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Hazards

What is a Natural Hazard?

A natural hazard is an unexpected or uncontrollable natural event of unusual intensity that threatens people’s lives or their activities. Atmospheric hazards are weather-related events, whereas geologic hazards happen on or within the Earth’s surface. However, it is important to to understand that atmospheric hazards can trigger geologic hazards, and geologic-hazards can trigger atmospheric hazards.

Preparedness for ALL Hazards

Emergency preparedness requires attention not just to specific types of hazards but also to steps that increase preparedness for any type of hazard. The resources below are intended to help Disaster Management stakeholders take an all-hazards approach to preparedness.

  • Children
    Parents, teachers, doctors and nurses are just some of the people who can help children get ready for and cope with disasters
  • The National Emergency Management Agency
    NEMA establishes partnerships with national/regional and international organisations to communicate information about event via the appropriate department/agency.
  • Communicating in the First Hours
    The line Ministry or relative authority and NEMA work together to develop and present messages and other resources for local and national use during a response to an emergency.
  • Coping With a Disaster or Traumatic Event
    Mental health resources are included in the St. Kitts-Nevis National Disaster Plan and may be accessed through the stakeholder network.
  • Preparation and Planning
    Personal preparedness, businesses, healthcare facilities…
  • Preparedness Resources for Schools
    Resources are available to help schools, education agencies, and institutions of higher education, to develop emergency preparedness plans, usually in collaboration with public health and first responder agencies.
  • Risk Communications
    A collaborative system is in place that is designed to provide evidence-based, practical guidance for emergency risk communication strategy and operations. (e.g The dissemination of information from source -such as The Met Office/the Ministry of Health- to the public via media).
  • Having Access to National Population Data and other community profile information serves as a valuable tool when responding to public health emergency events at local levels.
  • Surveillance
    Case definitions, illness recognition and detection, planning, systems are under the authority of the responsible ministry with close collaboration with the NEMA.