Pregnant women urged to seek safe accommodation ahead of storm

 

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging pregnant women who are among the most vulnerable to take extra precautions as the country braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. 

 

The ministry says expectant mothers, particularly those in their final weeks of pregnancy, or with high-risk conditions, and are in low-lying, or coastal areas are strongly encouraged to make arrangements to relocate to family or move to a safer shelter early. 

 

The minister adds that pregnant women will be prioritised for care at shelters, and all maternity wards and hospitals across the island will remain operational and ready to assist when needed. 

 

Pregnant women are also being reminded to review the guidance in the back of their maternal record book for additional information on emergency preparedness. 

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Nicole Dawkins-Wright, Director of Emergency and Disaster Management at the Ministry of Health,  said the ministry has been working with other agencies, including the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Fire Bridage as well as independent entities like Red Cross to ensure sufficient ambulance services will be available during and after the weather system.

 

She was speaking Friday morning on Radio Jamaica's Hotline.