CRITICAL POINT Information Management In Emergencies By Howie M. Prince

Purpose of the presentation Highlight the difficulties that small island states can face because of over dependency on information generated outside the Region for decision-making in hurricane emergencies

Importance of accurate information Is the information sufficient? Is information verification necessary?

Waiting for the storm…

Lili Alert mechanism EOC activation Local mobilization The official source Local Met Office National Hurricane Centre Weather channel Other sources Worldwide Web Regional Media

Met Reports Information received 12:00 hours 18:00 hours 23:00 hours 02:00 – 05:00 next day

Actions taken – 23:00 hours Search and rescue dispatches Medical dispatches Security details

Stumped!!!!!! 2:00 – 5:00 pm Facing the worst conditions Fatalities 60% of total damage

Questions Are non Regional Met information providers self-serving? Can we rely on them? If not, what are the alternatives? Should the decision-maker seek independent verification? Is there time for this? Where will the information come from?

More ??????????? Can international organizations such as PAHO play an influential role in facilitating the process to guarantee the supply of accurate information at critical times?

Where is St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

Can you help? By the next LEADERS Course with your intervention marginal states like St. Vincent and the Grenadines will love to boast a position on international weather maps