THIS week is being observed as national ‘Earthquake Awareness Week’ and several organisations and schools are expected to participate in various activities to mark the week which the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) deems one of the most important period on the environmental calendar.

The week which began yesterday, will continue through to January 19.

The purpose of Earthquake Awareness Week is to encourage citizens to be more aware and better prepared for this natural disaster, which kills thousands of people worldwide each year.

However, by participating in planned activities for the week, citizens can learn what to do in case of a real emergency.

The St Thomas Division of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) said it has planned a number of activities to mark the week.

According to regional co-ordinator for Eastern Divisions, Omar Afflick, the agency will be conducting earthquake drills as well as host a seminar to be held under the theme “Earthquakes have no season. Be aware, you can prepare”.

The drills, he said, will take place at the Port Morant Primary and Junior High School on Friday, January 18 and at the Airy Castle Primary School on Thursday, January 24. Emergency agencies such as Jamaica Red Cross and fire and police departments in St Thomas will participate in the planned events.

Afflick noted that after the exercises, an evaluation of the school buildings will take place to assess what corrective measures are needed. The students are also expected to identify potential hazards in the school buildings in the event of an earthquake.

Meanwhile, parish co-ordinator for St Catherine, Yvonne Mundel said that letters have been sent out to school principals in that parish suggesting several activities that students can participate in to highlight earthquake awareness week. These activities include drills, poster and poetry competitions, mini exhibitions and hazard hunts, where students would identify hazards in the school buildings.