| SHELTERS AND SHELTER MANAGEMENT COURSE |
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| NDMO exposes shelter managers to their responsibilities
Charlestown Nevis (September 5, 2005) A two-day symposium for the Nevis Disaster Management Office (NDMO) came to an end on Thursday September 1st, at the Hanley�s Road Community Center/Emergency Shelter in Gingerland, where shelter managers were given the opportunity to assess their responsibilities as shelter managers. Speaking to the Government Information Service Mrs. Marcella Jones one of the shelter managers noted that the sessions were of quality. �We were equipped with the tools that we would need as shelter managers to be able to effectively and efficiently manage the shelters that we have been assigned to�. In observing that she had been a shelter manager for a number of years, Mrs. Jones pointed out that that was the first full training session that she had been exposed to adding, �We dealt with everything that a shelter manager needs to know in order to function and I have learnt a tremendous amount of information, and I now feel better able to perform my duties as a shelter manager�. The workshop which was facilitated by Director of NDMO, Mr. Lester Blackett and Project Officer, NDMO Mrs. Laurel Arthurton, saw some 17 shelter managers participating in the exercise. They covered areas in Disasters and the Disaster Cycle, the National Programme, Problem Solving, Operations of Administration, the Shelter and Shelter Exercise and concluded with a simulation exercise. Another one of the shelter managers, Mr. Vincent Maynard observed that what they were taught in those two days amounted to very helpful information. �I believed most of the people came here to learn about what can be done and what should be done on safety procedures as far as when we have emergency. What they left here with is something I think they would carry with them the rest of their lives. It was a great experience for all of us including myself.� When asked if they were better prepared as shelter managers, Mr. Maynard said, �I wouldn�t say that we are better prepared because this is something that should go on all year around. We just should not wait until the time is drawing close for us to do something like this, we need to do this more but at least we are off the ground a little as far as being prepared is concerned.� �It would take a lot more time for us to say that we are really well prepared, you are never well prepared because you never know what to expect until it really happens in reality,� Mr. Maynard commented. The NDMO Director thanked all for participating in the workshop and called on the general public to get more involved, and to take precautionary methods seriously. Shelter Managers & facilitators at the Hanley�s Road Emergency Shelter/Community Centre in Gingerland = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = PURPOSE To provide those persons who have the responsibility for the operational management of emergency shelters the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the required duties. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE Given an emergency situation in which individuals and families are required to leave their homes and occupy a temporary shelter, individuals who have been given the responsibility for preparing, maintaining, operating and managing temporary shelters will be able to: � Determine resource needs, mobilise and secure them. � Maintain the shelter structure and equipment. � Select an appropriate structure for an alternative shelter. � Prepare the shelter for use. � Operate the shelter with available resources. � Establish and maintain effective channels of communication with relevant agencies and support groups. � Complete all tasks at closure. Shelters selected will meet the established criteria for emergency shelters considering the emergency and accompanying circumstances. Resources ordered and stocked will be in accordance with established guidelines for the type and size of shelter. The facility and all supplies and equipment will be maintained to the level established by appropriate guidelines. |
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