NODS advises residents on contents of disaster-preparedness kits and reminds them that shelters are listed on its FB page
As TS Fiona approaches the region, the Cabinet has declared that schools across the islands will be closed on Friday, September 16. The Antigua & Barbuda Bankers Association is advising customers that all banks will be closed at noon, as well.
The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), in the meantime, is encouraging residents to finalize their disaster-preparedness plans.
Tropical-storm conditions are expected to begin Friday evening; therefore, residents are asked to ensure they have the necessary supplies on hand.
These include an adequate supply of water; canned and other non-perishable foods; items for babies, children, the elderly and special-needs persons; and prescription medication.
NODS says that battery-operated radios and flashlights should also be included in the disaster kit.
In case there is a need to evacuate or to go to a shelter, these supplies should be packed and ready to go, the agency says.
NODS says its 2022 shelter list has been posted on its Facebook and Instagram pages, and residents are urged to continue monitoring the local media for updates, since it will be in constant communication with the local MET Office.
“Contact has also been made with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and countries that fall within the sub-regional focal point for which Antigua and Barbuda is responsible – namely St. Kitts/Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, the BVI and St. Maarten,” NODS says.
