New signage project launched by CEMO and Red Cross

The Belize Red Cross and City Emergency Management Organization are embarking on a signage project to assist residents of the city during times of natural disasters. The signs were unveiled today during a press conference at the City Hall. The project, which got off the ground today will last four months, will see billboards and signs being placed along the city’s evacuation route. Both CEMO and the Red Cross are attempting to increase public awareness of hurricane routes by providing the warning systems in Belize City.

Phillip Willoughby

Phillip Willoughby, CEMO

“The Belize City Council is committed to working with the private sector, N.G.O.s communities and government to enhance our capabilities, strengthening of our capacity in order to preserve life and protect property. The signs to my right are highly reflective aluminum signs that would show during the day or in night and even in the dark. The eight by twelve (feet) size type banner, billboard, shows and depicts all of what relates to us and the job we do here at the Belize City Council as it relates to emergency planning, emergency management. It depicts our signs, the shelters, our assembly points, etc. The billboard has the feature to make adjustment; if it is the intention to take off any shelter or to place up any additional information as it relates to disaster and disaster preparedness.”

Lily Bowman

Lily Bowman, Executive General, Belize Red Cross

“Comparing notes with the CEMO assessments, we found out that there is a main problem in Belize City which is the lack of planned and established evacuation routes and this is to guide the swift movement of people who have to evacuate the city in times of disaster, of a category two hurricane and above. Also the early warning system that is in place—the three phases of flags that we know about is only made public during the hurricane season and through the formal weather services and the media from the Meteorological Department. Information and evacuation routes that have been recently been established by the City Council, by the CEMO, and the assembly points from the various areas in the city need to be prominently identified throughout the city and not only before or not only during the hurricane season, but we believe all year around. It is very important for these to be evident and for people to know where they are.”

The project ends in December.