A disaster-emergency condition exists, when an event attributable directly or solely, either to the operation of the forces of nature or human intervention or to both, generates the extensive damage and destruction to life or property; is accompanied by extensive social and physical disruption and overwhelms the resources of the affected community or country to provide a timely and effective response to meet the needs of the situation.
The emergency aspect of such an event requires immediate attention to alleviate threats to life, pain, distress and anxiety.
Introduction
The National Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of National Security, National Disaster/Emergency Standard Operating Procedures and Contingency Plans replaces the Emergency Plan and Instructions for Disaster Situations which has been produced by the Agency from the early 1990‘s.
- This National Disaster/Emergency Standard Operating Procedures and Contingency Plans is more comprehensive than its predecessor. It includes:
- Instructions for different Levels of Emergencies
- Hazard Specific Contingency Plans
- Mitigation and Recovery operating procedures
- Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis procedures
- Disaster Relief Guidelines and Procedures and
- An expanded Emergency Operation Centre section.
The procedures were developed from the experience of the agency and the experience of other countries in the Caribbean region. There are some incomplete sections in the Plan e.g. Search and Rescue, Evacuation, as work is ongoing in these areas.
From October 2000 to January 2001 ODPM asked the authorities in the Distribution List to review the draft document. This ensured ODPM‘s partners and collaborators had input into its development and that the Plan would be functional.
ODPM acknowledges the work of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA). Many of the Plan‘s sections were generated from templates produced by CDERA. This agency‘s work in the region has greatly assisted in the sharing of disaster experiences of other Caribbean nations, strengthening the planning process.
Since its revision, the agency has had the opportunity to test Sections of this Plan. These have proved effective when applied in local emergencies/threats. Revisions have also been made and will continue as lessons are learned and applied.
The National Disaster/Emergency Standard Operating Procedures and Contingency Plans is being widely dispersed to all partners and collaborators. It is expected to guide stakeholders and promote the development of and integration with other disaster response plans nationally. The Agency urges all to continue to regularly test these plans towards the effective disaster management in Trinidad and Tobago.
Director
National Emergency Management Agency
April 2001
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