NATIONAL OFFICE OF DISASTER SERVICES

The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) joins with the rest of the world today (Monday) in observing International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR). The United Nations designates October 13 each year to bring attention to disaster risk reduction, considering the tremendous devastation disasters can cause to individuals, communities, and territories.

This year’s observance of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction focuses on the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.” The day calls for a decisive shift: fund resilience now to avoid paying for disasters later.

To recognise the day in Antigua and Barbuda, a week of activities is being held. On Sunday, several district disaster teams joined with churches in their districts and made a brief presentation on disaster preparedness and the role of their team.

Today (Monday) is media day. Various individuals from NODS, the Met Office, the Department of Environment, the Development Control Authority, the Central Board of Health, and a local representative from the regional office of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction will conduct interviews on several radio and television stations.

On Tuesday, there will be a disaster management expo at the Multi-Purpose Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. NODS, along with other first response agencies and critical partners, will showcase their work, have demonstrations, and interact with the public. Everyone is invited.

Other activities for the week include a Youth in Disaster Management training on Wednesday at NODS, targeting the island’s secondary schools; and a CPR demonstration on Thursday at Judgement Square on Market Street, held in collaboration with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The week of activities ends on Friday with a Community Awareness Day, when district disaster teams will have a walk-through of various communities and engage in community outreach.