With a new year underway, BVI Disaster Management Director Jasen Penn is urging residents to create or revise disaster plans for 2024.
Penn said the turning of the year presents an opportunity to apply lessons learned and improve preparedness. He noted the BVI faced various hazards in 2023 including earthquakes, flooding and 2 tropical cyclone passes.
He urged that having emergency action plans helps safeguard people and property when disasters inevitably occur again this year.
Penn emphasized that having an “agreed plan allows you to bypass panic and take quick, effective action”. He advised families to consider evacuation details, communications, reconnection protocols and home protection measures.
Businesses should outline shutdown and reopening procedures.
Once finalized, Penn encouraged testing plans to ensure they fit needs.
Residents can self-exercise or join in drill exercises throughout the year. The next, coming up in March, is the Caribe Wave tsunami drill.
The DDM website, www.bviddm.com, offers free plan templates for schools, businesses and families.