National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), Antigua, March 22nd, 2013 - Eighteen individuals from various communities have boosted their knowledge of shelter management and initial damage assessment - two critical areas of the disaster management process.
The volunteers completed four days of training hosted by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) and facilitated by USAID Consultant Dominica-born Cecil Shillingford, who is assigned to Antigua and Barbuda and several other Caribbean islands.
The March 18 – 21 sessions looked at the national disaster management programme, the administration and operations of shelters, problem solving and conducting an initial damage assessment. The participants were provided with guides, handbooks and checklists to aid in the selection, preparation, maintenance and operational management of shelters.
It was noted that the duties and responsibilities of a Shelter Manager was more than just opening and closing a shelter but entails proper management of the facility and human resources.
On the topic of initial damage assessment, participants were equipped with the knowledge of what is required for conducting such an evaluation, which is done within the first 48 hours of the impact of a disaster. This would include the needs, techniques and steps for conducting an initial damage assessment and determining the levels of damage.
The assessment process follows agreed international recommendations on classification of damage.
With the added knowledge, the course participants have been encouraged to speak to the issues of disaster management in their communities so that more can be done to reduce risks throughout the island.