safety steps

Antigua & Barbuda Red Cross (ABRC): Antigua and Barbuda has experienced several significant tropical storms and hurricanes over the years. These events highlight the importance of robust disaster preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the impact of such powerful storms.

The IFRC’s preparedness policy outlines activities and measures to predict, mitigate, and cope with the consequences of destructive phenomena at international, national, and local levels.

Our participatory work, which is crucial to developing the new concept of an Integrated Response System for the Americas, involves sharing knowledge to strengthen local capacities.

This enables communities to prepare before disasters and respond effectively when they occur. By improving disaster preparedness and intervention at local, regional, and international levels, we aim to clarify the roles of local actors.

For these reasons, the IFRC partnered with the ABRCS on a preparedness mission to develop an imminent DREF and a Readiness Check exercise for Antigua and Barbuda in anticipation of future tropical storms or hurricanes that could affect the country between August 20 and 24, 2024.

The primary goal of this mission was to assist the ABRCS in enhancing its capacity with the imminent Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF).

This will enable a coordinated response to tropical storms and hurricanes, while supporting local communities. Additionally, the mission aimed to enhance collaboration with the IFRC secretariat structures in the development, request, and deployment of Regional and Global surge capacity in crises and disasters, enabling the ABRCS to respond in quick time to disasters.

On the ground technical support was given by Mr. Omar Robinson from the IFRC Regional Office in Panama, who met with the President and staff members. The ABRCS is grateful to the Cluster team in Trinidad for their support.