NEMO hosts EOC meeting countrywide

As the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is at its peak month, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) held a meeting with committee members of San Pedro’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) on Wednesday, October 9th. Held at San Pedro’s NEMO branch office, the meeting reviewed the EOCs’ state of readiness and fine-tuned their plan of action in the event of a storm or extreme weather.
The meeting began at 4:30PM and saw the attendance of NEMO Coordinator for Belize Rural South Vanessa Parham, Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Councilor Ruben Gonzalez, Councilor Gaby Nuñez, Councilor Flora Ancona, San Pedro’s Health Inspector Christina Sanchez, Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II Administrator Eric Najarro, San Pedro Tourist Guide Association and Rickilee Response and Rescue Chairperson Billy Leslie, Belize Tourism Industry Association San Pedro Chapter Vice Chairperson Karen Brodie, representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations and invited guests.
Representatives on the EOC committee shared their preparedness status. Those in attendance also voiced concerns and made recommendations on how to better the island’s emergency plan of action.
Parham shared that this sort of meeting is being held at NEMO branches countrywide. “This meeting is for us to discuss our precautionary measures in the instance of a hurricane. To go over the island’s search and rescue, transportation and evacuation measures, update on resources, medical arrangements, damage assessment, among others. October is known for being the peak month in the hurricane season, so it is important for us to be vigilant and review our emergency plan over,” she said.
NEMO stresses the importance of EOCs to be prepared during this time to avoid confusion during disasters while preserving life and property. Residents are asked to adhere to all warnings and notices posted by NEMO and the respective EOCs of their community. The San Pedro NEMO office is located on the second floor of the Wings Department Store building on Coconut Drive. Parham can be contacted directly at 614-5865; the NEMO Emergency Hotline phone number is 936.