Second press release from the San Pedro NEMO - EOC

2st August 2016

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) - Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) in San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker, have been meeting to discuss the plan of action of the fast approaching tropical wave.

Residents on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are being advised to begin start making preparations to secure properties. NEMO reminds boat operators and owners to start taking necessary steps to secure their vessels and advise vessels to remain in safe harbour.

Contractors and hardware store owners are being asked to remove any and all items above their building that can be flying missiles during a storm. Hotel and resort owners are being asked to begin to put in place measures to secure their guests and employees.

San Pedro Belize Express and Belize Ocean Ferry remain on standby should evacuation is necessary. IF evacuation off the island is necessary, shelterees will be transported to the Belmopan UB gymnasium in Belmopan City.

Residents living on both islands are being advised to begin taking steps to secure their belonging and property. In addition, residents must continue to be keen and be prepared to relocate or evacuate if necessary. Residents living in flood prone areas are being advised to consider moving into higher and dry areas before the storm.

Shelters on Ambergris Caye are San Pedro High School in the Boca del Rio Area, the San Pedro Roman Catholic School in the downtown area and New Horrizon Seventh Day Adventist School in the DFC area. In Caye Caulker, the shelter is Caye Caulker RC School. Shelter will be open on the advised of NEMO.

Those people who will be moving from low-lying areas into the shelters are being advised to adhere to the shelters rules. Shelterees are asked to take along ample supply of water, food, basic first-aid kit, battery powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries, sanitary supplies, personal documents, blankets, extra change of clothes for a maximum of three days. Shelterees may be search by Police officers to ensure the shelterees' safety. Pet owners are responsible to make plans to secure pets since they are not allowed in hurricane shelters.

Expecting mothers and families with young children are hereby advised to consider evacuation before the storm. Residents with chronic illness are being advised to restock on their personal medical supplies.

All liquor establishments and shops that are the holders of a liquor license are being advised that the sale of liquor is being suspended as of 6PM on Wednesday August 3rd until the all-clear is declared by NEMO.

Members of the Belize National Coast Guard and the Belize Police Department remains on both islands to secure life and property.

NEMO in San Pedro and Caye Caulker continue to advise everyone to listen to their local radio and television for official NEMO advisory and to heed to all warnings when issued. The other meeting of the San Pedro EOC is scheduled for 1:00 PM. For any information or question, the San Pedro EOC can be contacted at (501) 226-4458, (501) 226-4358 and (501) 226-4824 and located at the San Pedro Town Council Conference Room. The Caye Caulker EOC is situated at the Seaside Villas Hotel.

San Pedro EOC - NEMO