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OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

TO: A L L M E D I A H O U S E S
FROM: Kerry-Ann Morris, Information Officer
DEPT: Information & Training Unit

PHONE: (876) 928-5111-4 FAX: (876) 928-5503/ 928-8763

WEBSITE: www.odpem.org.jm

NEWS RELEASE #28

ISSUED ON: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
UPDATE ON POPULATED SHELTERS ACROSS JAMAICA

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that a total 29 shelters are currently open across the island, housing some 789 persons. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the locations of all activated shelters and their populations to date:

Parish / Name of Shelter /

Number of Persons

St. Thomas / Grants Pen Primary / 12
Yallahs Primary / 45
St. Elizabeth / Salvation Army Church Great Bay / 1
Corsham SDA Church / 4
Mr Staples House / 5
Top Hill Primary / 1
Ballads Valley SDA Church / 1
St. Catherine / Old Harbour Bay Community Centre / 23
Sweet Sop Lane / 9
Marchpen Road / 3
Clarendon / Wesleyian Holiness Church (Rocky Point) / 36
Portland Cottage Primary / 210
Mitchell Town Primary / 20
Portland / Manchonel All Age / 27
Non Such All Age / 3
Mount Pleasant City Mission / 6
Reach All Age / 12
Windsor All Age / 20
Manchester / Comfort Basic / 7
Summerset All Age / 10
Blue Mountain Community Centre / 5
Morley Hill Primary / 13
KSA / Grove Place Community Centre / 12
Friendship Brook All Age / 10
Jacks Hill Community Centre / 20
Long Mountain / 150
Jacques Road / 120
St. Martin de Porres / 2
Golden Spring Community College / 2

TOTAL

/ 29 Shelters / 789

The public is reminded that, under the National Shelter Programme, government-owned schools are designated as shelters.

The following items can be taken to a shelter: blankets; flashlights and extra batteries; extra clothing; medication; 24 hours supply of non-perishable food and water – do not forget to take with you a can opener; toiletries such as soap, toilet tissue and sanitary napkins; infant necessities such as diapers and baby food; disposable cups, plates and forks; a portable radio and batteries; and a First Aid Kit.

The ODPEM will keep the country informed as the post-Hurricane Dean recovery and relief efforts continue.

Contact: Kerry-Ann Morris, Information Officer,