Against the backdrop of what weather forecasters say will be a busy hurricane season, the Minister of National Security, Sen. Jeffrey Baron, JP, convened an Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) meeting earlier this afternoon to review Government’s disaster preparedness. This is the first EMO meeting hosted by the Minister in his capacity as Chair of the emergency body.
 
The public will know that hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30. And the Ministry of National Security has arranged a series of events throughout Hurricane Preparedness Week to highlight the importance of early preparation.
 
This season, 12 – 15 storms have been predicted; with six predicted to reach hurricane strength; and three becoming serious hurricanes.
 
Today’s EMO meeting which was co-chaired by Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva had in attendance Deputy Governor Ginny Ferson, and key representatives from the Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, the Ministries of Public Works, Tourism Development and Transport, Social Development and Sport  as well as representatives from private sector organizations such as BELCO, the Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda Hotel Association and others.
 
Issues discussed included ensuring that Government and relevant agencies were in step with its emergency guidelines and were adequately prepared in the event of a serious storm of hurricane.
 
Minister Baron said, “Today's meeting was well attended and partner agencies took the opportunity to coordinate on issues that will strengthen our community response in the event of a storm. The key message for residents is to be prepared.”
 
In a related note the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) advised earlier today that the National Hurricane Center is re-issuing advisories on Tropical Depression Bonnie. The BWS noted that the current forecast for Bonnie is for it to degrade to a Post-Tropical depression/Remnant Low by 9.00 p.m. Saturday June 4th.

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