Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Education Towers, No.6 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad 868.622.2181 ww,moe.cov.t E: 19/13/24 FROM + Chief Education Officer To + Principals — Primary & Secondary Schools us Schools Supervisors IIT, Il & I DATE + September 21, 2022 SUBJECT —: _ Preparation for Adverse Weather Conditions Principals are advised that once the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has issued an Adverse Weather Alert- Yellow Level or higher for Trinidad and Tobago, schools are to prepare for adverse weather conditions, due to the progress of an active tropical wave/hurricane. The following precautionary measures should be iii, iv. reiterate the procedure for emergency dismissal; remind school personnel to be vigilant about the possibility of rising flood waters in flood- prone or low- lying areas; ensure all communication procedures are in place to quickly alert parents of school dismissal; advise parents to arrange transport where possible to collect their children from school so that they do not have to walk through flood waters; and advise parents to also speak to their children about safety in floods, School administrators should monitor the ODPM and TTMS websites (www.odpm.gov.tt or https:/www.metoffice.gov.tt ), and the Ministry's social media profiles for weather forecasts, alerts, warnings, guidelines and cancellations. Please see Appendix: I for further information. Principals are asked to bring this information to the attention of members of staff, parents and students, Your usual cooperation is anticipated. ZEB Abnsf Chief Education Officer Director, Schoo! Supervision and Management Division MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Chief Education OfficerAppendix I Preparation for Adverse Weather Conditions Know and reduce your risks 1. Follow official sources, such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) and the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government (MRDI.G)’s social media and websites for updates. 2, Reduce hazards in and around your property, such as overhanging trees, clogged drains, unsecured roof sheeting and any items that can become missiles during high winds. Make/ Review Emergency/Business Continuity Plan 3. Discuss with family members what actions they should teke if impacted by hazards arising from the adverse weather. 4, Ensure necessary contact information is written, secured and available to your family members. 5. Discuss easily accessible and safe locations to meet in the event that you are separated, Prepare Emergency Resources 6. Assemble emergency supplies to last at least 3 - 7 days. 7. In light of COVID-19 guidelines, include extra face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers in your emergency kits or grab-and-go bags. 8. Store all your important documents in a waterproof bag. Get Involved and Assist Others 9. Take action around your property- clear gutters and drains. 10. Assist neighbours and the elderly in prevention and preparedness activities. Incase persons are impacted by adverse weather, immediately contact the Municipal Corporations” Disaster Management Units via the relevant hotline numbers below: Name of Corporation/Agency Hotline Numbers Arima Borough Corporation 800-2ABC (2222) ‘Chaguanas Borough Corporation 800-DCBC (3222), Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional 800-CTTC (2882) Corporation Diego Martin Regional Corporation 800-DMRC (3672) Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation _|_800-4MRC (4672) Penal/Debe Regional Corporation 800-PDRC (7372) Point Fortin Borough Corporation 800-PFBC (7322)Name of Corporation/Agency Hotline Numbers Port-of-Spain City Corporation 800-PSCC (7722) Princes Town Regional Corporation 800-PTRC (7872) San Fernando City Corporation 800-SCDU (7238) Sangre Grande Regional Corporation 800-SGRC (7472) San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation _|_800-SLRC (7572) Siparia Regional Corporation 800-4SRC (4772) ‘Tunapuna/Piatco Regional Corporation 800-TPRC (8772) Source: Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit