Coping with Natural Disasters

Coping with natural disasters
It is very important to know what to do during and after a natural disaster. The Meteorological office and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Jamaica generally keeps the public informed when disasters such as hurricanes and floods threaten.
In Jamaica, persons who live in buildings that are considered unsafe are encouraged to move to a shelter. All shelters are marked with ODPEM logo.
The Official shelters are usually schools, churches and sturdy public buildings. Persons who have to stay in shelters are usually advised to take along adequate clothing, medicine and food.
Usually after a disaster, Different agencies and neighbouring countries pool funds to help persons who were affected. Government agencies along with voluntary organisations such as the Red Cross and the Seventh-Day Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and other church groups generally donate food, clothing and cash to victims. The United States of America often grants assistance to Caribbean countries when disaster strikes. There are also some Caribbean agencies set up to make sure that damages are minimal and to help people to rebuild after disaster. Some of these are ODPEM and the Central Emergency Relief Agency.
Most Caribbean lands share similar landforms, Similar climate and for the most part, experience the same natural disasters.