The public is reminded that a national communications test will be conducted in Barbados on Thursday, March 23, as the Department of Emergency Management seeks to conduct a full assessment of the National Communications Systems, including radio station interrupts.
This will see the island’s Common Alerting Protocols (CAP) application on cellular phones, email alerts, and radio interrupts across the 90.1 FM, CITA, 98.1 The One FM, SLAM 101.1 FM, and Y 103.3 FM radio stations being tested between 10:00 a.m. and noon on the day. This will consist of a short test message being broadcast over these stations.
However, persons are asked not to be alarmed as the test is being conducted as part of Caribe Wave 2023, which is one of the activities to mark Coastal Hazards and Earthquake Smart Month. Caribe Wave is an annual exercise designed to assist tsunami preparedness efforts throughout the Caribbean region.
This year’s exercise for Caribe Wave will focus on the Mount Pele scenario, and is designed to evaluate local earthquake and tsunami response plans, increase tsunami preparedness, and improve coordination.
Persons who have not yet signed up to receive email notifications are encouraged to do so by visiting www.dem.gov.bb, and follow the prompts. Alternatively, they may also download the CAP.CAP Application for Android devices from the Google Play Store, or the CAPCAP or OPTIMIT for Apple devices through the Apple Store.
For further information on the activities for Caribe Wave 2023, persons may contact acting Programme Officer at the DEM, Damien Griffith, at damien.griffith@barbados.gov.bb. Coastal Hazards and Earthquake Smart Month runs from March 1 to 31, under the theme All Aboard with Coastal Resilience.