The Tribune

THE National Emergency Management Agency hosted an Initial Damage Assessment Content Course for staff of the Department of Public Health.

The two-day training session was held in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and the United States Agency for International Development/Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA).

There were about 20 participants, who represented the clinics at South Beach, Elizabeth Estates, Flamingo Gardens, Fleming Street, Baillou Hill Road and Coconut Grove, as well as health and safety officials at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and Her Majesty’s Prison. There were also participants from Exuma and Cat Island.

Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell said persons in key areas of society must be prepared to respond to and assess the aftermath of any form of disaster – natural or man-made.

He said it is the goal of NEMA to train residents in far-flung communities of the Bahamas to “take care of themselves” for up to 72 hours after a disaster.

Participants were told what to look for immediately following a disaster, to know where the resources are to assist those in need and know how to tap into regional resources available.

Captain Russell said although the Bahamas can boast of having a good response time and action plan, it all hinges on the initial damage assessment report.

Acting Principal Nursing Officer in the Department of Public Health, Sandra Coleby, said preparing for a disaster is an ongoing focus of the department.

“The Department of Public Health starts very early its preparations for the 90 health facilities throughout the country. We must also be ready to respond outside of a hurricane, ie flooding,” she said. “An initial assessment is so crucial, it could save lives.”

The facilitators of the content course were Luke Bethel, chief instructor at NEMA; and Felecia Turnquest, registered nurse.