The Emergency Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (EMATT) wholeheartedly endorses the observation of May as National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness month (NDPPM). What this means is that, from now on, the country will be asked in May each year to reflect on the reality that we live in a part of planet Earth that is prone to several natural and man-made hazards.
In pursuit of its mandate EMATT will therefore identify and try to collaborate with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors that promote disaster risk reduction. Formally launched in October 2019, EMATT has already established strong working relationships with two key stakeholders – the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). While EMATT’s primary focus is on prevention and mitigation activities, it will nonetheless support strengthening national capacity in managing all areas of the disaster cycle (Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery).
Given that the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1st each year (roughly coinciding with the start of our annual Rainy Season), the observation of the month of May as National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Month is a wonderful opportunity for the country to not only begin to prepare for the Hurricane Season but also to be reminded , or be otherwise educated, about the many hazards that threaten us and what we need to do to lessen our vulnerability and increase our resilience.
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