National Office of Disaster Services - Antigua/Barbuda

National Office of Disaster Services - Antigua/Barbuda The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is a government agency established in 1984 to coordinate disaster management efforts in Antigua and Barbuda.

NODS Staff participate in specialized training on DisasterAWARE PlatformPersonnel from the National Office of Disaster ...
16/06/2026

NODS Staff participate in specialized training on DisasterAWARE Platform

Personnel from the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) have strengthened their ability to monitor developing threats, evaluate potential impacts and support informed decision-making during emergency operations.

The staff was involved in a specialized training last week on one of the world’s leading disaster risk reduction and decision support platforms, DisasterAWARE, developed by the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC).

PDC is a leading innovator of global risk reduction science and technology at the University of Hawaii.

The virtual training was facilitated by the organization’s Liaison to US Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM) Alex Carias.

Used by more than 25 thousand professionals worldwide, DisasterAWARE provides real-time monitoring and alerting for 28 natural, biological, manmade and geopolitical hazards.

The platform combines authoritative data sources, advanced impact modelling, artificial intelligence, enhanced analytics and risk intelligence tools to help emergency managers and decision-makers act early to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.

NODS personnel learnt how to integrate DisasterAWARE into Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities and utilise data from Antigua and Barbuda’s National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment completed in partnership with PDC in 2024 to make informed decisions.

The training emphasized practical applications that support preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation activities while enhancing national resilience and disaster management capabilities.

NODS remains committed to strengthening national preparedness, enhancing operational readiness and ensuring Antigua and Barbuda remains equipped with the tools and information needed to effectively manage disasters and protect communities across the nation. - the end -

If you haven’t created a family emergency plan yet, this is your sign to start today. ⏱️ A few minutes now can save you...
16/06/2026

If you haven’t created a family emergency plan yet, this is your sign to start today. ⏱️

A few minutes now can save you and your loved ones a lot of stress later.

Preparedness is a responsibility we all share. ❤️🏠

This hurricane season, choose safety, stay alert, stay indoors, and protect your family. 🌧️
15/06/2026

This hurricane season, choose safety, stay alert, stay indoors, and protect your family. 🌧️

Barbuda Successfully Completes Tsunami Ready Exercise and Public Awareness ActivityBarbuda recently completed a successf...
12/06/2026

Barbuda Successfully Completes Tsunami Ready Exercise and Public Awareness Activity

Barbuda recently completed a successful Tsunami Ready exercise aimed at strengthening community awareness, preparedness, and response capabilities in the event of a tsunami.

The May 26 – 28 initiative, led locally by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), brought together local schools, disaster management officials, international experts, and community stakeholders in support of the island's ongoing efforts to achieve and maintain Tsunami Ready recognition.

The Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is an internationally recognized initiative that promotes community preparedness through public education, effective warning systems, evacuation planning, and regular exercises. The Tsunami Ready Exercise is the first step in ensuring that Barbuda can be categorized as “Tsunami Ready” - a recognition that acknowledges that a community has adopted mitigation measures to cope with their tsunami risk.

Activities commenced on May 26 with visits to Holy Trinity Primary School and Sir McChesney George Secondary School, where students and staff participated in discussions on tsunami hazards, preparedness measures, and evacuation procedures.

The sessions also provided an opportunity to engage students in the development of educational and social media content designed to raise public awareness about tsunami risks which will be incorporated into public awareness materials promoting tsunami readiness across the world.

The exercise culminated on May 28 with a community-wide tsunami evacuation exercise, primarily focused on the Holy Trinity Primary and Sir McChesney George Secondary Schools.

Participants practiced moving from designated tsunami hazard zones to safe locations, testing evacuation routes, communication procedures, and coordination mechanisms. The drill provided valuable insights into community response capabilities and identified opportunities for continued improvement.

"This exercise demonstrates the importance of community involvement in disaster preparedness," said National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Director Sherrod James. "By engaging young people and conducting practical evacuation exercises, we are helping to ensure that Barbuda remains prepared to respond effectively to tsunami threats."

The exercise was supported by a distinguished team of local and international experts, including Christa von Hillebrandt-Andrade, Manager of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) International Tsunami Information Center Caribbean Office (ITIC-CAR); Emiliano Rodriguez Nuesch, Director at Risk Communications Agency Pacifico and an expert in risk communication and behavioural science, and Diego Voloschin, Videographer.

They were joined by Alvah Guishard, GIS Specialist with NODS; Daryl George, Project Officer within the NODS Project Management Unit; John Mussington, Barbuda Council Chairman and consultant to the Barbuda Tsunami Ready activity, and other technical specialists supporting the initiative.

NODS expressed its appreciation to the administration, teachers, and students of Holy Trinity Primary School and Sir McChesney George Secondary School for their enthusiastic participation and commitment to building a culture of safety and resilience, as well as to the Ministry of Education for supporting this important initiative. - the end -

When a storm threatens, safety comes first. 🌀
11/06/2026

When a storm threatens, safety comes first. 🌀

Do you know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning? 🌧️🌀Knowing the difference can help you pre...
09/06/2026

Do you know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning? 🌧️🌀

Knowing the difference can help you prepare sooner and stay safer. ✅

✔️

NODS to seek funding for Purpose Built Shelter and CDEMA MeetingsSubject to Cabinet approval, the National Office of Dis...
08/06/2026

NODS to seek funding for Purpose Built Shelter and CDEMA Meetings

Subject to Cabinet approval, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) will be seeking funding for a purpose-built shelter, called NODS LEAF, costing in the region of 19 million US dollars.

On Friday, Local Architect Colin John Jenkins unveiled the design concept for the structure that is proposed to accommodate approximately 500 individuals.

The conceptual drawings and the grant concept were funded by a European Union Programme - Building Resilience of CARIFORUM states to Disaster Risk and Climate Change Impacts (BRICS), that is implemented by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

According to John Jenkins, the plan is to make the shelter resilient, being able to withstand category five hurricanes.

Among the amenities will be family and private accommodation, medical and special needs facilities, kitchen, processing area, administrative bloc, offices, children recreational area, an isolation space and a flexible multi-purpose hall.

In attendance at the unveiling were Executive Director of CDEMA Elizabeth Riley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Sarah Stuart along with EU representative and the Director of CARIFORUM.

Meanwhile, the CDEMA Executive Director took part in several meetings over the weekend here in Antigua and on the sister-isle Barbuda.

Riley was part of a project Steering Committee meeting Thursday of the BRICS programme that reviewed progress being made on projects that have been undertaken throughout the sub-region. A meeting was also held with members of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda.

On Friday, Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Hon. Kiz Johnson joined Riley and NODS Deputy Director Craig Cole in signing a Country Work Programme that was developed to guide the national disaster management programme for the next five years.

The CDEMA team, along with Deputy Director of NODS Craig Cole, also travelled to Barbuda Saturday and met with Chairman of the Barbuda Council John Mussington.

Discussions focused on the effects of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the recovery efforts undertaken. Visits were made to the Disaster Management Office and newly renovated facilities.

NODS has been working with the Barbuda Council to strengthen the comprehensive disaster management programme on the sister-isle. - the end -

Don’t just have a plan, prepare for it. Emergency go bag = instant readiness!
08/06/2026

Don’t just have a plan, prepare for it. Emergency go bag = instant readiness!

06/06/2026

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed a presentation from the Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) during her visit to Antigua and Barbuda. The Executive Director was in the country to participate in activities surrounding the commissioning of newly upgraded hurricane shelters and to engage Government officials on regional disaster preparedness and resilience initiatives.

During her presentation, the Executive Director highlighted the evolving disaster risk environment facing the Caribbean, noting that climate-related hazards are becoming more frequent, more severe, and increasingly costly. She emphasized that regional disaster management systems are being called upon not only to coordinate emergency response efforts but also to support resilience-building and recovery initiatives throughout the region.

Cabinet was informed that CDEMA continues to play a critical role in coordinating regional disaster response and providing technical assistance, training, and operational support to participating states. However, the organization faces growing financial and operational pressures as traditional sources of international development assistance become less predictable amid changing global priorities.

The Executive Director outlined the organization’s efforts to strengthen its capacity through institutional restructuring, enhanced technical expertise, and the establishment of more sustainable financing mechanisms. Particular emphasis was placed on the need for participating states to increase their investment in regional disaster preparedness systems to ensure that critical response resources are readily available when disasters strike.

Cabinet noted that Antigua and Barbuda has benefited significantly from its longstanding partnership with CDEMA. Between 2019 and 2025, the country received substantial technical and financial support through the regional mechanism, including disaster response assistance, specialized training for emergency personnel, and access to an expanding network of regional and international partners.

The Executive Director also underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic role within the regional disaster management architecture as a designated Sub-Regional Focal Point, a responsibility the country has undertaken for several decades. Cabinet acknowledged that this leadership role enhances both national and regional preparedness and contributes to the collective security of Caribbean states.

Following the presentation, Cabinet reaffirmed its strong support for the work of CDEMA and recognized the indispensable role the organization plays in safeguarding lives, property, and economic activity throughout the Caribbean. Cabinet agreed that strengthening disaster preparedness and response systems remains a national priority, particularly as the region faces increasingly complex climate and environmental challenges.
Cabinet further expressed its support for efforts aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of CDEMA and welcomed ongoing discussions regarding enhanced regional cooperation, capacity building, and financing arrangements that will strengthen disaster resilience across the Caribbean.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to working closely with CDEMA and regional partners to build safer, more resilient communities and to ensure that the country remains prepared to respond effectively to future emergencies and natural disasters.

Just sharing some photos of our Hurricane Season Church Service held on Sunday at the Bible Speaks Seventh-Day Adventist...
02/06/2026

Just sharing some photos of our Hurricane Season Church Service held on Sunday at the Bible Speaks Seventh-Day Adventist Church at Creekside.

Address

American Road
Saint John's

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Monday 08:00 - 16:15
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:15
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:15
Thursday 08:00 - 16:15
Friday 08:00 - 15:00

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+1268-462-4206

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