KINGSTON, Jamaica —In observance of Earthquake Awareness Month throughout January, the St James Municipal Corporation will intensify its routine public education efforts and conduct preparedness drills across the parish.

Throughout the month, the Municipal Corporation will be hosting public education sessions in schools, businesses and communities.

Additional activities to be conducted include, earthquake simulation drills and the launch of a public awareness campaign via media platforms to promote preparedness and emergency readiness.

These efforts aim to inform residents on how to safeguard themselves in the event of an earthquake.

Speaking during the Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on January 8, Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, urged residents to support the programmed activities.

“Participate [in the drills] and take personal responsibility for preparedness, as well as heed all advisories issued by the Municipal Corporation. I believe that this year, more than ever, we must take these advisories seriously,” he said.

Meanwhile, the director of planning at the corporation, Trevion Manning, underscored the importance of observing Earthquake Awareness Month.

“People need to be more aware of the best actions to take during and after an earthquake,” he said, noting that “it is much different from a hurricane.”

Manning pointed out that while the corporation remains committed to educating the public on earthquake preparedness, post-hurricane recovery continues to be a priority for the municipality.

“We still have people in shelters whom we are working to return to normalcy, by helping them secure their own accommodations. We continue to prepare and provide meals for those who have been displaced and whose homes have been completely destroyed,” he said.

“As you go through the parish, you will see that the council, like the Government, is still in recovery mode. Our primary focus remains on helping citizens and businesses return to normalcy,” Manning emphasised.

-JIS