Preparing for hurricanes

(CNS): The Public Works Department (PWD) and National Roads Authority (NRA) will be carrying out their annual hurricane preparedness drill on Wednesday, 13 May, in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season, which will include putting up hurricane shutters going up on numerous Government buildings and hurricane shelters in Grand Cayman. “This exercise duplicates the activities that will take place in the event of a real hurricane,” PWD Director Max Jones explained. “Most statutory authorities are also participating in the exercise by securing their own facilities.”

All PWD employees and several NRA staff members will take part in the exercise. Organised into teams, they will shutter and protect more than 100 government complexes, buildings and shelters. Standby generators at shelters and key government buildings will also be evaluated and started. Cistern water levels will be checked and topped up where needed.

On completion, inspectors will assess the shelters and buildings to ensure that the facilities are adequately secured.