Section 1
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
AUGUST, 1996
Section 1
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
AUGUST, 1996
Section 1
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 MISSION STATEMENT
2.0 AIM OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
3.0 AUTHORITY
SITUATION
Meteorological Hazard
Seismic/Volcanic Hazard
Technological/Man made Hazard
ASSUMPTIONS
STATE OF EMERGENCY
MASS CASUALTY EVENT
THE NATIONAL DISASTER COORDINATOR
INTRODUCTION
RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION (NEMO)
4.0 NEMO STANDING COMMITTEES
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
SUPPLIES MANAGEMENT
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTH AND WELFARE
EVALUATION AND INFORMATION
EMERGENCY WORKS/REHABILITATION/RECONSTRUCTION
5.0 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS (ODP)
ROYAL SAINT LUCIA POLICE FORCE
MIN OF WORKS
FIRE SERVICES
WATER AUTHORITY
MET SERVICES
MIN OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
MIN OF TRADE
MIN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SAINT LUCIA ELECTRICITY SERVICES LTD
SAINT LUCIA AIR AND SEA PORT AUTHORITY
MIN OF HEALTH
MIN OF PLANNING
MIN OF EDUCATION
PRIME MINISTERS OFFICE
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
SAINT LUCIA TOURIST BOARD
MIN OF AGRICULTURE
MIN OF PERSONNEL
ATTORNEY GENERALS CHAMBERS
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE
6.0 EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
7.0 SEVERE WEATHER WARNING SYSTEMS
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
9.0 RESPONSIBLITIES OF VOLENTARY ORGANISATIONS
Saint Lucia Red Cross
Saint Lucia National Council of Women’s Associations
Saint John’s Ambulance Brigade
Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters
Saint Lucia Christian Council
The Salvation Army
Adventist Development and Relief Agency
Boy Scouts
Cadet Corps
Girl Guides & Boy Scouts
Saint Lucia Amateur Radio Club
Saint Lucia Citizen Band Radio Club
10.0 DISTRICT EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
SAINT LUCIA
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1.0 MISSION STATEMENT
The role of the National Emergency Management Organisation [NEMO] is to develop, test and implement adequate measures
to protect the population of Saint Lucia from the physical, social, environmental and economic effects of both natural and
man-made disasters.
Its responsibility is to ensure the efficient functioning of preparedness, prevention, mitigation and response actions.
2.0 AIM OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
This plan is designed as the Official Guideline for National Coordination of all resources involved in emergency management
and is to be referred to in any emergency situation.
The purpose of this Plan is to outline preparedness, prevention mitigation and response activities to an emergency situation
associated with natural/man-made disaster or technological incidents on the island. It provides operational concepts relating to
the various emergency situations, describes the overall responsibilities of the National Emergency Management Organisation
[NEMO] and the role of all concerned sectors in assisting in minimizing loss of life and suffering.
It also provides for a rapid response to such disasters through maximum use of Local, National, Regional and International
resources.
The areas of prevention and mitigation are not fully developed in this Management Plan, however they are referred to in
Annexes later in the plan.
3.0 AUTHORITY
The National Disaster Management Plan documents Government's commitment to disaster preparedness, prevention,
mitigation and effective response. It defines the organisational and functional mechanisms and procedures for carrying out a
disaster program.
AUTHORITY
This Plan was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on August 1, 1996 by decision No: 1149 of 1996.
SITUATION
Hazard analysis and experience have confirmed that Saint Lucia is at risk from numerous hazards, both natural and
technological:
Meteorological Hazard:
Hurricanes, Tropical Wave, Tropical Storm, Storm Surge, Flooding, Land Slides, Drought,
Seismic/Volcanic Hazard:
Volcanic eruption, earthquake, Tsunami,
Technological/Man made Hazard:
Fire, Explosion, Hazardous material spill, Mass poisoning, Pollution, Transport accident, Civil unrest
ASSUMPTIONS
Emergencies in Saint Lucia may be categorised in two ways. Those that are preceded by a build-up [slow onset] period,
which can provide the National Disaster Office with advance warnings, which is used to facilitate timely and effective activation
of national arrangements.
Other emergencies occur with little or no advance warning thus requiring mobilization and almost instant commitment of
National resources, with prompt support from Regional and International assistance just prior to or after the onset of such
emergencies.
STATE OF EMERGENCY
If damage and circumstances warrant such action, the Governor -General will, on the advise of the Cabinet, issue a
Proclamation declaring a State of Emergency under the Emergency Powers and Declaration of Emergency, sections 14 and 17
of the Saint Lucia Constitution, Order 1978. Under such a Proclamation the Emergency Powers (Disasters) Act No. 5 of
1995 can be invoked providing the National Disaster Coordinator and/or his/her Agents with specific powers of the requisition
of resources. The Ministry of Legal Affairs is required to prepare a draft Proclamation and Regulations in advance under the
appropriate Act for proper control and management of the emergency as directed by the Cabinet.
MASS CASUALTY EVENT
Mass Casualty event can occur out of a nationwide disaster. The response to such an event, however requires the mobilisation
of resources from Health, Police, Fire, Red Cross etc. where the National Disaster Coordinator is the overall supervisor of the
response activities. He/she also has the responsibility with the Health and Welfare Sub-Committee of ensuring a permanent
state of readiness to respond to a Mass Casualty event according to the regional procedures developed with the Pan
American Health Organisation (PAHO). (Manual "Establishing a Mass Casualty System" PAHO 1995)
INTRODUCTION
The National Emergency Management Organization comprises many and varied committees, governmental and voluntary
organizations, agencies, interest groups, donors, religious bodies and individuals, all of which must be coordinated to function
as one organization in times of crisis and disorder.
This is a most difficult undertaking even in normal times, and as such great effort must be placed in planning and organizing for
the ultimate event of a national disaster.
As such, each entity must be allocated certain tasks which they will be expected to perform in preparation for a disaster, while
taking direction and guidance from a designated central focal point. The following TOR's represent these tasks, which provide
guidelines for participants in the disaster scenario, and are not intended to by any means be exhaustive.
Participants must therefore prepare their own guidelines and detailed agency plans to complement these TOR's. Detailed
agency plans must be forwarded to the ODP whenever they are formulated or revised.
The following TOR's for named public agencies and individuals must be written into their job descriptions, through the Ministry
of Personnel, Establishment and Training.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES
Each Government Agency and Public Utility Company must draw up its own internal disaster plan to be submitted to the
National Emergency Management Committee. This plan must provide for the security of the department as well as service to
the public.
These plans must specify the key persons responsible for various functions in supporting the National Emergency Management
Committee in the event of a disaster.
The Plan must outline the security arrangements and the services to the public.
Some of the functions of the various Departments and Public Utility Companies which are detailed in their departmental plans
are as follows:-
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION (NEMO)
Composition:
Decision Making Level:
Chairman - Honourable Prime Minister
Deputy Chairman - Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister
National Disaster Coordinator
Deputy Disaster Coordinator
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning
Chief Fire Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Chief of Police
Management Level:
National Sub Committees
Chairman - Telecommunications
" - Supplies Management
" - Transportation
" - Health and Welfare
" - Evaluation and Information
" - Emergency works/Rehabilitation/Reconstruction
District Sub-Committees
Chairman - Anse La Raye Sub-Committee
" - Canaries Sub-Committee
" - Soufri_re Sub-Committee
" - Choiseul Sub-Committee
" - Laborie Sub-Committee
" - Vieux-Fort Sub-Committee
" - Micoud Sub-Committee
" - Dennery Sub-Committee
" - Gros Islet Sub-Committ
" - Castries Sub-Committee
Administrative Secretary
General Responsibilities:
Carry out the functions of the NEMO between meetings of that body. The responsibility to ensure the efficient functioning of
preparedness and response, is the duty of the National Emergency Management Organisation [NEMO] the membership of
which is as follows:-
The main responsibility of the National Emergency Management Organisation is to ensure that the island is in a state of
readiness at all times to meet any natural or man-made disaster which may occur.
Some of the other principal responsibilities of the National Emergency Management Organisation include:-
Pre Disaster Activities:
Review and revise the National Disaster Management Plan annually.
Organise simulation exercises;
Prepare and maintain inventory of resources (financial, human, material);
Store and control emergency equipment and other relief supplies;
Decide on what precautionary measures should be taken when a major disaster threatens;
Ensure the preparation and circulation of evacuation plans;
Identify and maintain shelter and refugee areas;
ALERT
Meet as necessary to deal with specific disaster situations;
Ensure that effective management response procedures are in place for on-site multi-agency coordination and are supported
by:
A disaster communications network for on-site command, information sharing and relay, logistic and technical support;
Other existing telecommunications systems to serve as private single agency systems to their individual headquarters
Designated members move to the NEOC to monitor preparations and response to a national disaster
RESPONSE
Provide executive, supervisory, coordination and management functions during and after a national disaster from the NEOC,
or by regular meetings using available communications.
- Provide the resources for the administration of all aspects of assistance during and after a national disaster
- Coordinate the activities of Governmental and non-Governmental agencies in the event of a disaster;
- Advise the Government on what measures should be taken after a serious disaster has occurred;
- Organise coordination between the NEOC and District EOC’s;
- Organise and coordinate emergency relief activities, post-disaster surveys and reports;
- Inform and collaborate with inter-regional and extra-regional emergency relief organizations;
- Activate mutual aid agreements as necessary;
- Supervise requests for overseas relief assistance;
- Take charge of relief stores, equipment and funds which may be raised or received by the Government for relief purposes
and to distribute such stores and funds in the most beneficial manner to the stricken areas;
- Arrange for relief aircraft and ships, including custom clearance for relief supplies and visa for personnel;
- Ensure entry control of non-essential visitors;
- Ensure public Information, press briefings and control of broadcasting;
- Maintain warning system and ensure warning dissemination;
- Assign labour;
- Supervise post-disaster demolition and repair;
- Ensure budgetary provision;
- Relief Appropriation;
- Coordination of requests for assistance to overseas governments and non-governmental agencies;
- Issuance of notice for evacuation of areas considered unsafe;
4.0 NEMO STANDING COMMITTEES
Much of the work of the National Emergency Management Organisation will be carried out by the following
Sub-Committees:-
(1) Transportation:
Composition:
Chairperson
Deputy Chairperson - Air Transport
Representative - Ground Transport
Representative - Shipping
Coast Guard Commander
Chief Pilot, Air and Sea Port Authority
Representative of the Tourism Sector
Pre-disaster:
Maintain a list of available Land, Sea and Air transport resources from the public and private sectors;
Maintain links with district and local transport committees;
Response:
Provide transport and logistic services at National and District levels as required by the NEOC to include:
Distribution of relief and rehabilitation supplies from the docks and airport to storage areas, and shelters.
Delivery of fuel to service points
Transportation of relief workers
Transportation of the dead
Mobilize and manage all transportation resources;
Liaise with other Sub-Committees in order to respond to their transport needs;
Other
(2) Supplies Management
Composition:
Chairman - Representative of Service Clubs
Deputy Chairman - Representative of CARITAS Antilles
Rep - Saint Lucia Rotary Clubs
Rep - Saint Lucia Red Cross
Rep - Kiwanis Club
Rep - Toast Masters Club
Rep - Optimist Club
Rep - Lion's Club
Rep - Adventist Development & Relief Agency
Rep - Saint Lucia Boys Scouts
Rep - Saint Lucia Girl Guides
Rep - Saint Lucia Cadet Corps
Supplies Officer, Ministry of Trade
Controller or Rep - Customs & Excise Department
Rep - WASA
Local Government Officer - Ministry of Local Government
Rep - Chamber of Commerce
Representative of the Tourism Sector
Rep - Rotarak Club
Rep - Leo Clubs
General responsibilities:
Relief distribution
Pre-disaster:
Ensure plans exist for taking care of special groups (handicapped, aged, etc.)
Formulate a system for the equitable distribution of critical food items arriving into the Island after a disaster.
Ensure training in SUMA/RSTS system;
Identify warehouses to be used to store relief supplies;
(2) Supplies Management con’t:
Maintain a permanently updated list of in-island emergency supplies (location and quantity);
Maintain links with relief distribution network;
Develop plans and training programs for effective post-disaster, relief distribution needs, in conjunction with the Red Cross
and District Committees to include:
Provision and preservation of food.
Meal plans for shelters
Design of requisition forms to support the issue of relief supplies
Designation of staff to run these centres
Pre-determined arrangements with supermarkets, including extra goods to be stocked during the hurricane season
Assist in preparing, participating in and assessing joint annual exercises with all response services of the NEMO, and submit
after action reports to the NEMO.
Response:
Upon request of NEMO, mobilize and manage SUMA/RSTS;
Maintain a permanently available list of all received relief supplies;
Manage relief supplies at the warehouses including security;
Manage relief supplies allocation to distribution network;
Liaise with other Sub-Committees;
Maintain a list of basic foods available in the island (emergency stocks);
Liaise with the Chamber of Commerce for food contingency plan;
Assist with coordination of request for emergency supplies;
Keep records of relief supplies and other assistance received by Government and non-governmental organizations;
Assist the NEOC in the provision of emergency clothing and feeding
Document the distribution of relief supplies and donations
(3) Telecommunications:
Composition:
Chairman - Amateur Radio
Deputy Chairman - The Telecommunications Officer
General Manager, Cable & Wireless
Rep - Amateur Radio
Rep - Citizens' Band
Coordinator, Radio Operator Emergency Response Group
Rep - Tourism Sector
Responsibilities are to:
Pre-disaster:
Develop a communications plan to ensure that an adequate communications system to serve the communications needs of the
NEMO before, throughout and after a disaster exists
Advise the ODP on telecommunications matters
Advise the ODP on circuit restoration priorities and on the priority use of communications systems during and after national
disasters
Advise on the purchases of emergency telecommunications equipment for the Island and advise on the improvement,
maintenance and upgrading of this equipment.
Establish a dynamic inventory of all equipment purchased by the NEMO
Nominate a radio operator training officer and monitor his/her
performance
Develop and implement a radio operator training program in association with the radio operator training officer through the
facilities of the ODP
Make annual review and revision to the radio operator training program
Develop and conduct a simulation exercise to test equipment on an annual basis
Assist in preparing, participating in and assessing joint annual exercises with all response services of NEMO, and submit after
action reports to the NEMO.
Maintain a list of human and material resources;
Maintain a high level of readiness;
In case of Hurricane dispatch Ham radio team to the NEOC as soon as requested by the NDC;
Manage all emergency telecommunications;
Assist in the rehabilitation of the telecommunications network;
Liaise with other Sub-Committees in order to respond to their needs;
(4) Evaluation/Information:
Composition:
Chairman - Director of Statistics
Director of Meteorological Services
Principal Information Officer - GIS
Representative from Ministry of Agriculture
Director of Saint Lucia Tourist Board
Representative from SLBGA
Representative from Chamber of Commerce
Representative from Ministry of Works
Rep - Ministry of Health
Rep - Ministry of Education
Rep - Cable and Wireless
Rep - WASA
Rep - LUCELEC
Responsibilities are to:
Pre-disaster:
Design public information and education training programs for disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and assist the
ODP in the implementation of these programs.
Form part of an information dissemination network through the individual agencies represented on the committee.
Keep the public constantly aware of disaster preparedness and relief programs and procedures
Monitor available educational and mass communications resources
Establish a dynamic inventory of all training material purchased by the NEMO
Advise the ODP on public relations and information matters
Assist in preparing, participating in and assessing joint annual exercises with all response services of the NEMO, and submit
after action reports to the NEMO.
In liaison with other Sub-Committees, maintain an exhaustive list of all human and material resources to be utilized in case of
disaster;
Develop and broadcast messages for public information/education;
Assist in Hurricane warning/alert procedures;
Establish clear procedures, guidelines, training programs and simulations for local, regional and International multi-agency,
post-disaster damage assessment, to facilitate completion of initial damage assessment within 48 hours after a disaster.
Assess the potential damage to existing human and material assets in the event of various types of disasters, and maintain a
database of corresponding requirements.
Design forms for:
Rapid initial damage assessment
Detailed sectoral damage assessment
Response:
Deploy the damage assessment team on a quick reconnaissance of the Island for a rapid overview of the situation as soon as
the all clear is given.
Coordinate initial damage assessment surveys among agencies
(including Architects, Engineers, Foremen, donor agencies and CDRU survey teams) through the NEMO, so as to facilitate
rapid damage assessment to public and private structures and drainage immediately after a disaster.
Coordinate statisticians and data entry personnel and have them on hand to enter and tabulate damage assessment figures at
the NEMO
Submit to the NEMO, within 48 Hours of a disaster, an initial situation report of the damage faced by all sectors in the Island
to include:
Communications facilities Buildings
Agriculture Tourism
Fisheries Jetties
Airport Runways and Taxi ways
Harbours Roads
Bridges Drainage
Power supply Water supply
Casualties
Hazardous materials storage Reservoirs
Maintain a permanently updated list of needs;
Keep the NEMO permanently informed of damage and needs;
Assist in preparing international assistance requests;
In liaison with the Supplies Management Sub-Committee maintain a list of all relief supplies received;
Assist in Hurricane warning/alert procedures;
In coordination with the NEMO provide all pertinent information to the public;
Liaise with other Sub-Committees in order to respond to their needs;
Provide Personnel to man situation boards in the NEMO;
5) Health and Welfare:
Composition:
Chairman - President Saint Lucia Red Cross Society
Deputy Chairman - Chief Medical Officer or Representative of Ministry of Health
Director General - Saint Lucia Red Cross
All Hospital Administrators
Chief Environmental Health Officer
Head - Nutrition Unit, Ministry of Health
Chief Education Officer or Representative
Saint John's Ambulance Brigade
Representative of Fire Department
Coast Guard
Saint Lucia Cadet Corps
Director - Social Services (Min of Social Affairs)
Rep - Tourism Sector
Responsibilities are to:
Pre-disaster:
Establish and test plans for welfare relief
Develop mass casualty management plans, training programs and simulations to satisfy all aspects relating to Health matters in
the event of a national disaster
Assist in preparing, participating in and assessing joint annual exercises with all response services of the NEMO, and submit
after action reports to the NEMO.
Maintain a high level of readiness to respond to a mass casualty event;
Maintain accurate data on day to day public health problems;
Assist District Emergency Committees in identifying and maintaining appropriate shelters;
Decide on the opening of shelters in consultation with the NDC;
Develop with the Transportation Sub-Committee and Supplies and Management Sub-Committee a food distribution
contingency plan;
Response:
Assist the NDC in managing the response to a mass casualty event;
Implement and manage post-disaster public health activities (water quality control, waste disposal, vector and pest control,
epidemiological surveillance, etc...);
Assist the District Emergency Committees in shelter management;
Maintain a list of people in shelters;
Participate in the evaluation of population's welfare needs;
Assist in food distribution;
Supervise all welfare activities;
Liaise with other Sub-Committees in order to respond to their needs;
6) Emergency Works/Rehabilitation/Reconstruction:
Composition:
Chairman - Chief Engineer, Ministry of Works
Deputy Chairman - Permanent Secretary Planning
Town Clerk, Castries City Council
Planning Officer - Ministry of Health
Local Government Officer
Executive Director Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association
Rep - WASA
Rep - LUCELEC
Responsibilities are to:
Pre-disaster:
Assist in preparing, participating in and assessing joint annual exercises with all response services of the NEMO, and submit
after action reports to the NEMO.
Maintain a list of all necessary light and heavy equipment (from chain saw to bulldozer);
Maintain a list of all voluntary personnel for immediate post impact action;
Identify potential communication and public utilities failures and prepare contingency plans;
Maintain close contact with WASA, LUCELEC and main private contractors;
Assist in developing memorandum of understanding with private companies;
Assist in the implementation of mitigation measures;
Response:
Assist in initial assessment;
Ensure the prompt reopening of main roads and airports;
Ensure the prompt restoration of main public utilities;
Assist District Emergency Committees in their emergency work;
Participate in rehabilitation/reconstruction process;
Ensure that mitigation measures are included in rehabilitation/reconstruction process;
Liaise with other Sub-Committees in order to respond to their needs;