Today marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Dean which impacted Jamaica in 2007. The category 3 storm did not make landfall as projected however the system, passed along the southern coast of Jamaica causing significant damage to several parishes. These included:

• Kingston & St. Andrew – Bull Bay, Caribbean Terrace
• St. Catherine – Old Harbour Bay,
• Clarendon – Rocky Point and Portland Cottage.
• St Elizabeth – Southern belt
• Manchester – Southern sections including Cross Keys, Prattville and Alligator Pond
• St. Thomas

Hurricane Dean was the fourth named storm to develop in the Atlantic and was the first Hurricane that developed in the 2007 hurricane season.

Currently, we are in the third month of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) continues to implore all Jamaicans to take the necessary precautionary measures to reduce the risk this hazard may cause. The ODPEM continues to promote various risk reduction measures with an aim to increase public awareness thus minimizing potential threats to citizens.

Tips to remember during this Hurricane Season:

1. Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and repair where necessary.
2. Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.
3. Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment, and furniture from getting wet.
4. Keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
5. Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.
6. Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary.
7. Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.
8. Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.
9. Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration.
10. Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.
11. Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include water boots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps, and matches.
12. Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.