Setting in Place Early Warning Systems for Belize City Residents

The Belize Red Cross in leading the charge in formalizing an Early Warning System for the Old Capital to better prepare in case of disasters. The organization is working along with the City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) and other respective partners including members of communities identified. The training is focused on reviewing the established warning systems and seeks to enhance it. Red Cross Director General Lily Bowman and Deputy Mayor Oscar Arnold say community participation is important.

Lily Bowman

Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross

“We are trying to work with communities for them to advice us what would work for them, what early warning system would work for them. Along with our experts and the authorities we will come to that conclusion. It is something that is needed every year. As we begin this New Year we believe that it is very timely to start thinking what early warning systems exist and does everybody know what the system is and how to respond and react. That is what we will be looking at and we have presenters from the Hydrology Unit, Met Office and different partners.”

Oscar Arnold

Oscar Arnold, Deputy Mayor, Belize City

“What the Red Cross has been doing also is to work in vulnerable communities for example the Antelope Street Area, Lake I Areas and Gungulung Area where they have set up committee where individuals who live in the community be a part of this early warning system network and whenever it goes out they disseminate the information quicker and faster to those people who live in those communities.”