ALERT

Permit and encourage government staff not specifically required for response work, to join volunteer groups and assist as necessary.

RESPONSE

Department Liaison Officers activate their department disaster plans

Continue to exercise normal functions as far as possible during and after the disaster

General Responsibilities:

PRE-DISASTER

Review and update national disaster plan annually and submit revised plan to the NEMO through the ODP by 31 March of each year

ALERT

Declare a State of Emergency, if necessary;

Composition:

National Disaster Coordinator (NDC)
Deputy Coordinator
Secretary
Cleaner

General Responsibilities:

Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness and Response coordination
Short term Recovery Support Planning

Mutual aid agreements

Admin. support for the NEMO

Coordination of requests, pledges and donations

Relief coordination

Disaster management training

Coordination of volunteers

Public Information

Communications

Pre-disaster:

Provide administrative and secretarial functions for the NEMO

Implement all policy decisions made by the NEMO

Design and implement a comprehensive Disaster Management

Program, involving all districts and for phases of the disaster management cycle in order to adequately prevent, prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from a disaster.

Make provisions in response plans for CDERA, CDRU, Donor groups and other agencies with which mutual aid agreements have been developed.

Identify training needs and design a training program to meet these needs.

Establish a three year program for training of persons to support emergency management actions

Prepare an annual work program outlining the projects and training programs to be undertaken for that year, which, must be approved by NEMO.

Ensure that all emergency response services are in the state of readiness to provide relief to victims of a disaster within 24 to 36 hours after such occurrence

Design, maintain and upgrade an emergency telecommunications system to ensure the coordination of emergency operations involving emergency services (security, health, fire, public utilities, private and voluntary groups, CBers, Amateurs, etc.)

Establish and support District Emergency Committees that will coordinate response activities in the event of a disaster.

Monitor the activities of the District Emergency Committees to assess their state of preparedness, and impart information to, and receive information from them, on current membership.

Liaise with all government departments on disaster management issues and assist in the development and testing of disaster preparedness and response plans.

Before a Hurricane ensure that government vehicles are made available to the EOC;

Define and review roles of key agencies in disaster management.

Identify alternate headquarters for all key Gov’t offices and develop relocation plans

Develop a network with government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector for disaster mitigation and preparedness activities.

Prepare budgets and financial statements for disaster related activities and programs.

Design, plan and run annual field simulation exercises as necessary to include all aspects and agencies involved in disaster response, to adequately enhance disaster preparedness and awareness.

Obtain and collate regular weather reports from the National Weather Service, during the hurricane season.

Transmit to the NEMO and other relevant government departments, full details of any weather forecast likely to adversely affect the Island.

Participate in regional and international disaster preparedness activities with a view to improving the local systems, sharing information and facilitating a transfer of technology.

Identify ongoing bilateral and multilateral technical cooperation programs which can facilitate development of national disaster program objectives.

Develop action plans, training programs and simulations for the selection, upgrading, maintenance, alert, notification, management, opening and closing of the Island's emergency shelters in the event of a national disaster.

Update and maintain a shelter managers list for the Island.

Prepare District Chairmen to respond to disasters

Develop job specifications for District Chairmen

Develop and maintain a list of Territorial emergency resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, supplies, etc.) and undertake a continuous program for upgrading and enhancing these resources.

Arrange hazard and risk assessments of the Island and use the information to design and implement a hazard/loss reduction program, focusing on key areas such as critical facilities, housing, agriculture, tourism, ports and shipping.

Establish a three year program to review loss reduction measures involving the Ministry of Planning, geological research, housing agencies and vocational training institutions, as well as professional organizations (Architects, Engineers, etc.)

Review legal arrangements for disaster action

Review and catalogue past disaster events and list credible emergency events

Develop an emergency shelter policy and training program.

Establish and equip a suitable EOC capable of handling emergency communications, and facilitating coordination of emergency responses involving many services.

Treat disaster planning as an ongoing process of public education, training, inventory and resource procurement and not as development of a paper plan

Develop and maintain a data bank of disaster preparedness activities and general disaster management information as it relates to the Island,

ALERT

Alert all key emergency services including:
Cable & Wireless
Ministry of Works
Police Fire Services
Volunteers
Red Cross
Saint Johns Ambulance
Government Information Service
Media
Other

Alert members of the NEMO

Notify all PS's of the impending disaster and:

Instruct them to inform their Departments and staff

Direct them to activate their emergency plans and to take all precautionary measures

Ensure adequate communications exists between the NEMO and key essential services

Issue instructions, warnings, and other relevant information to the public by radio, or other available means through the GIS.

Alert District Chairmen and instruct them to:

Activate their District emergency plans
Notify their respective districts of the impending disaster
Alert Amateur Radio and maintain contact throughout the disaster
Alert major voluntary organizations & NGO's to activate their emergency plans

General Responsibilities:

Security and law enforcement
Crowd control
Protection of Life, property and prevention of vandalism
Evacuation
Transport accidents (Land/Sea)
Search & rescue (Sea)
Provide assistance at the EOC

Pre-disaster:

Develop a deployment plan and training program to cope with:
The evacuation of persons from any point within the Island to and from designated shelters;
Formulate comprehensive search and rescue plans, training programs and simulations to include search and rescue at sea;
Ensure that adequate arrangements exist for the maintenance of law and order during and after a disaster;

Develop and test procedures for mass evacuations;

Develop procedures for dealing with cases involving missing persons and the identification and handling of dead, including the collection and protection of their property;

Participate in training activities and simulations organized by the ODP;

ALERT

Police Commissioner or Rep reports to NEOC;

Utilise the Emergency Broadcast System (under negotiation) to ensure effective dissemination of warning information to communities likely to be affected;

Maintain a state of readiness to respond to requests from NEOC for assistance;

Ensure all police officers are on duty 24 hours before the emergency, if sufficient warning is given;

Ensure that all Police Stations have lamps and Hurricane flags;

Ensure that all stations display the appropriate warning;

Ensure that all Officers in charge of a Station make a Police Vehicle and driver available to assist the local District Committee with warning persons in their area of an impending storm;

Coordinate the evacuation of victims to shelters in conjunction with the
NEOC;

RESPONSE

Ensure all members report for duty immediately after the disaster;

Provide support to authorities when such assistance is requested through the NEOC, except in cases where immediate action is necessary to save lives or to prevent extensive loss or damage to property;

Coordinate the evacuation of victims to and from shelters, through the NEOC;

Provide crowd and traffic control services especially to and from disaster sites and hospitals;

Assist with search and rescue operations in association with the Fire Services and NEOC;

Provide resources for maintaining security during and after disasters at sites to include the NEOC, shelters, hospitals, evacuated areas, and the homes of response personnel;

Coordinate evacuation activities in association with the NEOC and RSLPF;

Assist with the location and tracing of missing persons;

Assist with communications as necessary;

Provide support for the CDRU (if deployed);

Provide the on-scene commander for evacuations, transport accidents and crowd control situations;

Provide the on-scene commander for marine emergencies and disasters;

Provide emergency telecommunications;

Issue warnings from police stations;

Protect relief stores and emergency centres;

Assist in rescue work;

Coordinate Air/Sea rescue;

Coordinate emergency response with Health/Fire/ Red Cross to deal with Mass Casualty events;

Provide Coast Guard Services

General Responsibilities:

Roads and buildings
Water
Civil aviation
Ports
Telecommunications frequency allocation
Inspection of buildings, roads, bridges, jetties, runways and taxi ways, harbours, pipelines, reservoirs, and tanks
Road clearance/debris removal
Emergency Transport
Disposal of solid waste

PRE-DISASTER

Monitor communications spectrum and allocate frequencies for emergency use

Develop a deployment plan and training program to cope with transportation, road clearance and logistic requirements at national and district levels, to include but not be limited to:
A resource list of all heavy equipment available for use in a disaster throughout the Island
Relief drivers to assist in road clearance.
The clearing of main roads and for the movement of emergency personnel and relief supplies as soon as possible after a disaster
Identification of solid waste disposal and land fill sites

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;

Develop, test and upgrade departmental disaster plans;

Inspect and repair Gov’t buildings to ensure adequacy to withstand natural disasters;

Complete repairs for selected Gov’t buildings before 15 May each year and report to NEMO Chairman through the ODP;

Maintain drainage systems and other infrastructure designed to reduce the effects of disasters;

Be responsible for the construction, inspection, maintenance, and retrofitting of the Island’s emergency shelters;

Provide expertise in engineering construction and property management to the ODP;

Conduct inventory of equipment and supplies held by private contractors and builders;

Maintain public infrastructure facilities to be utilised during emergencies;

Undertake necessary measures such as flood damage mitigation program during emergency or as the need arises;

Maintain/improve channel capacity to minimise bank overflow from the Dam;

Coordinate with the Dam authorities during Dam discharge warning operation;

Assess the downstream areas likely to be affected by the release of dam water upon receipt of flood warning or dam discharge warning;

Assist in the preparation of flood risks maps;

ALERT

Preposition heavy equipment in strategic locations to reduce time that key routes are closed or partially closed after a disaster;

Secure government buildings and homes of key response personnel as directed by the NEOC;

RESPONSE

Clear roads and dispose of debris as directed by the NEOC;

Provide engineering and construction resources for emergency operations;

Secure temporary accommodation for Gov’t operations as required;

Restore key roads, bridges etc., by carrying out short term repairs, debris clearance, refuse disposal, diversions, demolition’s etc. in association with the NEOC;

Assist in rescue operations in association with the NEOC and Fire Services;

Assist the District Emergency Committees with the establishment and maintenance of shelters;

Demolish unsafe buildings after the hurricane or other disaster;

Arrange with the Transportation Sub-Committee for emergency transportation;

Coordinate restoration of Public Utilities Services after a disaster;

Assist with Damage Assessment;

General Responsibilities:

???? Chemical and fuel spillage (land)
Search and Rescue (land)
Evacuation assistance
Fire fighting
Hazardous material response

PRE-DISASTER

Develop internal plans, training programs and simulations for fire fighting and other emergency response.

Formulate comprehensive search and rescue plans, training programs and simulations to cope with:

Search and rescue of trapped persons to include:

Vehicle extraction
Rescue from collapsed buildings
High angle rescue
Other

First aid treatment for disaster victims

Triage and hospital evacuation for victims

Liaise with ODP, and the Airport Manager

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.

Regulate the transportation of hazardous materials on public roads

ALERT

Maintain a state of readiness to respond to requests from NEOC for assistance

Ensure all fire officers are on duty 24 hours before the emergency, if sufficient warning is given.

Warn and pre-position rescue personnel

RESPONSE

Ensure all members report for duty immediately after the disaster

Provide support to authorities when such assistance is requested through the NEOC, except in cases where immediate action is necessary to save lives or to prevent extensive loss or damage to property.

Provide the on-scene commander for fire fighting and search and rescue operations.

Coordinate rescue of trapped or dislocated persons in post disaster operations, in association with the NEOC

Participate in Mass Casualty response with Health, Police and Red Cross

Assist with the pumping of waters from flooded areas

Assist in first-aid

Assist in providing ambulance services

Assist with cleaning of pollution

Provide Airport fire-fighting and emergency response

6. WATER AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY

General Responsibilities:


PRE-DISASTER

Survey possible sources of assistance for the transportation of water.

Survey possible alternative water supplies and arrange for them to be brought into use should it become necessary;

Ensure that stocks of pipes, fittings and equipment for repairs, and stocks of chlorine are held at key positions;

Develop, test and upgrade agency disaster plans

Initiate arrangements with private water companies to act as complementary suppliers of fresh water

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

Coordinate with the Dam authorities on operations;

Assist in the determination of down stream areas likely to be affected by the release of Dam water

ALERT

Secure water supplies for immediate post disaster use

Ensure that drivers with their vehicles and work crew are deployed at WASA Headquarters and treatment plants to go into action when necessary;

RESPONSE:

Assess damage to all public and private water supply facilities, related drainage, and protective works in association with the Evaluation Committee and NEOC.

Ensure the safe quality of water both in the mains and delivered by tankers.

If necessary arrange for the hire of trucks and tanks for the delivery of water.

Monitor Water pollution levels

Inspect pipelines, reservoirs and tanks

Restore key water supply points etc., by carrying out short term repairs

7. METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

General Responsibilities:

PRE-DISASTER

Keep National Disaster Coordinator permanently informed of weather conditions well ahead for decision making;

Assess the possible effect of the forecast precipitation on the water level at the Dam;

Together with Dam Authorities provide information regarding Dam discharge warning time, date volume and duration of the impending water release;


ALERT

Contact the following persons for details of hurricane (or other systems) via radio:


Emergency Operations Centre;
Commissioner of Police;
General Manager, Saint. Lucia Air & Sea;
Chief Information Officer;

Advise on issue and display of warnings from lighthouses and police stations and discontinuation when the emergency is over;

Consult with the NDC before releasing weather advisory and issues;

Send to the NDC latest weather advisory before sending to the media;

Assist the National Emergency Management Organisation in deciding on alert levels and on evacuation of vulnerable areas;

RESPONSE
The Main Met. Office at Vieux-Fort will provide twenty-four hour service in the event of a hurricane or other system. The Vigie Met. Office will serve as back-up information service;

8. MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT:

General Responsibilities:

PRE-DISASTER

Assist in establishing District Emergency Committees;

Assist with the training of members of District Emergency Committees and members of other voluntary groups to provide emergency relief assistance;

Assist in establishing Emergency Shelters other than schools;

Coordinate with Dam authorities on flood forecasting and warning operations and establish a working relationship with the National Emergency Management Organistion on matters relating to education drive, information dissemination and community preparedness;

Ensure that all Towns and Village Councils and are in a state of readiness and their staff are available to assist NEMO;

RESPONSE

Assist in registering persons being admitted in shelters;

Investigate reports of disaster victims needing assistance;

Provide advice and facilitate the receipt of assistance;

Assist in the distribution of emergency food supplies;

9. MINISTRY OF TRADE:

General Responsibilities:

PRE-DISASTER
Assist Supplies Management Sub-Committee by:

Collaborating with merchants in the maintenance of adequate stocks of food supplies, building materials, etc. especially during the hurricane season;

Arrange for the establishment of a warehouse at Soufriére and at Vieux Fort before the hurricane season for the storage of food supplies;

Make available to the NEMO basic food items in stock, when necessary before or after a hurricane or other disaster

Arrange for the supply of fuel for emergency purposes

Maintain accurate information on the levels of essential food items, gasoline, kerosene, building materials, etc.;

Ensure that safety and performance standards and specifications of consumer products are adequate.

10. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

General Responsibilities:

Requests for external assistance
Liaison with donors

RESPONSE

After a hurricane or other disaster the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with its overseas Missions, will:

Act as in its conventional role of being a liaison between the Government of Saint Lucia and other Governments and International Organizations.

Participate with the National Emergency Management Committee in the coordination of relief efforts to Saint Lucia being provided by other Governments and external agencies.

11. SAINT LUCIA ELECTRICITY SERVICES LTD

General Responsibilities:

Electricity services

PRE-DISASTER

Develop, test and upgrade agency disaster plans.

Ensure that adequate stocks of fuel and other electrical supplies are readily available in the event of a disaster.

Ensure that electricity poles and lines are in adequate condition to withstand potential disasters

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.

ALERT

Maintain contact with NEOC and advise on action which the Company will be taking as the hurricane progresses;

Turn off electricity supply and close down Power Stations when the force of winds make it dangerous to the public to continue the supply;

RESPONSE

Restore the services, giving priority to hospitals and health centres, Water- Works and the City of Castries, Police and Fire Stations, Sewerage pumping stations, Food supply points;

Make a report as early as possible on the damage sustained and restoration of electricity supplies;

Assist with damage assessment in association with the NEOC and Evaluation Committee

12. SAINT LUCIA AIR AND SEA PORT AUTHORITY

General Responsibilities:

Fire, chemical and fuel spillage at sea
Transport accidents at sea
Inspection of jetties, piers and harbours
Air accidents
Inspection of runways and taxi ways
Airport security

PRE-DISASTER

Develop, test and upgrade agency disaster plans.

Provide security and emergency service at airports

Develop, test and maintain effective Airport disaster plans which interfaces closely with the national disaster plan

Carry out joint simulation exercises every two years on all aspects of airport emergency response and coordination to include mass casualty management, on-site command, communications and logistics, infrastructural planning, and manpower deployment and control in association with ODP and other Gov’t departments and submit after ction reports to the NEMO

Develop a deployment plan and training program to cope with:

Contingency plans and procedures for marine accidents.

Contingency plans for the loss of port facilities.

Develop a comprehensive list of all marine craft in the Island, including mooring locations, ownership and occupancy

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.

ALERT

Provide warning of potential air emergencies which may require "off-airport" resources.

RESPONSE

Provide the on-scene commander for all incidents at the airport involving aircraft.

Provide support for aircraft emergency operations off the airport as requested by the NEMO

Assist with damage assessments in association with the NEMO and Evaluations Committee.

Provide professional, technical and operational advice to the ODP/NEOC, related to marine emergencies and disasters

Control marine traffic and assess effects of disasters on harbours, jetties, shipping, yachts, and harbour infrastructure and submit to evaluation committee.

13. MINISTRY OF HEALTH

General responsibilities:

Mass casualty management
First aid
Setting up casualty stations
Ensure the identification, care and disposal of the dead
Ensure the purity of water

PRE-DISASTER

Develop, test and upgrade agency disaster plans

Ensure that hospitals and health centres prepare disaster plans and are prepared to take in disaster casualties;

Equip first-aid stations with first-aid boxes and other medical supplies;

Assist District Emergency Committees in providing first-aid training for their members and others and in any other matters affecting public health;

Undertake formal training with Police/Fire/Airport/Red Cross and Saint. John Ambulance to deal with Mass Casualty Management;

Establish plans and procedures in collaboration with the ODP, Red Cross and other emergency response agencies.

Advise the ODP on matters relating to the protection of environmental health

Maintain a database of special provisions (e.g. medication) to be made for persons in the district, in the event that they have to be moved to shelters.

ALERT

Call up and deploy emergency medical personnel

Distribute medical supplies to designated district casualty

RESPONSE

Ensure epidemiological surveillance;

Coordinate the distribution of medical supplies to emergency shelters.

Coordinate the deployment and control of medical personnel.

Monitor the implementation of the Health Services disaster plan

Carry out first aid treatment and triage of victims as required

Assist with damage assessment as it relates to casualties and environmental health issues, in association with the NEOC and damage survey team.

Control the portability of water supplies;

Establish coordination procedures with Saint Jude Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Soufriére Hospital, Dennery Hospital, Golden Hope Hospital, Senior Citizens Homes, Malgretout, Saint Lucia Red Cross, Saint John Council;

Collaborate with the Health and Welfare Sub-Committee in establishing shelters and supervising the sanitation aspect;

In coordination with the NEOC have responsibility for the request and distribution of emergency medical supplies and report findings to evaluation committee;

14. MINISTRY OF PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

General Responsibilities:

Building codes
Damage assessment assistance
Information systems

PRE-DISASTER

Use the hazard and risk assessments of the Island as spatial planning tools

Liaise with the ODP for hazard specific information prior to the approval of physical development projects.

Ensure that building codes adequately account for disaster risks and that such codes are enforced

RESPONSE

Working with the statistician, Ministry of Communications and Works and all able personnel in his/her dept., prepare damage estimates for the NEOC

Ensure construction standards are appropriate to the level of risk from various hazards and review current methods of enforcement in the public and private sectors.

Adopt appropriate conservation policies and propose the implementation of environmental impact assignments for development projects with a view to reducing vulnerability to natural hazards

Monitor the level of investment in high risk areas of the Island, and enforce land use and physical planning legislation designed to reduce the use of such lands to acceptable levels.

Ensure that national and district plans take adequate account of disaster risk and vulnerability

Ensure that potential hazards are considered when undertaking development planning and spatial development projects.

Maintain a current capital stock inventory for all Gov’t property and resources in the Island

Develop a system of needs assessment which incorporates an ongoing inventory of supplies within the Island.

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.

Ensure that data processing and information systems are available to support emergency operations through the NEOC

Establish a database of names and likely housing needs for persons living under sub-standard housing conditions.

Ensure that policies, procedures and protocols for obtaining international disaster relief are formulated and circulated to all departments

Ensure that disaster issues are taken into consideration in preparation of economic development projects

Assist the ODP in securing regional and international funding for work program projects.

Assist the Evaluation Committee with inspections and damage assessment

Facilitate payments for emergency supplies.

Collect and maintain statistics of damage;

Process of data about the disaster;

Provide support to all major response agencies as appropriate

Keep a record of assistance received from Governments and non- governmental organizations;

15. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

General Responsibilities:

PRE-DISASTER

Collaborate with the Health and Welfare Sub-Committee and with the District Emergency Committees by:

Selecting schools to be used as shelters and appointing staff to operate shelters;

Training shelter staff;

Distributing supplies to shelter occupants;

Preparing a manual of Instructions for shelter supervisors;

Keeping a register of shelter occupants;

Ensuring that shelters in schools have first-aid boxes, cooking equipment, toilet facilities;

Assisting with public awareness program in schools;

Participating in the inspection and maintenance of all public buildings designated as Emergency shelters;

Coordinate with ODP in the dissemination of general information on disaster preparedness in educational institutions

Ensure that information on standard operating procedures to be undertaken during a disaster is distributed to educational institutions

Ensure that schools are prepared to deal with all disasters and enforce fire and earthquake drills

Ensure that all educational facilities likely to be required as public shelters are in good repair and that arrangements exist for their security and refurbishing after use as shelters

Liaise with District Emergency Committees so as to obtain information on the local disaster plans and encourage the development of district arrangements to reduce the effects of disasters

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.

ALERT

Instruct principals to securely batten all schools and listen for instructions for the opening of shelters;

Evacuation of Schools

RESPONSE

Assist the NEOC with the evacuation of school children.

16. MINISTRY OF FINANCE

General Responsibilities:

Estimate the amounts needed for relief and rehabilitation;
Budgetary provision for essential urgent expenditure;
Financial arrangements
Insurance arrangements

PRE-DISASTER

Develop plans and procedures for the disbursement of financial assistance to victims of a disaster

Prepare guidelines and qualification requirements for the receipt of financial assistance by victims from the Government in the response and recovery period

Establish guidelines and procedures for financial compensation of private individuals and companies whose services may be required in the response and recovery phases.

Initiate the formation of a disaster relief fund and develop priorities and procedures for its use

Manage and administer the disaster relief fund

Report annually to the Minister of Finance on the activity and administration of the fund.

Create standing arrangements for financing emergency operations, including relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities, without unnecessary delays.

Maintain a standard formula for the quick release of funds to procure items needed for disaster relief, reconstruction and mitigation

Provide support for the national mitigation plan and mitigation projects

Ensure that insurance programs appropriate to the level of hazard risks are made available

RESPONSE

Ensure that critical food stocks arriving in the Island after a disaster are properly distributed and that prices are maintained at reasonable levels.

17. SAINT LUCIA TOURIST BOARD

General Responsibilities:

Tourist welfare and information

PRE-DISASTER

Ensure that all resorts have adequate safety standards and up-to-date contingency plans for emergencies and disasters, including provisions for the rapid evacuation of tourists in the event of a major disaster

RESPONSE

Maintain close liaison with all Resorts and Embassies regarding the well being of visitors

18. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LANDS, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY

General Responsibilities:

Safety of fishing boats and equipment;
Safety of livestock;
Statistics of damage to agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forests;
Industrial safety
Exotic animal disease
Protection of waterways and marine environment

PRE-DISASTER

Establish, maintain, monitor and enforce adequate safety standards in industrial plants in order to minimize the occurrence of industrial related disasters (e.g. pollutants from industry, air pollution etc.) and disposal sites

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

Assess agricultural damage and needs in association with the NEOC and Evaluation Committee.

Commence a survey of damage done to crops, beaches, coastlines, parks and other environmental areas, and report to the NEOC

Assist with the coordination of resources and manpower for information, warnings and response to all environmental disasters in association with the NEOC

In association with the NEOC, assist with the coordination of all counter measures needed to control or eradicate the outbreak of any exotic animal or plant disease

Organize relief measures, in association with the NEOC, for any situation which has a significant effect on animal welfare

19. MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL & ESTABLISHMENT

General Responsibilities:

Provision of manpower
Safety and performance standards

PRE-DISASTER

Establish standing disaster procedures in all agencies to ensure the safety of Gov’t officers and records

Promulgate guidelines for closing and opening Gov’t offices before and after disasters

Maintain adequate storage and emergency supplies

Arrange for the staffing of welfare centres

ALERT

Provide Admin. support staff for the NEMO

20. ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS

General Responsibilities:

Legal advice

PRE-DISASTER

Provide legal guidance on the review and development of appropriate legislation for the ODP including counter measures employed during a disaster and the use and demolition of private property

Provide for the development and legal authority of evacuation orders

21. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE (GIS)

General Responsibilities:

Public information

PRE-DISASTER

Provide public information for the NEMO

Assist in the development and implementation of a national public awareness and education program for all sectors of the country involving the mass media, schools, voluntary agencies, etc. This program should be ongoing and should focus on educating the public and response personnel on prevention, reduction and preparedness measures.

Develop warning systems to warn the public in the absence of mass media

Establish priorities for disaster information and education for public media, before, during and after a disaster

Arrange with local media for talks and publication of disaster preparedness and prevention information;

Control the dissemination of information during and after a disaster;

Inform persons in vulnerable areas to evacuate and the whereabouts of emergency shelters as instructed by the NEOC

Coordinate with Government and private media in educating the public on Dam and public safety measures

ALERT

Chief Information Officer reports to the NEOC

Provide staff for the dissemination of Information from the NEOC

Provide public information service to disseminate warning information/mitigation measures in connection with Dam water releases

RESPONSE

Keep the public advised of the situation by regular updates, in association with the NEOC, to include information on:

Missing persons
Precautionary and survival measures
Food and water distribution points
Feeding sites
Medical attention points
Temporary housing/shelter
Reports of damage to homes
How to cope with disasters
Gov’t policies, regulations and procedures relating to disasters
Other

Maintain liaison with the NDC to ensure that public information is handled properly so as to minimize adverse publicity

22. THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (EOC)

LOCATION

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), is located in the Red Cross Building, Vigie, Castries. The alternate location is the Police Training School at La Toc.

FUNCTIONS

The EOC will manage all activities before, during and immediately after an emergency. The EOC will coordinate all emergency services and will supervise all communications to officials and to the public. The EOC will be coordinated by the NDC.

CONCEPT OF OPERATION

The EOC will be manned by two teams working in rotation.

TEAM 1
In the event of an emergency necessitating the activation of the Centre the members of the Team will report for duty when summoned over the radio or called by telephone or other means of communication.

Team 1 will comprise:-

PS in the Prime Minister's Office (Director of Operation)
National Disaster Coordinator
Permanent Secretary, Establishment
Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs,
Chief Medical Officer
Police Commissioner
Chief Fire Officer
Broadcasting Technicians: GIS, RSL, RCI, Helen FM (with their equipment)
Amateur Radio/Citizen Band Clubs Team (with their equipment)
Chairmen of National Sub-Committees
Members of the SSU
Stenographer/Typist

TEAM 2

TEAM 2 will report for duty twelve hours after the activation of the EOC and will comprise:-

Permanent Secretary, Planning (Director of Operations)
Deputy National Disaster Coordinator
Principal Assistant Secretary, Establishment
Principal Assistant Secretary, Foreign Affairs,
Medical Officer of Health
Deputy Police Commissioner
Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Broadcasting Technicians: GIS, RSL, RCI, Helen FM (with their equipment)
Amateur Radio/Citizen's Band Operators (with equipment)
Deputy Chairmen of National Sub-Committees
Stenographer/Typist


Members of the Public Service and Teaching Service will report as soon as possible at their normal place of work or at such stations as set out in the departmental contingency plan. Public Servants and Teachers may be required to undertake special assignments to deal with the emergency and must listen to the radio for announcements and instructions.

FUNCTIONS OF TEAMS:

- Overall coordination, operation and management of relief assistance;
- To give general directives to officials and other persons responsible for emergency operations;
- To report to the Prime Minister and Cabinet;
- To regulate the release of information about the state of affairs at National and International levels;
- To keep accurate records of all casualties, damage, and action taken or ordered;

6.0 EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM


TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE

The Emergency Alert System is in three phases.

PHASE 1. ADVISORY.

On detecting that a tropical storm/hurricanes is in the area.

PHASE 2. HURRICANE WATCH.

When there is a threat of hurricane conditions (winds exceed 74 m.p.h.) affecting the area within 24-36 hours.

PHASE 3. HURRICANE WARNING.

Alert 1
When Hurricane conditions are expected to affect the island within 24 hours.

Alert 2
When Hurricane conditions are expected to affect the island within 12 hours.

Alert 3
When Hurricane conditions are expected to affect the island within 6 hours.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN AT EACH PHASE

PHASE I: ADVISORY

Director of Meteorological Services:
- Prepare text of Advisory Bulletin;
- Call the National Disaster Coordinator;
- Distribute Advisory Bulletin;

Disaster Coordinator:
- Liaise with the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office;
- Call the Chairmen of all District and Local Sub- Committees;
- Inform the Emergency Committee Chairman or Secretary;


PHASE II: WATCH

Director of Meteorological Services:
- Prepare text of Watch Bulletin;
- Call National Disaster Coordinator;
- Distribute Watch Bulletin;
- Advise Police and Light houses on hoisting of signs;

Disaster Coordinator:
- Liaise with the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office;
- Call the Chairmen of all Sub-Committees;
- Call the District Emergency Committees;

Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office:
- Inform the Prime Minister;
- Inform Permanent Secretaries;

Chairman of Evaluation and Information Sub-Committee:
- Call Radio Stations and arrange for hourly broadcast of weather advisories and hurricane precautions;
- Advise public to be alert for announcements by Radio and TV;

Chairman of Telecommunications Sub-Committee:
- Activate the Telecommunications Plan;
- Alert president or other contact persons of Amateur Radio Club and CB Club;
- Ensure that there is direct contact between Emergency Operations Centre and Met. Office at Vieux Fort;

Chairman of Health and Welfare Sub-Committee:
- Contact shelter managers;
- Contact the Chief Medical Officer;

Commissioner of Police:
- Prepare for hoisting warning signals on instructions from Met. Office;
- Inform all Police Stations;
- Place the SSU on stand-by to respond to any request from EOC;

Heads of Departments and Public Utility Companies:
- Ensure that all personnel are ready for immediate implementation of emergency operation plan;

Members National Emergency Management Organisation:
- Stand-by for meeting at Emergency Operations Centre;
- Listen to RSL, RCI and Helen FM for announcements;


PHASE III: WARNING

ALERT 1: 24 Hours before expected impact:

Director of Meteorological Services:
- Prepare text of Warning Bulletin;
- Call the National Disaster Coordinator;
- Distribute Warning Bulletin;
- Advise Police and Light Houses on hoisting of signs;
- Participate in Pre Hurricane meeting;
Disaster Coordinator:
- Liaise with the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office;
- Activate the EOC;
- Alert the Chairmen of all Sub-Committees;
- Alert the District Emergency Committee Chairman or Secretary;
- Advise the public to rush final preparations (food supplies, water storage, house protection etc.);
- Organise a Pre Hurricane meeting with Teams I & II 12 hours before expected impact;

Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office:
- Inform the Prime Minister;
- Alert Permanent Secretaries;
- Request all government vehicles to be fully gassed up, parked at the Government Buildings, Castries Waterfront or the nearest Police Station with the key properly tagged and made available to NDC or Police Station;
- Participate in Pre Hurricane meeting;

Commissioner of Police:
- Activate the Police Disaster Plan;
- Alert all Police Stations and Coast Guard;
- Display appropriate warning signals;
- Have transportation made available to the Chairmen of the District Emergency Committees for issuing warnings to communities;
- Place backup EOC on stand-by;
- Participate in Pre Hurricane meeting;

Chief Fire Officer;
- Activate the Fire Service Disaster Plan;
- Alert all Fire Stations;
- Participate in Pre Hurricane meeting;

Chief Medical Officer:
- Ensure that all staff and other personnel assigned to hospitals, health centres, first-aid posts are prepared to function in accordance with Emergency Health Plan;
- Participate in Pre Hurricane meeting;
- Inform airlines and concessionaires at airports of possible closure of airports and ensure that all safety measures are taken;

General Manager, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority:
- Take steps to safeguard all government launches and give directions to ships in port as deemed necessary;

Chief Fisheries Officer:
- Ensure that fishermen have hauled in their boats and secured fishing gear;

All members of Teams I & II:
- Participate in Pre Hurricane meeting;

ALERT 2: 12 Hours before expected impact:

Director of Meteorological Services:
- Inform National Disaster Coordinator of weather system's evolution;
- Assist in preparing Alert 2 Bulletin;

National Disaster Coordinator:
- Liaise with the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office;
- Alert the Chairmen of all Sub-Committees;
- Alert the District Emergency Committee Chairman or Secretary;
- Place Team I on stand-by;
- Distribute the Alert 2 Bulletin to the public;
- Inform all schools, offices and businesses that they must be closed before the next 3 hours;
- Inform all sectors involved in disaster response that they must complete their mobilisation procedures;

Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office:
- Inform the Prime Minister;
- Alert Permanent Secretaries;

Chairman, Evaluation and Information Sub-Committee:
- Ensure that Alert 2 Bulletin and precautionary measures are repeated on Radio and TV;
- Ensure that Radio Stations install mobile equipment at EOC;
- Ensure that there are operators for the Radio Equipment and Amateur and CB Operators are at the EOC;

Chairman, Health and Welfare:
- Ensure that Mass Casualty Management Teams are on stand-by;
- Ensure that all shelters are open, ready to receive and the list is available for broadcast on Radio and TV;

Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments:
- Complete security of all government offices and equipment;
- Advise Public Servants and Teachers to listen to the radio for instructions on deployment after the hurricane;

General Manager, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority:
- Issue NOTAM for closure of airports, inform airlines, managers, government agencies and concessionaires about closure;

The Commissioner of Police;
Chief Fire Officer;
General Manager, Public Utility Companies;
General Manager, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority and
Chief Medical Officer:
- Will ensure that their contingency plans are activated;

ALERT 3: 6 Hours before expected impact:

Director of Meteorological Services:
- Inform National Disaster Coordinator of weather system's evolution;
- Assist in preparing Alert 3 Bulletin;

National Disaster Coordinator:
- Liaise with the Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office;
- Alert the Chairmen of all Sub-Committees;
- Alert the District Emergency Committee Chairman or Secretary;
- Ask Team I to report to EOC immediately after the All Clear;
- Distribute the Alert 3 Bulletin to the public;
- Inform population that all pedestrian and vehicular traffic are forbidden from the streets except for essential services until further notice;
- Inform all sectors involved in disaster response that they must have completed their mobilisation procedures and be on stand by;

Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office:
- Inform the Prime Minister;
- Alert Permanent Secretaries;

Chairman, Evaluation and Information Sub-Committee:
- Ensure that Alert 3 Bulletin and precautionary measures are repeated on Radio and TV;
- Ensure that Radio Stations have installed mobile equipment at EOC;
- Ensure that the operators for the Radio Equipment and Amateur and CB Operators are at the EOC;

Chairman, Health and Welfare:
- Ensure that Mass Casualty Management Teams are on stand-by;
- Ensure that all shelters are open, ready to receive and the list is broadcast on Radio and TV;

General Manager, Saint Lucia Electricity Services:
- Shut down electricity services two hours before Hurricane is expected to strike or earlier if wind speed increases and public safety requires it;

The Commissioner of Police;
Chief Fire Officer;
General Manager, Public Utility Companies;
General Manager, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority and
Chief Medical Officer:
- Will ensure that their contingency plans are activated;
- Ensure that first response personnel are on stand-by;


ACTION DURING A HURRICANE

EOC:
- Staffed by NDC or Deputy, two members of the SSU and one amateur radio operator;
- Maintain direct contact with Met. Office;
- Collect information as soon as possible on extent of casualties and damage from Police, District Emergency Committees, Amateur Radio and CB Operators;
- Determine critical problem areas and those which are likely to be threatened;
- Provide reliable and continuing direction and coordination of all emergency operations;
- Keep the public informed about the developing situation;

ACTION AFTER A HURRICANE


Director of Meteorological Services:
- Advise on issue of all clear signal;

EOC:
- Issue All Clear Signal;
- Issue End of Alert 3;
- Phase out emergency operations, activation of the National Disaster Response Plan;
- Ensure that Team I reports immediately to the EOC and facilitates this report;

Team I:
- Report immediately to EOC after All Clear is given;
- Receive and collate reports coming in;
- Prepare reports for Prime Minister and press release;
- Control external broadcasts;
- Issue any necessary instructions to public officers, Public Utility Companies, Voluntary Agencies, Local Emergency Committees, Shelter Supervisors and the general public;
- Place Team II on stand-by for relief when necessary (to be decided by Team I);