|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
 |
  |
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
USAID Announces Disaster Preparations for 2003 Hurricane Season
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
(202) 712-43202003-051
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2003Contact: USAID Press Office
Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) 2003 hurricane season preparations are well underway for what is expected to be an active hurricane season. Forecasts for the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season (June through November) indicate above average total activity, potentially triggering a humanitarian disaster of significant magnitude.
USAID is prepared to respond to major hurricanes in Latin America and the Caribbean. USAID's comprehensive disaster preparations include contingencies for emergency, direct-action response, and risk management training programs for Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Regional Presence: USAID has a team of advisors based in its regional offices for Latin America and the Caribbean in San Jose, Costa Rica, and Bridgetown, Barbados. USAID regional advisors are available for immediate deployment in response to disasters throughout the region. USAID also manages a wide network of Latin American field staff who are a direct link to the countries in the hemisphere, which increases our ability to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.
Risk Management Training: USAID provides year-round risk management training to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and advises on emergency planning and mitigation efforts. USAID has trained staff of national disaster agencies and others involved in disaster management, with a particular focus on those who will serve as instructors in their respective countries. During the past decade USAID has trained over 32,000 participants. The multi-course program teaches disaster management concepts and technical disciplines such as search and rescue and fire management.
Ongoing Mitigation Activities: USAID provides grants for preparedness and mitigation activities in the Caribbean and Central America. USAID has several projects focusing on community-level natural hazard mitigation, early warning systems, and community preparedness training. The Central America Mitigation Initiative (CAMI) is a post-Hurricane Mitch program designed to reduce the impact of natural disasters by increasing the capability of regional, national, and community authorities and organizations to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate disasters. CAMI programs support readiness for hurricane season through the formation and training of community rapid response teams, the establishment of community hazard monitoring and early warning systems, and risk and resource maps, among other activities.
Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART): Following a devastating disaster and an official disaster declaration, a DART may be deployed to provide emergency humanitarian assistance. DARTs commonly provide short-term disaster relief and coordination. Relief commodities provided include medical supplies, hygiene kits, plastic sheeting, five-gallon water jugs and wool blankets. Relief supplies are pre-positioned in three locations: Homestead Air Reserve Base, south of Miami, FL; New Windsor, MD; and Soto Cano, Honduras.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
 |
|||
Last Updated on: December 30, 2008 |
