KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says work has begun to develop a national lightning programme.

This was disclosed by Acting Deputy Director General, Michelle Edwards during a Jamaica Information Service ‘Think Tank’ at the agency’s head office in Kingston on Wednesday.

“The aim of the programme is to promote integration of lightning safety preparedness and awareness capacity into the National Disaster Risk Management Framework, our plans and our policies,” she explained.

Edwards informed that the programme will be designed using three pillars –Hazard Inclusivity, Enhancing Lightning Protection Systems and Lightning, and Safety Improving National Lightning Detection Capacity.

The national lightning programme is being developed in partnership with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and other key stakeholders.

Edwards advised that ODPEM is also taking steps to increase awareness about lightning.

She emphasised that special attention must be paid to this “emerging hazard”, especially from a disaster management perspective.

As part of its efforts to boost awareness, the agency recently hosted a ‘Lightning Talks’ forum, which was attended by several stakeholders.

The event provided information about lightning hazard and sensitised participants about safety procedures and best practices, among other key areas.

Lightning is among the deadly hazards that affect people, infrastructure, livestock, crops and technology.

“The ODPEM has long been at the forefront of disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts and it is our mission to not only respond swiftly and effectively but to prevent them whenever possible,” Edwards said.

– JIS