Private sector urged to get emergency plans in place
This comes in the wake of several earthquakes, including two strong ones, which resulted in the death of one person, injuries to several and the destruction of many buildings and properties in neighbouring Puerto Rico over the past two days.
As it stands today, the private sector is only bound by occupational health and safety regulations when it comes to disaster and other areas of disaster preparedness. With the increasing numbers and stronger earthquakes and tremors being felt in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region, preparedness is being encouraged at all fronts.
DDM can assist
Speaking with Cathy O. Richards on the “Big Story” yesterday, January 7, 2020, Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr made this appeal: “We are echoing the same advice to the private sector who should also have their plans. If they don’t have plans the Department of Disaster Management can assist them in getting those plans finalised.”
He added it is very important, “Without scaring persons to have those plans, it is insurance, knowing what to do should it (a disaster) take place.”
Host Richards, when asking Mr Archer Jr why more disaster awareness was not being done for the private sector, was told “There are the Health and Safety Codes in the Labour Laws that businesses and organisations should ensure that their businesses and employees are well protected.”
“We think this is part of that protection. So the law actually covers the wider scope of doing whatever is in the best interest of employees. It does not say you must have a disaster management plan but it does say look after your employees, ensure they are protected...ensuring that they are in a healthy and safe environment.”
It is also anticipated that soon the private sector will be zeroed in when it comes to disaster management.
“As we get the legislation coming forward, the Disaster Management Bill, we will ensure it has the right teeth, not just for the public service but for the wider public because we are a partnership. We want to ensure that we are all doing well,” Mr Archer Jr said.
9 Responses to “Private sector urged to get emergency plans in place”
We should all be checking our preparation,.
I am always amazed at some of these folks never even run a candy store, but telling everyone how to do things and they do not have a plan, oh I forgot their plan is on paper, implementing is another school. Unless the government hire a couple of people trained in logistics and crisis management to be in front of these issues, all we will have when something happens is a real cluster %^&* and politicians without a clue messing things up.