The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) will be observing Disaster Preparedness Month in June under the theme, “Disasters are a Constant Reality … Be Prepared For Any Eventuality!”

During this time we aim to increase the general awareness of the Jamaican public to the importance of reducing our risk to those hazards that regularly affect the country through more active disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures. We will also take June, as the beginning of the six-month long hurricane season, to remind all Jamaicans about hurricane preparedness measures, especially in light of the predictions for another active season, and as Jamaica, like all countries worldwide, experience the throes of climate change.

To this end you are cordially invited to attend a Press Conference on Friday, May 30, 2008, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., in the ODPEM Conference Room. The aim of this Press Conference is to launch Disaster Preparedness Month and its activities, to highlight the forecast for the 2008 hurricane season, and to discuss Jamaica’s state of preparedness for the season after hurricane Dean.

Additionally, we will be launching some exciting partnerships with sponsors from corporate Jamaica and several members of the entertainment industry to help ODPEM in her mandate. These include corporate sponsors T. Geddes Grant, distributors of Rayovac Batteries, and dancehall entertainers Mavado.

Your usual participation is anticipated.