Press Releases/Current News
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Thursday, August 20, 2015 |
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Saint Lucians Urged to Keep an Eye on Hurricane Danny
By NEMO Saint Lucia @ 3:08 AM :: 3118 Views :: 
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The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in coordination with the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services continues to monitor the development and progress of Hurricane Danny.
According to the Meteorological Services, as at 11:00 am today, the eye of Hurricane Danny was located near 12.5 degrees north, 44.8 degrees west or about 1100 miles / 1760 km east of the Windward Islands. Danny is moving toward the west northwest at about 12 mph or 19 km/h and this general motion is expected for the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds are about 75 mph or 121 km/h and some additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. On this forecast track, the center of Danny is expected to pass over the Leeward Islands on Monday.
Consequently, NEMO urges residents and visitors alike to closely monitor the storm and to listen to advisories from the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services and the National Emergency Management Organization. The public is also encouraged to take the necessary steps to be prepared for any severe weather which may be experienced.
Here are a few measures to help you be prepared for this hurricane season:
- Know your Emergency Shelters Contact the National Disaster Office for the closest shelters. Have evacuation routes planned to the emergency shelters near you.
- Have a Hurricane Survival Kit
- Protect your windows
- Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to label each panel according to its respective window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
- Trim back branches from trees
- Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.
- Check into your Home and Auto Insurance. Confirm that policies are valid and coverage is appropriate.
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons.
- Develop an emergency communication plan
Make sure that all family members know what to do. Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. |
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