Disaster losses can be mitigated through awareness

In 2020, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) launched National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Month (NDPPM), with the objective of developing a national culture of disaster preparedness and prevention.
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At an individual and household level, preparedness begins with awareness. Knowledge is our weapon against the unforeseen, helping to save lives, speed up recovery, and soften the financial and psychological blow when disaster strikes. This year, 41 national activities are planned, under the theme – Being Disaster Prepared Is My Responsibility. Included in the agenda are evacuation drills, workshops, business continuity training, a community symposium, a public education fair, and climate change education.
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In the Caribbean, the period between June 1 and November 30 represents the most disaster-related losses historically. Initiatives that enhance both resilience and response are critical in the context of small economies that have limited capacity to withstand shocks for which they are not prepared.  At a national level, the WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office aims to support governments and stakeholders in the region to be better prepared and have access to reliable pre-agreed funding to mitigate the impact of hazards and respond to disasters.
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The most recent report of recommendations from the IPCC states that in the case of SIDS, resilience and adaptation outcomes can be improved through strong governance, enhanced awareness and human resource capacity, access to climate information, more focus on justice and equity, and increased finance and risk transfer mechanisms.
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