In Belize City today some emergency plans have already been activated. This afternoon we got a feel of how the residents in this seaside city are preparing for Hurricane Dean.
Keith Swift Reporting,
At $69 a sheet, these half inch pieces of plywood were the hottest selling items at hardware stores today. Carmita Vasquez of Habet and Habet says they sold out this morning and they've had to restock.
Carmita Vasquez, Habet & Habet
"We've had an increase in plywood sale. Most of our customers are from San Pedro, majority. We do have sales here from the city. I really can't name the customers but we do have sales here."
Keith Swift,
Did you run out of plywood?
Carmita Vasquez,
"Yes we just replenished but you could see this is our stock."
One man who has bought his stock is John Searle from Sea Sports Dive Shop on North Front Street. This afternoon we found him boarding up his windows. For him, the old adage works: better be safe than sorry.
John Searle, Sea Sports Dive Shop
"Based on what I saw on the tropical update this morning, I believe the hurricane might be going a little more north and maybe not directly to Belize but we will be busy this weekend and we just need to take some precautions because I don't want to wait until last minute, just in case it does divert and come a little further south so better safe than sorry."
At City Hall, Deputy Mayor Anthony Michael says the council is on alert for this coastal city.
Anthony Michael, Deputy Mayor
"We have taken measures in place before the storm, during the storm, and after the storm. We have now all our managers, staff, technical advisors and committee have been activated. We had meetings yesterday. We had meetings this morning with the Police Department and we are in contact with NEMO and the other emergency people in the event, if we have serious flooding, what measures will be taken."
Keith Swift,
Is the city ready for a hurricane? Can this city take a hurricane?
Anthony Michael,
"We are right at sea level. In some cases, some parts of the city we are below sea level so we will have flooding. How quick we could get the water off the city is the important part and what size of hurricane hits us. I want to assure the residents of Belize City that we are on top of our game. We have everything in place."
Deputy Mayor Anthony Michael says SEL and BML, in addition to other contractors will have trucks on standby to clear any debris if necessary. One significant bit of bad news is that of the 24 designated shelters in the city, the council says only 10 are adequate to withstand up to a category two storm. And if you are waiting to buy plywood, the stock at most hardware stores is running out. The plywood that's left on shelves may cost up to $100 a sheet.
