KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) says it is prepared to respond should the country experience a major earthquake.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the agency’s head office in Kingston on Tuesday, Public Relations Officer, JFB, Emeleo Ebanks, said there has been an influx of more than 30 new trucks within the last two years.

“We now have all the fire stations with reserve units. In the event that something happens to one of those units, then that unit can be pulled and within an hour or two, another unit can be put into place,” said Ebanks.

He noted that the brigade also has teams that are trained in specific areas outside of firefighting, including swift water rescue, light search and rescue, land search and rescue and urban search and rescue.

Ebanks informed that in 2010 when Haiti experienced a major earthquake that devastated the nation, the JFB was able to send part of its rescue team to assist with the search and rescue process.

“So, in terms of preparation, we are as prepared as we can be, but we really have to point out to the citizens of this country that, as in all eventualities, you have to do what it is that you need to do,” he said.

Ebanks pointed out that individuals should remember that in the event of an earthquake, they should not be moving about when the shaking takes place.

“Drop, cover and hold until after the shaking stops. After the shaking stops, if you see the need, then you can call the nearest fire station – 110 or, most important, 112, if you don’t have any signal,” he emphasised.

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Earthquake Unit have also given assurance that plans are in place to respond immediately should the country experience a major earthquake.

– JIS