THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA – The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has once again partnered with the Department of Library Services (DLS) to host a very successful Children’s Library Annual Summer Programme (CLASP).
This is a repeat of a very successful partnership in 2009 when under the same theme “We Ready We Safe” the DDM and DLS partnered to host CLASP. This year’s 2-week programme was held from 10 – 24 July, and introduced Disaster Preparedness skills to approximately 65 children ranging in age from 5-12 years.
Some of the activities included how to track a hurricane, a visit to the tsunami assembly points and a drive along two tsunami evacuation routes, learning to use handheld radios and spelling their names using the radio phonetic alphabet. Recordings and posters made by the children will be used as part of the DDM’s public awareness campaign. The culmination of the programme was a performance by the groups and singing of the theme song. The Preparedness Posse performed a skit “the good neighbor”, the Careful Crew performed a skit and dance related to earthquakes and a poem written by the late Linda Lake entitled “Hungry Lenny” was recited by a member of the Careful Crew. The Ever Ready Squad (the squaddies) sang out loud when it came to their part in the theme song to the tune of “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, the lyrics of which had been modified to reflect hazard themes.
“This is an important and necessary programme, which we hope to repeat every 3-4 years, and is a component of the public awareness plan of the DDM. We know that children are great conduits to raise awareness, as they talk to their parents, their siblings and anyone else who will listen. CLASP is a great tool as we attempt to develop a culture of safety and ensure the preparedness of ALL persons in Anguilla especially our children” stated Programme Officer in the DDM Ms Susan Hodge.
For questions or further information please call the Department of Disaster Management at 264-497-2926.
Department of Disaster Management
29 July 2013
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
