Make Decision to Move Now!

Published 19th August, 9:55pm

For persons who may still be thinking about moving to a shelter or other safe location, the deadline for making that decision is fast approaching. Curfew begins at 10 p.m., at that time all members of the public must be off the roads for their own safety.

Residents of the southern and western coasts and, in particular, flood-prone areas of Grand Cayman are urged to secure their homes and move to a safer location, either with family or friends, or in a public shelter.

At 8:30 pm only 1,655 persons were reported to be in shelters, with a total capacity of some 4,010 persons. Space is still available, so if you decide to move, you should do so now.

With regard to the overnight expected weather conditions, storm surge of up one to 3 feet can be expected overnight along the southern and south west coastal areas and the North Sound areas. The highest wave action is likely to be felt first in the east coastal areas, followed by the southern coastal zones and on to the West Bay peninsula. The highest wave action could be up to 15 to 20 feet. The Sister Islands should experience about four to six feet. Rainfall is not expected to be high, with predictions of up to two inches is still expected and this is gradually diminishing.

NHC advice to local population: As of 8:30 p.m. all shelters in all districts had capacity to receive residents. All shelters are manned with first aid specialists, police officers, shelter wardens and in each district there is at least one shelter that has emergency medical specialists. Remember to take some snack items, water, medication, special needs items for children and elderly, bedding, change of clothes, reading materials and other items to keep children occupied.

The following is the available data on shelter occupancy across Grand Cayman as of 8:30 p.m. tonight:

George Town

John Gray Assembly Hall - 97

George Hicks Multi Purpose Hall - 68

George Town Primary - 51

University College Assembly Hall - 235

The Red Cross - 85

Prospect Primary - 468

West Bay

The West Bay Primary Assembly Hall - 14

West Bay Assembly Hall - 256

East End

East End Primary School - 28

East End Civic Centre - 99

Gun Bay Community Hall - 14

North Side

North Side Civic Centre - 48

Breakers Community Centre - 33

Bodden Town

Bodden Town Primary School - 58

Savannah Primary School - 101

For more information log onto www.CaymanPrepared.ky

For further information contact: Pat Ebanks