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Disaster Preparedness in Jamaica: Powerful Lessons from the SRC Community Safety Forum

Disaster Preparedness and Response in Jamaica: Powerful Lessons from the SRC Community Forum Blog cover image

When disaster strikes, it’s too late to prepare. That’s why communities across Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth tuned in for our latest Community Safety and Security Forum, because readiness is everything. The Serenity Resource Connector (SRC), in strategic partnership with JCF Area 3, hosted this high-impact discussion to get Jamaicans activated, informed and storm-ready.


Missed the live session? Watch the full replay here:


Why This Forum Mattered for Disaster Preparedness in Jamaica

With unpredictable climate patterns and increasing environmental hazards, our goal is simple yet urgent: ensure Jamaican communities are informed, equipped, and mobilised before disaster strikes. That means understanding risk, strengthening infrastructure, and activating support networks across every parish.


This month, we assembled Jamaica's leading agencies to deliver expert insights:

  • ODPEM – National coordination of disaster response

  • NEPA – Environmental risk management and land planning

  • JPS – Power infrastructure and emergency recovery

  • Ministry of Labour & Social Security (MLSS) – Humanitarian aid and social services


1. Environmental Hazards Hiding in Plain Sight (NEPA)

Gregory Bennett from NEPA raised serious concerns about unsafe land use:


  • Communities on gully banks, riverbeds, and coastal zones are extremely vulnerable.

  • Poorly built homes on steep hillsides or without proper drainage are a ticking time bomb.

  • Plastic waste, blocked drains, and unchecked deforestation weaken Jamaica’s natural defences.


Key Message: Building responsibly and respecting zoning laws is not optional. It is a frontline defence against devastation.


2. JPS’ Grid Readiness & What Households Must Do

Shamar Harrison of JPS was clear, preparedness isn't just for the authorities. It’s a collaborative effort and a vital part of disaster preparedness in Jamaica.


Here’s what JPS is already doing:

  • Replacing poles and clearing trees in high-risk zones

  • Upgrading lines across Clarendon, Manchester, and St Elizabeth

  • Stockpiling inventory and assigning emergency storm roles to every staff member

  • Conducting multi-agency hurricane simulations


What you should do at home:

  • Turn refrigerators to the coldest setting before a storm

  • Keep trees trimmed away from power lines

  • Use licensed electricians to check your home’s wiring annually

  • Install surge protectors and keep a flashlight and battery-powered radio ready


📞 JPS Customer Support:

  • Toll-Free (FLOW): 888-225-5577

  • DIGICEL Reduced Rate: 888-935-5577


3. ODPEM: Jamaica’s National Emergency Engine

Richard Thompson, Acting Director General at ODPEM, broke down what happens before, during and after a disaster:


  • ODPEM operates year-round with over 892 designated shelters and thousands of trained shelter managers.

  • They run simulations with JDF, JCF, Red Cross, and other key partners.

  • Their national warning system includes sirens, flood alerts, real-time cameras, and responder radio systems.


If disaster strikes:

  • The first 24 hours focus on damage assessment and re-establishing critical services.

  • By 72 hours, relief is mobilised, and sector-specific recovery (e.g., health, education, agriculture) is underway.


4. MLSS: Humanitarian Response That Reaches You

Jacqueline Shepherd outlined how the Ministry supports the most vulnerable:


  • Immediate delivery of food, bedding, and toiletries to shelters

  • Cash grants for persons impacted by fires or storms

  • House-to-house assessments post-disaster

  • Trained social workers in every parish


Reminder:

  • Store your ID and TRN safely

  • Keep a list of emergency contacts

  • Get to know your parish office or satellite location


📞 MLSS Contact Centre: 922-8000 or 922-7692


Recovery is a Partnership, Not a Possibility

JPS, NEPA, ODPEM and MLSS don’t operate in silos. Their power lies in coordination:


  • Pre-positioned supplies help communities faster

  • Shared priority lists of critical infrastructure (like hospitals and water systems) accelerate recovery

  • Community volunteers and inter-agency drills save lives before the first raindrop falls


How You Can Take Action

  1. Share this blog with your church, school or community WhatsApp group.

  2. Follow the agencies on social media and activate notifications.

  3. Download the MyJPS app and keep ODPEM's and MLSS's websites bookmarked.

  4. Know your shelter. Know your risks. Have your plan.


Stay Connected


Watch the Full Replay & Get Informed

🎥 Don't just read about it, watch the experts speak directly to you.



Let’s stay ready, not get ready.

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