KSAMC getting ready for Hurricane Beryl

Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby says the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is taking steps to prepare the capital for the possible effects of Hurricane Beryl, including assessing infrastructure and making arrangements for the homeless.

The mayor on Sunday called an urgent meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Disaster Preparedness Committee to discuss the KSAMC's response plan. 

The meeting involved key officers of the KSAMC, including the chief executive officer, inspector of poor, disaster coordinator and the chief engineering officer. 

A media release from the KSAMC says the meeting discussed actions to ensure that the municipality is in a state of readiness to respond to any possible effects of Hurricane Beryl.

Other matters discussed were the preparation of shelters, including activation time and supplies needed. 

The treatment of residents housed at shelters such as the Marie Atkins Shelter, Desmond McKenzie Transitional Facility and the Denham Town Golden Age Home, along with the homeless and persons needing to be housed at a shelter were also discussed. 

Following the meeting, Swaby led a tour during which he examined the most critical coastal drains. He said work on these will commence on July 1. Additionally, the Council's technical officers are currently in the field doing assessments for final restorative actions to be taken.

Swaby will meet with agencies, Councillors and other stakeholders to assess their level of readiness on Monday.

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