As the island continues to experience a periodic outbreak of showers, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is advising the public to exercise caution to avoid the risk of lightning strikes associated with the thunderstorms that have accompanied Tropical Storm Nicole.

Lightning Safety Tips:

• Stay indoors, and do not venture outside, unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Turn off electric breakers and disconnect appliances. Lightning is electricity and will follow electrical circuits.
• Avoid touching electrical plugs, refrigerators, television sets, electric razors, and electric hair dryers.
• Avoid metal objects such as stoves, water pipes, and sinks.
• Do not use the telephone during the lightning storm as lightning may strike the lines outside.
• Do not lie flat on the ground as electrical currents can travel along the ground surface.
• Do not take laundry off the clothesline.
• Persons struck by lightning may receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned but they carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.

Welfare          Approximately 437 persons are being housed in 22 shelters across the island

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Contact: Cheryl Nichols, Training Manager, cnichols@odpem.org.jm