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Strengthening Public Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness in Clarendon: What Every Citizen Must Know

The Serenity Resource Connector (SRC), in partnership with the Clarendon Municipal Corporation (CMC), convened a strategic public forum to tackle urgent and ongoing concerns surrounding public health, safety, and emergency preparedness in Clarendon. The session brought together key players from the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and local disaster coordination authorities.


This timely conversation, held during the 2024 hurricane season and revisited in 2025, remains a decisive call to action. As extreme weather threats continue to rise, the relevance of these insights has only intensified. Every citizen must recognise their duty to safeguard their household, support their community, and strengthen parish-wide resilience.


Understanding Public Health & Safety in Clarendon

Public health and safety go far beyond hospital visits and street lighting. As explained by Dr Kimberly Scarlett Campbell (Medical Officer of Health), the concept is underpinned by four pillars:


  • Disease Prevention and Control

  • Emergency Preparedness

  • Environmental Health

  • Health Promotion


These are not optional extras. They are essential to the development, resilience, and daily well-being of communities. From access to clean water to policies that promote healthy lifestyles, local systems must function in unison to ensure community-wide protection.


Clarendon's Emergency Response System: Structure & Strength

Acting Parish Disaster Coordinator, Staphel Thomas, outlined the emergency structure used in Clarendon, modelled after the national framework. Key highlights include:


  • The Parish Disaster Committee, chaired by the Mayor and Custos.

  • Monthly coordination meetings with stakeholders, including JPS, NWC, NWA, Ministry of Labour, Red Cross, and community reps.

  • An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) located at the CMC headquarters, activated during threat levels.

  • Integration with national disaster response once local resources are exceeded.


Improved communication systems, including real-time flood gauge data (e.g., Alley Bridge), have enhanced Clarendon's readiness. However, readiness is not the government's burden alone.


Your Role as a Citizen: Personal Emergency Preparedness in Clarendon

Citizens are not bystanders. Every household should:


  • Secure legal documents (deeds, IDs, insurance).

  • Assemble emergency supplies: water, batteries, first-aid kits, medication, radio.

  • Trim trees, remove debris, and inspect roofs and windows.

  • Know the location of shelters and evacuation routes.


Persons in flood-prone zones are urged to evacuate early. Waiting until "the middle of the storm" puts lives and responders at unnecessary risk.


Health Risks After a Disaster: What to Watch For

Dr Scarlett Campbell raised critical concerns about post-disaster public health risks:


  • Increased disease transmission (gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, dengue).

  • Disrupted vaccinations and chronic care.

  • Unsafe food and water consumption.


The Ministry’s health teams routinely inspect shelters, monitor for outbreaks, and provide health education. Citizens must support these efforts by reporting issues early and following guidelines.


Fire Safety in Emergencies: Guidance from the Jamaica Fire Brigade

Superintendent Horace Thomas reminded viewers that fire safety remains a top concern during power outages. Key tips include:


  • Avoid using candles; use battery-powered lights.

  • Keep fire extinguishers accessible.

  • Identify home assembly points.

  • Know your nearest fire station’s contact number (e.g., May Pen: 876-986-2192).


In high-risk situations, fire services will only respond once it is safe to do so. Prevention is the first line of defence.


Community Health Priorities: From Vector Control to Chronic Disease

Public health teams are actively addressing key risks:


  • Mosquito breeding sites must be eliminated, especially in areas like Longville Park.

  • Rodent control to prevent leptospirosis.

  • Promotion of healthy lifestyle practices to reduce hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

  • Continued immunisation and screenings under the "Know Your Numbers" campaign.


This campaign offers free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV, syphilis, and more. Early detection saves lives.


Final Word: Action, Not Complacency

Preparedness starts with you. Ensure your family’s safety, support your community, and stay informed. The time to act is before disaster strikes.


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