With tropical Storm Gustav becoming more organized and increased possibilities of impacting the island for today, August 28, 2008. The ODPEM is advising non-essential employees to remain at home until weather conditions improve.

Safety Tips
The public is being urged to continue monitoring radios and televisions for further advisories and to avoid areas that are at risk from flooding and landslides. Also take the following precautions in the event of heavy rains:

1.    Avoid flooded waterways, gullies, streams or rivers, either on foot or in vehicles.
2.    Be ready to evacuate if you live in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
3.    Decide on likely evacuation routes now. Plan to stay with family or friends in safer areas or in a public shelter and move to safety.
4.    Wrap important personal items, family documents, and electrical appliances in plastic bags and store away from the reach of floodwaters.
5.    All small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are advised to remain in safe harbour until all warning messages have been lifted and wind and sea conditions have returned to normal.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), headquartered at the ODPEM’s offices at 12 Camp Road, Kingston 4, continues to be activated and closely monitoring the progress of T.S. Gustav.