Alvin Clarke, disaster preparedness coordinator for St Ann, yesterday urged residents to take necessary precautions to protect life and property

"One main thing, persons living in conditions that they are not sure will be able to withstand a hurricane should go to the nearest shelter, or go to a neighbour," Clarke urged.

He added: "Ensure that all valuables are secured by wrapping them in plastic and keep informed by listening to the radio for updates."

While some residents across the parish were busy stocking up on supplies yesterday, there were some who adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

In two communities that have been severely affected by flooding in recent years, Cave Valley in South West St Ann, and Pedro in South East St Ann, residents were nonchalant in their approach to news of an impending storm.

"Mi nuh feel no way bout di storm," said Jody Black of Coffee Ridge in Cave Valley.

"Nobody is really preparing," she added. "People are going to the bush (farm), some looking to go to market, students gone to school, there isn't much concern."

In Pedro, where some years ago the Pedro River overflowed its banks and flooded that community for over a month, a resident of Concord, an adjoining community, said there was no sign of persons preparing for a storm.

"I don't think anybody is taking this serious," she added. "And, in any case, the (Catholic) church they use as shelter is leaking," The Gleaner was told.

- Carl Gilchrist