Disaster Risk Reduction and Vulnerable Populations in Jamaica

Protecting Children within the Comprehensive Disaster Management Framework

Abstract

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the disaster management headquarters of the Government of Jamaica, understands that the best approach to take in effectively protecting children during emergency situations is to create a culture of risk reduction in which all involved are aware of their local hazards and are actively involved in reducing the resulting risks. This includes the promotion of disaster risk education in schools and also the twin effort of integrating children’s needs into the Comprehensive Disaster Management framework. This field report describes the efforts of the ODPEM in protecting Jamaican children in emergency situations. This was and continues to be achieved through two main approaches: building a culture of prevention in and through schools and integrating children’s rights into disaster management and response.