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ODMP Coordinator Salomon says number of hurricane shelters sufficient
by SxmGIS
Posted: Jun 6, 2007 21:36 UTC
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GREAT BAY (GIS) – Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon, says that the number of shelters for the 2007 Hurricane Season is sufficient in the scenario of a hurricane strike, and people have to use them for shelter.
Salomon took notice of a story that appeared in a daily newspaper on Wednesday where it alleges that the holding capacity of the number of shelters is inadequate when compared to the number of people residing on the island.
“Based on our experience of more than 10-years since Hurricane Luis, we never had over 1000 persons making use of 10+ hurricane shelters. Even before Luis, within the period of 20 years, this also has never happened. We have been working based on experience and taking the development of the island into consideration.
“Since Luis, the building codes have been strengthened and the people themselves, the majority of them, have rebuilt their homes to withstand a hurricane strike. Business owners have also done the same when constructing a building. The island has been in a much better state of preparedness structurally than any time in the past.
“I must also acknowledge that persons residing in what has been termed “shacks,” are a problem and the Department of Public Works has been working on that. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to as well as landowners to abide by the rules and regulations of the land. If everybody were to obey the laws of the land we wouldn’t have such problems.
“With respect to the International Red Cross Chapter in St. Maarten, we have had a good working relationship with them over the years and we look forward to this continuing. We work with constructive criticism and we move forward from there in doing what we have to do in preparation for every hurricane season,” Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Wednesday.
Eleven hurricane shelters have been confirmed so far for the season with another three pending approval. Whatever repairs that needs to be made to any one of the shelters will be carried out by the Department of Public Works.
The 2007 hurricane season officially starts on June 1 through November 30.
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