FAQ
The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) (all people, all hazards, all phases of disaster management) in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The ODM is able to execute its coordinating role through the NEPO Framework which provides the necessary support based on the nature of the hazard.
The National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) is the umbrella organization comprising of all participants in national disaster management efforts. NEPO membership includes representatives from Government and Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) as well as Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO’s) and individual volunteers.
The ODM is the Secretariat of NEPO and manages the daily activities of the organization. The ODM facility is located at Jimmit in the parish of St Paul on the west coast of Dominica. (See contact us).
ODM operating hours are: Mondays – 8am to 5pm. Tuesdays to Fridays - 8am to 4pm. The National Disaster Coordinator remains available outside of normal operational hours and maintains contact with other members of the national first responder system.
There are several areas that persons can volunteer for including but not limited to:
- District and Community Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs and CDMCs)
- Shelter Manager
- Deputy Shelter Manager
- Registrar/Admin
- Security
- Emergency Communications Operator
- Storekeeper
- Cook
- Cleaner
- Other supporting volunteers
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs)
- Warehouse Management and Emergency Relief Distribution
- Emergency Communications
The volunteer application form can be accessed on the Volunteers section of the ODM website. You can also call (266-4412) or email (odmdominica@gmail.com).
Currently the ODM provides training in Shelter Management, Emergency Communications, Warehouse Management and Emergency Relief Distribution, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA). General disaster preparedness training is provided to institutions on request. Offers for trainings are announced through disaster committees in each district. You can also call the ODM for information on training schedule at (266-4412) or email (odmdominica@gmail.com).
The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) is responsible for volcano and seismic monitoring in Dominica supported by the ODM. In the event of a volcanic eruption, earthquake or tsunami the Office of Disaster Management is the official warning authority in Dominica.
It is unlikely that they will all erupt at the same time. However, research shows that the rocks from various volcanic centre's are similar in composition and as such may have a common magmatic source. This indicates that it may be possible that multiple centres can show activity within a similar time frame. It should be noted that given the size of the island, that even an eruption from one volcanic centre is sufficient to cause significant disruption to the island. (Source: UWI-SRC)
The emergency shelter list is provided on the ODM website and facebook page. You can also contact the Local Government Division or check with the disaster committee in your district or community.
