Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

The current hurricane season has resulted in heighten preparedness in Jamaica's largest residential area.

Disaster Coordinator for the Portmore Municipal Council Phillipa Ricketts-Edmond said the municipality is in a state of readiness should a hurricane or any other disaster strike.

"We have contacted all shelter managers and are in a state of awareness," Ricketts-Edmond told THE PORTMORE STAR.

Of the 17 shelters in Portmore seven are designated 'Priority Shelters' which would be the first to be occupied. The seven are in Kensington, Portsmouth, Naggo Head, Southborough and Gregory Park Primary Schools along with Ascot High School and the Portmore HEART Academy.

Ricketts-Edmond said that under the Building Disaster Resilient Project, the Gregory Park Shelter has been reinforced to make it stronger.

THE PORTMORE STAR was told that preparation has been in high gear since the start of the hurricane season and was heightened following the announcement of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

"We are not taking anything for granted, despite being spared any major damage in recent times." Ricketts-Edmond said.