NEMO Clarifies Hurricane Shelter Misinformation

Belmopan, September 3, 2007-          It has come to the attention of NEMO that some misinformation exists in regard to the safety of the hurricane shelters in Belize City in the event of a Category 3 or above storm.

Principal Housing Officer Mr. Noel Harvey who is a certified Engineer at the Ministry of Housing has said that all the shelters in Belize City with an upper floor construction with concrete roof can be utilized. Those shelters are the following:

·       All Saints Primary School Building (one)

·       Salvation Army Primary School (one)

·       Pallotti High School (three)

·       St. Martin de Porres School Building (one)

·       St. Michael’s High School

Mr. Harvey has expressed some concerns with Trinity Methodist School because of its proximity to the sea but certifies that this shelter can be utilized.  He has also expressed the same concerns about Grace Primary School which is a three storey building with timber roof with galvanized sheeting. Mr. Harvey insisted, however, that the second floor of this school is sandwiched between two concrete floors and so the second floor can be utilized as a shelter.

Mr. Noel Harvey’s report was made after consultation with Mr. Lloyd Flowers, Senior Civil Works Supervisor, Ministry of Education, Mr. Robert Allen, City Engineer, Belize City Council and was also signed by Mr. Steven Williams of the Housing Department.

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