Firefighters demonstrate how to rescue an injured person during an emergency earthquake simulation exercise organised yesterday at the Ministry of Finance and Planning's Heroes Circle offices in Kingston, as part of the observance of the centenary of the 1907 earthquake which devastated parts of Kingston and Port Royal. This was one of several simulation exercises which took place across the island yesterday. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has raised concerns about the availability of safe open spaces at business locations to function as assembly points for employees during emergency situations, such as earthquakes.

Against this concern, the ODPEM's acting director general, Ronald Jackson, is urging business operators to move swiftly to put in place such amenities which are necessary when an earthquake strikes.

"What we really want to encourage the businesses to do is to look around their communities and to see where they could identify as a relatively safe location, bearing in mind that people are going to be proceeding there on foot," Mr. Jackson said.

Islandwide simulation

The advice comes against the observance yesterday of the centenary of the 1907 earthquake which devastated parts of Kingston and Port Royal. An islandwide simulation exercise was carried out to mark the event.

During an earthquake the ODPEM is urging persons in buildings to take cover under desks or tables, or stand between a doorway. After the tremor, they should quickly evacuate the building and head towards the designated assembly points.

Mr. Jackson also expressed concerns about the safety of open areas around buildings in New Kingston and downtown Kingston. "If you look at the New Kingston area and some areas downtown where you have the high-rise buildings, a lot of the possible assembly points are right in the midst of two towering structures," the ODPEM acting director general pointed out.

Omar Afflick, director of preparedness at the ODPEM, noted that an earthquake drill conducted in New Kingston last June showed that there was a lack of safe open spaces in the area.

Mr. Jackson is recommending that business operators make arrangements in the interim with neighbours with safe open spaces to accommodate their employees during such an emergency.