Jamaica’s location along the northern margin of the Caribbean Plate and the presence of very active faults on the island make it vulnerable to earthquakes, reports Jamaica Observer. An Earthquake Awareness Month is being observed in the country in the month from January 1-30.
As such, earthquakes can occur at anytime and anywhere, and so it is very important that persons are prepared. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, Director of Information and Training at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Cheryl Nichols, says before an earthquake, persons should undertake what is called a hazard hunt. This involves conducting regular inspections of buildings to identify and remove items that could fall and cause injury and/or death should an earthquake occur.