Fiji Still In Cyclone Season

MAIKA BOLATIKI

he director of National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Akapusi Tuifagalele has reminded all Fijians that Fiji is still in the cyclone season.

“Cyclone season runs from November to April,” he said.

He said the NDMO office had issued relevant information for national disaster awareness programme for the public to know. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

Know that cyclone season is from November to April

To be prepared (your family, community, school etc.).

How to protect your family against disasters HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CYCLONE SEASON:

Be aware of cyclone warnings

Check your house for structural weaknesses; retrofit if necessary

Identify a safe room in your house or otherwise know the nearest evacuation centre for your family. (for those of you are still in tents, you have to identify a safe place whether it is a neighbours house, a nearby school, church or an evacuation centre)

Remove or secure loose objects or materials that could blow about during extreme winds.

Trim tree branches away from windows and power lines

Family Disaster Plan (every family should have one) and every family members should know what to do in the event of any emergency or disaster.

Prepare a Family Emergency Kit (contains: 3 day’s supply of non-perishable foods, first aid kit and needed medicine, battery operated radio and flashlights with extra battery, toiletries, change of clothing, beddings, candles and lighters, special items for infants, elderly and disabled family, phone and chargers, important documents like passports, birth/marriage certificates to be stored in sealed bags, a collection of all emergency contact numbers).

Please make an effort to help elderly and disabled people during a disaster. In case of a Storm Surge

Know the nearest safe high ground and safest access route to it.

Clear all drains and waterways on your property

Ensure houses have proper provision for earthing lightning.

Upgrading of Communication systems at NEOC, 3 Divisional EOC and 6 District EOC’s.

Divisional Commissioners and teams will have their own Disaster Awareness Day – dates to be confirmed. Important Tips

Ask for building plans designed to withstand Cat 5 tropical cyclone when constructing house.

Build your house where you can be safe during any disaster.

Retrofit house to be stronger than before.

Plant sustainable and resilient crops.

Know what to do before, during and after a disaster.

If you don’t know anything, please do not hesitate to ask.

DO THE RIGHT THING AT THE RIGHT TIME.