Location: Belize
Event: ADVISORY # 2: TROPICAL STORM NANA
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 08:00 AM
The National Hurricane Center has identified a Tropical Cyclone that is projected to impact Belize in the next few days. (Approximately in 48 hrs.) Tropical storm Nana continues to move quickly westward across the central Caribbean Sea.
Locally heavy rains and gusty winds are possible on Jamaica today, and interests there, as well as in northern Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and the Yucatan Peninsula, should monitor the progress of this system.
Tropical cyclone or tropical cyclone advisories will likely be issued later today, along with watches and warnings. Additional information on this system can be found in High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.
The National Hurricane Center says this system will likely bring heavy rainfall across the country starting late on Wednesday night and continuing on Thursday. The National Meteorological Service will continue to monitor this system and update you accordingly.
If the need arises for you to evacuate, be prepared to move early, know which shelter you will go to, take along the essential necessities you need to survive. COVID-19 Shelter Protocols and SI-119 of 2020 will continue to be enforced. You must wear a mask, people showing symptoms will be contained in a separate section of the shelter building, hand washing, and sanitizing must be done before entering a shelter. Shelter Wardens and Managers will allocate shelter space. Social distancing must be adhered to and shelters must be sanitized on a regular basis and garbage properly disposed. Please Note: Pets are not allowed in shelters, make alternate plans for your pets.
Preparedness tips before a storm arrival:
- Avoid being near the coast, or swamp, if you live on the cayes and along the coast be familiar with the evacuation routes. Know which shelter you will go to.
- Protect windows with plywood or shutters
- Review your family emergency plan, consider all COVID 19 measures
- Keep handy, emergency supplies such as first aid kit, basic tools, lanterns, batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable foods and water.
- Plan for one (1) gallon of drinking water per person per day.
- Prepare your car in case of an evacuation. Fill your tank, and service check your vehicle.
- Keep an extra supply of medication.
- If a member of your household is bed-ridden, seek medical advice.
- Notify authorities ahead of time if you have persons in your neighborhood that may require special assistance to evacuate due to a medical condition.
- Secure your important documents and identification in waterproof containers, and electronically.
- Save the emergency contact numbers for the U.S. Embassy (see Assistance below), NEMO, the police, fire, and medical facility in your cell phone.
- Continue to trim trees, clear drains, and secure outdoor items.
Stay tuned for an official release from NEMO and the National Meteorological Service for further developments. The public is advised to stay alert. Please adhere to the official release from the National Meteorological Service and NEMO. NEMO will keep the general public updated.
Note: The elderly and persons with underlying health conditions must not occupy the same space with normal persons. Shelter managers will monitor and correct hygiene and cough /sneeze etiquette. The Ministry of Health staff will conduct daily monitoring of shelters to detect people who are sick and showing signs of COVID-19. The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.
NEMO’s Emergency Coordinators can be reached as follows:
Corozal: Mr. Ronnie Hernandez at 614-7140
Orange Walk: Mr. Aragon at 615 2264; or Mr. Leiva at 614-7177
Belize District: Mr. Alphius Gillett at 614-4735; or Mr. Pollard at 614-3244
San Pedro: Ms. Vanessa Parham at 614-5865
Belize City: Mr. Al Westby at 614-8604 or Mr. Kwame Scott at 615-7644
Belmopan: Ms. Clare Moody at 614-5705; or Mr. Eiley at 624-2365
Cayo: Mr. Al Westby at 614-8604 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 614-5891
Stann Creek –Coastal- Dangriga including Mullins River to Independence),
Mr. Kevin Flores at 604-3632
Stann Creek –Interior- Hummingbird and Southern highway communities, Mr. David Cruz at 614-8514
Toledo: Mr. Kenton Parham at 614 2158 or Mr. Dennis Williams at 614-2393
NEMO will keep the general public updated on any further developments. The public is advised to stay alert. Please adhere to the official release from the National Meteorological Service and NEMO.
Actions to Take:
- Visit State.Gov for hurricane preparedness information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts
- Consult the CDC website for hurricane preparedness information.
- Consult the S. Department of Homeland Security website for hurricane preparedness information.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Belmopan, Belize
Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo, Belize
+501 822-4011
ConsulBelize@state.gov or ACSBelize@state.gov
https://bz.usembassy.gov/ - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Belize Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
