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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
USAID Prepares for 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2005
0419-05-036
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
Contact: USAID Press Office
Washington, DC - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today that preparations for the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season are well underway for what is expected to be another active hurricane season. The Agency responded to the effects of four hurricanes in six Caribbean countries last year and provided life saving humanitarian relief to disaster affected communities. Forecasts for the coming season, June 1- November 30, indicate above-average total activity is expected.
In response, USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) comprehensive disaster preparations include contingencies for emergencies, direct-action responses, and risk-management training programs for Latin American and Caribbean countries. A team of USAID advisors for Latin America and the Caribbean are based in a USAID regional office in San Jose, Costa Rica and are available for immediate deployment throughout the region; a smaller sub-regional office is staffed in Bridgetown, Barbados. USAID also manages a wide network of Latin American and Caribbean-based field staff who serve as direct links to the countries in the hemisphere, which increases the Agency's ability to prepare for and speedily respond to natural disasters.
Following a devastating disaster and an official disaster declaration, a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) may be deployed to provide emergency humanitarian assistance. The teams commonly provide short-term disaster relief and coordination. Relief commodities such as medical supplies, hygiene kits, plastic sheeting, five-gallon water containers, and blankets are pre-positioned in Miami, Florida for quick disbursement to affected countries. Four DART teams were in the field at the height of the devastating 2004 Atlantic hurricane season to provide humanitarian assistance.
In order to help local and national authorities develop the capabilities needed to respond to natural disasters and to promote their self-sufficiency, USAID offers a year-round Technical Assistance Training Program (TATP) to countries in the region. The course provides instruction in disaster management concepts, training methods, and technical disciplines such as search and rescue and shelter management. Participants are provided with the knowledge and skills required to replicate the training program. Since the TATP was established in 1989, more than 37,200 people have been trained and over 3,300 participants certified as active instructors, many of whom have gone on to conduct training in their own countries using their own resources.
For more information on USAID, please visit: www.usaid.org.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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