The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has started the first round of its public education campaign for Earthquake Awareness Week 2012. The ODPEM yesterday hosted an earthquake sensitization session which included approximately thirty participants from public and private sector entities. Representatives from primary schools, the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, and security organizations were exposed to an intensive session highlighting the importance of disaster risk reduction strategies geared towards earthquakes.

The session began with the official welcome and opening by the Deputy Director General, Mr. Richard Thompson followed by the Director of Information & Training Ms. Delmares White who informed participants that the objective of the session was to train trainers within each entity in an effort to impart the information to their respective stakeholders during Earthquake Awareness Week 2012.

The earthquake sensitization session spearheaded by the ODPEM’s Training Manager, Ms. Cheryl Nichols was designed to be interactive, and included participant presentations, guided readings, and simulation exercises. In addition, each participant was given an information package consisting of posters and brochures containing earthquake preparedness tips and measures.

Earthquake Awareness Week will be observed January 8 to 14, 2012 under the theme “Earthquakes can strike anywhere anytime. Be prepared there are no signs.”