Chairman of the Committee, Yvonne Mundel, told The Gleaner yesterday at the St. Catherine Parish Council that Digicel has contributed several cellular phones to be used to communicate with other agencies and the public in times of a disaster.

Mrs. Mundel said, "We are now in the hurricane season and all aspects of preparedness are being examined, with a view of improving on former hurricane seasons to minimise the risk of life and property."

The Disaster Preparedness Committee is also making an urgent appeal to householders to trim trees near to their houses, as these trees can prove very dangerous to both the houses and humans. The Disaster Prepare-dness Committee has also reminded persons living near gullies, streams and rivers, and who are reluctant to leave where they live and seek safer ground, that the committee will not hold themselves responsible for rescue efforts, if this becomes necessary.

Mrs. Mundel said that schools and church halls are generally used as relief shelters in times of a disaster, but quite often several of those who are housed in these shelters destroy furniture and sanitation, which is costly to repair.

Mrs. Mundel said the Disaster Preparedness Committee is meeting at regular intervals to examine the state of preparedness in St. Catherine as the parish is known to be vulnerable to national disasters.

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