As part of hurricane preparedness efforts at Atlantis, Paradise Island, a series of volunteer training exercises – new for some, a refresher for others – have been taking place on property readying team members who have signed up for duty should a storm come our way. One such workshop was the recent two-day shelter management course facilitated by GM & VP responsible for Conference Planning, Bill Coteron. “This course tells us what needs to happen if there is a storm and we need to bring all of our guests into one tower. This training exercise is very important to ensure that peace and proper protocol are maintained in the shelter,” he said.

Using slides to enhance his presentation, Coteron took course participants through shelter management fundamentals and the rules, letting them know the teams and individuals that will be assigned and what is expected of each of those teams and individuals. Coteron also spoke briefly about possible challenges that could arise because of the scheduled Coral Towers renovation works. “We have to ensure that the people we choose to take on the awesome responsibilities associated with an evacuation and shelter management are up to par as far as commitment to the task and leadership abilities are concerned,” he added.

The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season could be the busiest in recent years. Forecasters are predicting an average of 12 – 14 named storms, eight of which are expected to intensify to hurricane strength, with three reaching major storm status of category three or higher.

Other efforts to ready team members in the event a hurricane threatens The Bahamas and New Providence in particular continue at Atlantis.

The 2016 forecast highlights the number of storms and possible hurricanes that may form. It makes no prediction with respect to landfalls or tracks at this point.

Katie Longley

Source: Atlantis