ODPEM

HURRICANE MELISSA | VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING NATIONAL RESPONSE EFFORTS In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management’s (ODPEM) National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme (NDRMVP) activated programme volunteers, who were called to mobilisation in support of the island's response and recovery efforts. Their mobilisation highlighted the important role of organised volunteers in Jamaica’s disaster management framework, providing additional operational support and strengthening the country's capacity to prepare for and respond to the potential impacts of the hurricane. The volunteers’ commitment to service and readiness to respond underscore the value of a coordinated national volunteer network in strengthening Jamaica’s disaster resilience. Prepared People | Safer Communities | A Stronger Jamaica #ODPEM #NDRMVP #HurricaneMelissa #Volunteerism #DisasterPreparedness #DisasterResponse #JamaicaPrepares

ODPEM SUPPORTS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE THROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is on the ground at the Lauriston and Thompson Pen Community 4-H Club Annual Stew Festival and Farmers Market, being held at Brooklyn Park, Thompson Pen, Spanish Town, St. Catherine. The event highlights the important role of youth development, agriculture and community participation in building a more resilient Jamaica. Through initiatives such as the 4-H movement, young people are empowered to develop leadership skills, confidence and practical knowledge, while becoming advocates for disaster preparedness and safety within their homes, schools and communities. The ODPEM also recognises that strengthening local food production, supporting farmers and protecting agricultural livelihoods are essential to national resilience, particularly as Jamaica continues its recovery and reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa. Disaster preparedness is everyone's responsibility. By empowering our young people, supporting local agriculture and strengthening community participation, we can build safer, stronger and more resilient communities. Prepared People | Safer Communities | A Stronger Jamaica #ODPEM #CommunityResilience #YouthDevelopment #Agriculture #FoodSecurity #DisasterPreparedness #BuildingResilience

📍 ODPEM IS ON THE GROUND! The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is on location at the 20th staging of the Stew Festival & Farmers’ Market at Lauriston Crossing, Spanish Town, St. Catherine! Join us as we engage with patrons, share important disaster preparedness information and encourage everyone to remain informed, prepared and ready for emergencies. Come out, enjoy the festivities and connect with the ODPEM team! #ODPEM #StewFestival2026 #DisasterPreparedness #JamaicaPrepares #StayReadyJA 🇯🇲

HURRICANE MELISSA | VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING NATIONAL RESPONSE EFFORTS In preparation for Hurricane Melissa, the Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management’s (ODPEM) National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme (NDRMVP) activated programme volunteers, who were called to ODPEM for mobilisation in support of the island’s emergency preparedness and response efforts. Their mobilisation highlighted the important role of organised volunteers in Jamaica’s disaster management framework, providing additional operational support and strengthening the country's capacity to prepare for and respond to the potential impacts of the hurricane. The volunteers’ commitment to service and readiness to respond underscore the value of a coordinated national volunteer network in strengthening Jamaica’s disaster resilience. Prepared People | Safer Communities | A Stronger Jamaica #ODPEM #NDRMVP #HurricaneMelissa #Volunteerism #DisasterPreparedness #DisasterResponse #JamaicaPrepares

STRENGTHENING NATIONAL VOLUNTEERISM | BUILDING A MORE RESILIENT JAMAICA The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) joined national stakeholders at the 2026 Biennial National Volunteer Conference, hosted by the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) on November 5, 2026, at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston. Representing ODPEM, Ms. Sophia Mitchell, Senior Director, Preparedness and Emergency Operations Division, participated as a panellist in the discussion, “From Crisis Response to National Capacity: Partnerships for a Sustainable Volunteer System.” During the discussion, Ms. Mitchell highlighted ODPEM’s National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme (NDRMVP), emphasising the importance of organised, trained and coordinated volunteers in strengthening Jamaica’s capacity to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. The discussion provided an opportunity to underscore the value of strategic partnerships, volunteer development and coordinated national action in building a sustainable volunteer network capable of supporting disaster risk management at the community and national levels. As Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa, strengthening volunteer capacity and collaboration across sectors remains essential to building safer, better-prepared and more resilient communities. Prepared People | Safer Communities | A Stronger Jamaica #ODPEM #NationalVolunteerConference2026 #NDRMVP #Volunteerism #DisasterRiskManagement #PartnershipsForResilience #RecoveryToResilience

🌊 TSUNAMI AWARENESS SHOULD ALWAYS BE PRACTISED! Tsunami preparedness must go beyond a single day of observance. It requires continuous awareness, regular risk assessments and ongoing preparation to ensure that individuals, families and communities understand the risks and are ready to respond. Assessing coastal vulnerabilities, identifying safe evacuation routes and assembly points, recognising natural tsunami warning signs, and regularly practising evacuation procedures are critical to reducing risks and protecting lives. Remember: If you are in a coastal area and experience a strong or prolonged earthquake, move immediately to higher ground and away from the coast. Do not wait for an official warning. Tsunami readiness is an ongoing responsibility. Let us continue to assess our risks, strengthen our preparedness and practise the actions that can save lives. Preparedness starts with awareness. Stay informed, stay alert and always be ready! #TsunamiAwareness #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #StayReadyJA

🌊 TODAY IS WORLD TSUNAMI AWARENESS DAY 2026! 🌊 The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) is on the ground in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, raising tsunami awareness with businesses, schools, and communities — including Blackwood Gardens Basic School, Jamaica Energy Partners, and Accelerate Energy. This year's theme: "Be Tsunami Ready: Resilience Starts with You." Being tsunami ready means: ✅ Recognising natural tsunami warning signs ✅ Moving immediately to high ground or inland ✅ Knowing your local evacuation routes ✅ Preparing a household emergency plan ✅ Looking out for children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and tourists Resilience starts with YOU. Stay tuned for more as we continue our activities in Treasure Beach on Sunday, November 8! 🌊💪 #WorldTsunamiAwarenessDay #WTAD2026 #BeTsunamiReady #ODPEM #DisasterPreparedness #ResilienceStartsWithYou

🌊 WORLD TSUNAMI AWARENESS DAY | NOVEMBER 5, 2026 Be Tsunami Ready: Resilience Starts with You! In commemoration of World Tsunami Awareness Day, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is sharing a video highlighting its 2024 partnership with the Portmore City Municipality to strengthen tsunami awareness and response in Portmore, St. Catherine. Today, November 5, 2026, the ODPEM is on the ground in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, engaging businesses, schools and communities to raise awareness about tsunami risks and promote practical preparedness measures. The outreach includes Blackwood Gardens Basic School, Jamaica Energy Partners and Accelerate Energy. Tsunami readiness is particularly important for coastal communities, where lives, livelihoods, businesses and critical infrastructure may be at risk. Knowing the warning signs, understanding local tsunami hazards and being prepared to evacuate quickly can make the difference between life and death. Every household, school, business and community has a role to play in building resilience. Remember to: 🌊 Recognise the natural warning signs of a tsunami, including strong or prolonged earthquake shaking, unusual sea-level changes and a loud ocean roar. 📍 Know whether your home, workplace, school or recreational areas are located in a tsunami-prone zone. 🚶🏾 Know your evacuation routes and identify safe areas on higher ground or inland. 📢 Follow official tsunami alerts and instructions from the relevant authorities. Never wait for an official warning if you observe natural warning signs. Tsunami preparedness begins with awareness and requires action. Let us work together to ensure that our coastal communities are informed, prepared and ready to respond. Be Tsunami Ready: Resilience Starts with You! Preparedness saves lives. Stay informed, stay alert and stay ready. 🇯🇲 #WorldTsunamiAwarenessDay #TsunamiReady #DisasterPreparedness #JamaicaPrepares #ODPEM #StayReadyJA

🌊 WORLD TSUNAMI AWARENESS DAY | NOVEMBER 5, 2026 A tsunami can strike with little warning. Knowing the signs, understanding the risks, and knowing where to go can save lives. Today, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) joins the global observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day, reminding Jamaicans of the importance of tsunami preparedness and awareness. Remember: 🌊 Recognise the natural warning signs of a tsunami. 📍 Know whether you live, work, or play in a tsunami-prone area. 🚶🏾 Know your evacuation routes and where to go. 📢 Follow official alerts and instructions from the authorities. Be Tsunami Ready: Resilience Starts With You! Preparedness saves lives. Stay informed, stay alert, and stay ready. 🇯🇲 #WorldTsunamiAwarenessDay #TsunamiReady #DisasterPreparedness #JamaicaPrepares #ODPEM #StayReadyJA

WORLD TOWN PLANNING DAY From Recovery to Resilience: Planning for a Stronger Jamaica! The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is on location for World Town Planning Day, highlighting the critical role of town planning in disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and the creation of safer, more resilient communities. As Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa, effective town planning is essential to guiding the restoration of affected communities, informing reconstruction efforts and ensuring that infrastructure, housing and public spaces are rebuilt to better withstand future hazards. Thoughtful planning also supports coordinated response and recovery efforts by helping to identify vulnerable areas, guide development away from high-risk locations and strengthen community resilience. Building back stronger requires more than restoring what was damaged; it means planning for a safer, more sustainable and resilient Jamaica for generations to come. #WorldTownPlanningDay #RecoveryToResilience #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterRiskReduction #BuildingResilience #ODPEM

HURRICANE MELISSA | RESPONSE, RECOVERY & RESTORATION Rebuilding Jamaica, one community at a time. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, hardware stores have played a vital role in supporting the repair, reconstruction and restoration of homes and businesses affected by the hurricane. Recognising the urgent need for building materials and essential supplies, New Era Developments Limited, Kemtek Development and Construction Limited and Hardware & Lumber Limited, in partnership with the H&L Foundation, joined forces to hand over critical supplies in support of Jamaica’s national recovery and rebuilding efforts. From essential building materials and tools to equipment and other supplies, hardware stores are an important link in the recovery process. Their contribution helps residents rebuild their homes, businesses restore operations and communities regain stability. As Jamaica continues its recovery journey, partnerships between the private sector, foundations and disaster management agencies remain essential to restoring livelihoods, strengthening communities and building greater resilience against future disasters. Recovery is a collective effort. Together, we rebuild. #ODPEM #HurricaneMelissa #ResponseRecoveryRestoration #JamaicaRebuilds #DisasterRecovery #BuildingBackStronger #PrivateSectorPartnerships

🌧️ Are you experiencing rainfall in your community? Let us know where you are and how the weather conditions are in your area! #ODPEM #StayReadyJA #RainfallAwareness

HURRICANE MELISSA | RESPONSE, RECOVERY & RESTORATION 🇯🇲 Recovery must leave no one behind. Following Hurricane Melissa, the ODPEM, in collaboration with partner agencies and donors, supported Specially Vulnerable Groups, including members of the Jamaica Society for the Blind and the Combined Disabilities Foundation, with essential supplies to assist their recovery. As Jamaica rebuilds, we remain committed to ensuring that disaster response and recovery efforts are inclusive and address the needs of every Jamaican. Building back stronger means building back together. #ODPEM #HurricaneMelissa #ResponseRecoveryRestoration #DisabilityInclusion #BuildingBackStronger

HURRICANE MELISSA | RESPONSE, RECOVERY & RESTORATION In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, ensuring that no one was left behind remained a priority for the ODPEM, its partner agencies and donors. Special attention was given to Specially Vulnerable Groups, including members of the Jamaica Society for the Blind and the Combined Disabilities Foundation, to ensure they received much-needed supplies to support their recovery. In this feature, Mr. Dean White of the Jamaica Society for the Blind and the Combined Disabilities Foundation shares his gratitude and highlights the importance of reaching and supporting persons with disabilities during disaster response and recovery. As Jamaica continues to rebuild, we remain committed to inclusive disaster management, where the needs of our most vulnerable are recognised and addressed. Recovery must be inclusive. Restoration must leave no one behind. #ODPEM #HurricaneMelissa #ResponseRecoveryRestoration #DisabilityInclusion #SpeciallyVulnerableGroups #BuildingBackStronger

With heavy rainfall and thunderstorms affecting sections of Jamaica, ODPEM urges everyone to stay alert and take precautions. Remember, lightning can strike miles away from a thunderstorm. If you hear thunder, go indoors immediately! Stay safe and protect your loved ones. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! #ODPEM #LightningSafety #StaySafeJamaica