DMCA Designates Seven Official Emergency Shelters in Preparation for Hurricane Season

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has designated seven official buildings across the island as emergency shelters for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1st.

These shelters which include churches and community centers have undergone thorough inspections by both Governor, Her Excellency Harriet Cross and officials at the DMCA to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards for housing residents during storm events.

They are House of Refuge and Delivery Ministry Church (downstairs) in Salem; Salem Resource Centre; Cavalla Hill Methodist Church – Cecil Weekes Centre

Cavalla Hill Methodist Church – Koinakraft Centre in Cudjoe Head; the Davy Hill Community Centre;

The Seventh Day Adventist New Ebenezer Church (downstairs) in St. John’s; and the Judy Piece

Bethany Methodist Church

As the 2025 Hurricane Season approaches, Governor Cross, recently toured the designated hurricane shelters to assess readiness and ensure the island is prepared for the season ahead.

She accorded special thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan (Director) and Astrid Wade (Senior Disaster Management Coordinator) from the DMCA, for facilitating this important visit.

The DMCA is emphasizing that these public shelters should be considered last resorts.

It says Residents are strongly encouraged to prioritize securing their homes and properties in preparation for potential hurricane impacts during the season which runs until November.

The DMCA adds that those who must seek refuge in public shelters are required to provide their own essential supplies initially.

These include items such as canned food, water, clothing, personal hygiene products, blankets, and sleeping gear, as these provisions will not be available at the shelters.

According to officials, during emergencies, trained volunteers will be on-site to manage the operations of these facilities.