The Disaster Management Committee [DMC] of the Belize Red Cross [BRC] met and assessed the state of readiness of the BRC for the upcoming hurricane season.

Unusually, Tropical Storm Adrian was on the agenda and the BRC's meteorologist, Mr. Frank Panton gave his assessment of the storm's likely effect on Belize.

The recently appointed Director General Mrs. Lily Bowman reported to the DMC on the contents in pre-positioned Red Cross containers in place countrywide, the BRC's radio network and arrangements with local suppliers of emergency relief packages in the event of a hurricane. The DMC reviewed the relevant procedures of its manual and ensured that all members' contact details were current and all members recommitted to their roles and responsibilities.

Mr. Panton gave a detailed presentation of the predictions for the hurricane season. Hurricane experts expect 2005 to be an active hurricane season as the outlook calls for 12-15 tropical storms, with 7-9 becoming hurricanes, and 3-5 of these becoming major hurricanes. The western Caribbean can expect 135 days of storm-related weather 20 more than the 115 days experienced last year.

Under the Belize Red Cross Act, the BRC acts as an auxiliary to the Government in the event of a natural disaster. The BRC supports NEMO and serves on five NEMO sub-committees. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies specializes in disaster preparedness and disaster response. In the event that Belize is affected by a hurricane, the BRC has systems in place with the Federation in order to quickly receive supplies and support to assist the most vulnerable victims.

Chairman of the DMC, Eamon Courtenay commented that "As always, and in partnership with the community and the authorities, the Belize Red Cross is prepared to meet the challenges which the hurricane season may present. We have the expertise, experience and resources to respond to emergencies. Our hope is that Belizeans will seriously prepare for what is likely to be an active hurricane season."

The DMC will meet on a monthly basis during the hurricane season and in emergency session if Belize is threatened by a tropical storm or hurricane.