With another three months of hurricane season stretching ahead, businesses in the territory have been warned to get their disaster plans up to speed.
The call came as BVI Finance hosted an online session with the Department of Disaster Management, which also urged companies to prepare for other issues like pandemics and social unrest.
Speaking at a recent webinar, DDM meteorologist Andrew Jackson cited predictions for this year of 23 named storms, including 11 hurricanes.
“With the possibility of rapid intensification, businesses must stay vigilant and prepared,” he said during the webinar.
Mr. Jackson added that companies should take proactive measures to secure their premises and ensure employees’ safety.
Michel Ambrose, the DDM’s planning and preparedness manager, advised frequently updating risk assessments and preparedness strategies.
“The cycle includes mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery phases, and it’s vital for businesses to understand and implement strategies at each stage to minimise disruption and safeguard assets,” she said.
Ms. Ambrose also stressed the importance of supporting workers.
“Our staff are our greatest asset, and ensuring their safety and well-being is paramount,” she added. “Businesses should have clear policies to support staff, including provisions for remote work and emergency communications.”
Continuity plans
DDM Information and Education Manager Chrystall Kanyuck-Abel stressed the need for businesses to target specific risks in their disaster plans.
“Your continuity plan should be location-specific and account for all essential business operations,” she said.
Ms. Kanyuck-Abel added that specially tailored continuity plans are also needed to prepare for issues such as technological hazards, pandemics and social unrest.
She also stressed the importance of safeguarding critical data and having robust communication channels open.
Resources available
The DDM team advised companies to take advantage of available resources such as templates for disaster and continuity plans.
Other information available from the department includes guidance on conducting hazard vulnerability assessments and developing emergency response strategies.
Q&A session
In a question-and-answer session at the end of the webinar, the DDM panellists urged businesses to check insurance policies and maintain up-to-date emergency supplies. They also advised using the department’s WhatsApp channel and mobile app for timely updates on the situation.
The territory faced widespread power outages after being hit by Tropical Storm Ernesto in mid-August. Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has blamed climate change for an increase in severe weather systems as he called for more international support to deal with the situation.
Addressing the United Nations’ Special Committee on Decolonisation in New York in June, he said the VI and other island states are facing an “existential threat” because of the escalating impact of the climate crisis.
