*DISASTER AWARENESS PRESENTATION

*OBJECTIVESTo increase the awareness of individuals and organizations as it relates to Disaster.To assist individuals and organizations in preparing Disaster PlansTo advise participants of the necessary procedures to insure their safety.

*DEFINITION OF KEY TERMSDisaster A natural or man-caused event which causes intense negative impacts on people, goods services and/or the environment, exceeding the affected communitys capability to respond.

Disaster Management A collective term encompassing all aspects of planning for and responding to disasters, including both pre- and post-disaster activities. It refers to both the risk and consequences of a disaster.

*DEFINITION OF KEY TERMSHazard The potential for a natural or man-caused event to occur with negative consequences.

Vulnerability The extent to which a communitys structure, services or environment is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of a hazard.

Risk The probability that a disaster will occur given the hazard and vulnerability.

*Hazards We FaceNatural:

Hurricane/Tropical Cyclone

*Hazards We FaceNatural:Landslides

*Hazards We FaceNatural:

Tsunami

*Hazards We FaceNatural:Flooding

*Hazards We FaceNatural:

Earthquake

*Hazards We FaceNatural:

Fire

*DISASTER CYCLE

*DISASTER CYCLE (Contds)The Disaster Cycle is subdivided into three (3) phases and seven stagesBeforePreventionMitigationPreparednessAlertDuringResponse

AfterResponseRehabilitationReconstructionDevelopment is tied into all stages of the Disaster Cycle. Therefore, Disasters should be considered in all development activities.

*The Reality of DISASTERSIncrease frequency and intensity of Disaster Globally.Shrinking access to and diversion of external assistance.Inability of the Nation and the Individual to recover.Increased Vulnerability

*Nature of DISASTERSUNFORGIVINGUNPREDICTABLE/LOW PREDICTABILITYIMPARTIALRUTHLESSDEVASTATINGUNBEARABLE

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Katrina New OrleansHURRICANE KATRINA AFTERMATH

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Katrina New OrleansDistraught boy sits in disbelief amidst the rubble

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Katrina New OrleansWoman grieves the loss of a family member

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Katrina New OrleansBadly Flooded City of New Orleans

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Closer to Home IVAN AND DENNISA HOME COMPLETELY DESTROYED

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.)ROADWAY BADLY DAMAGE IN ST. THOMAS

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Closer to Home IVAN AND DENNISROADWAY BADLY DAMAGE IN ST. THOMAS

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Closer to Home IVAN AND DENNISA BADLY DAMAGED FLAT BRIDGE, BOG WALK GORGE

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Closer to Home IVAN AND DENNISCAUGHT IN THE STORM

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Closer to Home IVAN AND DENNISHouse washing away in the Hope River Valley, Papine St. Andrew

*Nature of DISASTERS (Contds.) - Closer to Home IVAN AND DENNISHarbour View, Caribbean Terrace

*WHAT CAN YOU DO?Be Prepared!!!

In order to reduce risk/damage we must know what to do BEFORE, DURING and AFTER an EVENT.

*WHAT CAN YOU DO?BusinessesOrganize a Disaster Management Committee and make plans for the protection of staff, plant and equipment.Prepare Emergency/Disaster Plans for all Potential Hazards.Submit Plans to the Parish CouncilDevelop a policy that identifies key personnel, release procedures for employees, and method of storage for vital records and documents.Review insurance policies to ensure that there is adequate coverage.Participate in, Promote, & Patronize projects and programmes to educate staff and public about Disaster Preparedness.

*WHAT CAN YOU DO?NGOSProvide LeadershipOrganize a Community Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee and make plans for residents. Especially for the children, elderly and the physically challenged.Identify potential hazards in your community and prepare a Community Emergency Warning System.Establish a Buddy Warning System where neighbours warn and help each other in an emergency.Development Pro-active Partnerships with public/private/other NGOs.

*WHAT CAN YOU DO? BEFORE:Make a thorough check of your building and property for potential hazards.Keep at hand supplies for battening down.Clean drains near your house.Know evacuation route and nearest shelter just in case.Prepare your emergency supplies kit.The Individual

*Emergency Supply KitWarm/Safe ClothingNon-perishable Food ItemsWaterSleeping Bag/Tent/Camp Stove/BlanketFirst Aid Kit/Special MedicinesRadioFlashlightBatteriesImportant DocumentsSpecial Supplies think about things you rely on, especially in an emergency!!

*WHAT CAN YOU DO?DURING:Stay Calm.Stay in sideListen to the radioOpen the windows to the opposite side of the house.Eat the food that was on the refrigerator first.

The Individual

*WHAT CAN YOU DO?AFTER:Listen to radio for updates.Check for damage done to house & propertyClean upTelephone the St. James Parish Council Parish Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) if you need emergency assistance.

The Individual

* Role & Responsibility of the Parish Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management CommitteeManage (Plan, Organize, Coordinate, Lead, Control)Plan (Formulate goals & objective, Strategize)Organize (List, Collate, Divide, Control, Share)Coordinate (Teamwork, Delegate, Collaborate, Implement, Monitor, Adjust)Assure (Produce results, Secure, Reassure, Set minds and hearts at ease..)

*WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOINGInspecting and Re-establishment of Shelters.Training of Shelter Managers.Conducting Emergency DrillsCollaborating & Partnering with Agencies/Businesses & NGOsOrganizing activities/programmes to meet the Health & Welfare needs victims.

*WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TOMore Public Education and Awareness Programmes (Poster/Essay Competitions, Presentations, Press Releases, Community Meeting etc.).More Emergency Simulation Exercises (Fire, Earthquake, Floods, Hurricane).Greater collaboration and partnership with Agencies/CBOs/NGOs/Private Sector.Development of a Comprehensive Integrated Disaster and Emergency Management Plan for St. James.Continued dialogue with all stakeholders.

*DISASTER DO HAPPENBE PREPARED

*THE FURTHER WE ARE FROM ONE DISASTERTHE CLOSER WE ARE TO THE NEXT

*PREPARE AND PREVENT !!!RATHER THAN REPAIR AND REPENT

*THE END

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