National Plan

Introduction to the 2005 National Disaster Plan.

The National Disaster Plan was revised during the Grenada Disaster Preparedness Workshop held the 19th of May 2005 in St. George’s Grenada.

The Workshop was organized by the National Disaster Management Organisation of Grenada; the facilitator was provided by the CDERA CIDA IVAN Project.

The workshop had the participation of the following organisations:

Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Health, Community Health Services, Royal Grenada Police Force, Head Physical Planning Unit, Grenada Ports Authority, GIS, Met Office, Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, NAWASA, Grenlec, NaDMA, Grenada Red Cross, Rotary Club of Grenada, Texaco, Cable and Wireless, DIGICEL, Cingular Wireless, Grenada Cablevision, Saint George’s University and the Agency for Reconstruction and Development.

Recommendations from the workshop were put together by the NaDMA and a new draft version was circulated amongst key stakeholders. Comments were received and this Version number 3 of the plan was prepared for the 2005 hurricane season.

Responsibilities and composition of the National Emergency Advisory Council (NEAC) and the National Disaster Management Committees were revised. The new name of National Disaster Management Council was suggested for the NEAC. The functions and activities of governmental organisations, the private sector, NGOs and service clubs were revised.

This 2005 version of the National Disaster Plan will be the main planning tool for the 2005
hurricane season. From it and from the responsibilities assigned in it, specific plans and
procedures will be designed. The committees, their responsibilities and functions presented
in this plan are not only for the response against tropical cyclones, but are also applicable to
other natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruption, floods and landslides.

This emergency planning effort has shown again that disaster management and emergency
response can be achieved through a permanent planning process that involves all
stakeholders.

September 1st 2005.

PREFACE TO THE 1985 PLAN

Within the last fifteen (15) years Government has been actively involved with the monitoring of natural disasters and the means of warning and protection against them. This involvement has now increased and has promoted the preparing of a National Disaster Preparedness Plan.

Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique always made the boast of being outside of the
hurricane belt. However, the nation was shocked to reality on 22nd September 1955, by
Hurricane Janet, which will long be remembered. Recorded in our history also are the Great
Floods of 1921 and 1938.

Most recent are the man-made disasters of October 1983, and several motor accidents
including the most recent of May 1985.

Earthquakes including tremors as a result of volcanic activity are only one of other types of
disasters that can affect this country, as we were reminded recently by the unusual rumblings of Mt. St. Catherine.

It is with these considerations foremost in one's mind that this manual is compiled. It is a working document intended to guide activity in the event of a disaster. It comprises components of disaster preparedness and relief coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister along with a working committee of officials from the Ministries of Health, Education, Construction, the Police, Fire and Coast Guard Services and the Red Cross Society. It is ably assisted by Mr. Roy Ward, Consultant of the Pan Caribbean Disaster Preparedness and Protection Project/UNDO.

The management of a disaster is beyond question an inter-sector activity. Co-operative action is essential. To maximise the effect of such action each sector must be prepared to undertake at its highest level of performance the functional role designated by its terms of reference.

INTRODUCTION TO THE 1985 PLAN

The countries and nations of the Earth share many concerns and responsibilities for their
respective populations. One such mutual concern and responsibility is the effect of a disaster, be it domestic, civil or natural in occurrence. It is also necessary for the country to be aware of the types of disasters that affect the country. Once these have been identified, adequate protective preventative mechanisms can be instituted. This protective mechanism must be augmented by thorough preparedness and preventative planning. All national organisations must participate in developing a preparedness and preventative National Plan by first identify their existing emergency services, which are established for normal circumstances.

Health Service, Fire and Rescue services, Police and Para-Military Services, the Cost Guard and the Voluntary Organisations.

Under normal circumstances each of these agencies has specific functions and defined rules of operation. During national emergencies, these agencies will fall under the control of the National Emergency Organisation. This will of necessity require a new managerial approach to the emergency situation and it is against this background that the 1985 National Plan amendments allow a system, which is best suited to the needs of the country and its people. It also allows for the introduction of a new management system, which has created the components required for effective deployment of all emergency services, either on a sectoral or national basis.

The plan provides for the following:

Pre-disaster

  • The carrying out of preparedness exercise
  • Implementation of a national public awareness programme
  • The development of a comprehensive disaster preparedness training programme in all levels of disaster management.
  • The monitoring of relief supplies
  • Detailing of evacuation plans, identification of Emergency Shelters and personnel
  • Full examination of relevant laws
  • The re-development of the District Organisation
  • The establishment of the following management committees:
    • Public Information and Education
    • Damage assessment
    • Emergency Works & Transport
    • Supplies Management
    • Emergency Communications
    • Shelter Management
    • National Response Team (Oil Spill)
    • Earthquake and landslide Management

The plan will also provide for the complete restructuring of the National Emergency Operations Center and the establishment of the District Emergency Operations Center. The plan also provides the post disaster management phase to include:

  • Emergency Transport
  • Evacuation, house repair and house relocation
  • Pumping off of flood waters and fire control
  • Restoration of essential services
  • Examination of public health Hazards
  • Erection of alternatives shelters
  • Collection of damage assessment information and the presentation of financial estimates
  • Co-ordination of international and regional offers of assistance
  • Conclusion

By expressing the desire to re-examine the Grenada National Plan, the Government and people have charged the National Organisation with the following dual responsibility.

  1. Ensuring that the populace is always in a stated of preparedness. This can be referred to include:

Knowledge of First Aid

Knowledge of possible personnel and domestic emergencies, e.g. house fires, drowning, automobiles accidents and sickness, hurricane preparation techniques, hurricane shelters, identification of shelter personnel and the correct interpretation of warning bulletins.

It is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that directives issued by the government of Grenada are carried out and that those agencies designated specific duties and functions are performed at peak capacity and with maximum efficiency.

The role of the Grenada National Emergency Relief Organisation should be viewed as the "life blood" in any recovery programme. Its first function is one of co-ordination of all national services. Its powers are usually defined by the respective governments, but its responsibility is first to the country ensuring that adequate protective mechanism are in place.

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