mindset and culture of Proactive Resilience.  In order to survive and thrive through this Hurricane Season, the public is encouraged to be prepared and be vigilant.

Here are a few preparedness tips:

• Have a family emergency plan and ensure that all members of your family are aware of the details of this plan.
• Remember that your home is your primary shelter.  Reinforce it and secure it well.  However, if your home is vulnerable, you must know where the nearest emergency shelter is and the safest route to get there.  Make sure you take at least three (3) days’ supply of food and water with you to the shelter.
• Trim trees that threaten buildings.
• Have your “Grab and Go Kit” ready.  This should include, but not limited to, items such as non-perishable food, clothing, medication, flashlight, water, important documents and your child’s favourite toy.
• Ensure property insurance is up-to-date.  If your property is not insured, now is the best time to get it done.
• Download the DDME Alert App by either scanning the QR Code to be found on DDME Printed literature or from your Google Play or Apple Store.  Also get the latest weather updates from the TCIAA National Weather Service Facebook page facebook.com/tcinws

 UPCOMING EVENTS

• Thursday, June 6     –           Press Conference, Providenciales
• Tuesday, June 11    –           State of Preparedness Meeting, Providenciales
• Thursday, June 13   –           Volunteer Stakeholders Conference, Providenciales
• Friday, June 28        –           Hurricane Preparedness Expo, Downtown, Providenciales

Disaster Resilience everybody’s business and requires the collaborate efforts of Government, Non-government, Private Sectors, ALL.

We pray for a safe hurricane season.  Despite the forecast, it only takes one storm, so Be Proactive!  Be Prepared! Be Vigilant!