PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Thursday, May 21st, 2009 - On Saturday, 10th of May 2009 - the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) hosted a Disaster Preparedness Session for the Rotaract Club of Providenciales at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre.
When asked why the session was requested, Ms. Tremmaine Swann, Director of Professional Services, stated: “The Rotaract club of Providenciales is continually seeking new ways to fulfill its purpose of service above self and with an impending hurricane season it was only fitting to tackle the issue of disaster preparedness.”
Mr. Jamell Robinson, Director-Counterpart at the DDME - specifically tailored the Disaster Preparedness Session presentation for the Rotaract Club. The presentation took an in depth look at hazards that can effect the TCI and how to prepare for them, as well as regional hazards. The usefulness of being aware of regional hazards was noted, because given the free movements of persons within the region, one must always be prepared no matter where they may reside.
Also covered was the nuance between hazards and disasters, and the role that the Rotaract Club can play at each phase of the Disaster Cycle/Continuum namely: Preparedness; Response; Recovery; and Mitigation.
Asked to comment on the usefulness of the session, Ms. Swann stated: “The session heightened the club's awareness of what we can do to prepare for and recover from disasters, be it hurricanes or otherwise. The session proved extremely enlightening and as a result the club has committed to work more closely with the department of disaster management and emergencies as both groups seek to fulfill our collective responsibility to the community."
It is the goal of the DDME to make such tailored presentations available to the public and organizations upon request.
To arrange for a Disaster Preparedness Session, kindly contact the DDME in Grand Turk at 946-2061 or in Providenciales at 946-4177.
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