Disaster Training for Pointe Seraphine Users and Operators

Fresh on the heels of the launch of an Operations' Manual for the Duty Free Pointe Seraphine Shopping Complex, the National Development Corporation this week began fine tuning its Mass Casualty and Disaster Management plan for the facility.

The first phase of this comprehensive training and sensitization exercise got underway on Wednesday at the NIC Conference Centre, when close to forty persons representing a cross-section of tenants, operators, users and employees were apprised of disaster management issues that could affect life at the complex.

The half-day training was facilitated by officials of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and focused on sensitizing participants on their personal and collective vulnerabilities to disasters, both man-made and natural.

Pointe Seraphine Operations Manager Ena James says "Given the fact that we live in a hurricane prone region and considering the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, tenants at the waterfront perched complex, could face serious losses if not properly sensitized to the dangers posed by disasters."

NDC General Manager Timothy Greene says, "For us at the NDC the onus is to ensure that during times of disaster we help our tenants and the general public in making sure they minimize injury, prevent as much as possible lose of life and property and empower persons with the requisite skills to regain a state of normalcy as part of the recovery and rebuilding process."

Participants were sensitized on core issues that highlighted the need for clearly spelt out evacuation plans, designated safe areas to assemble in the event of a disaster, how to account for personnel and the like.

Participants expressed much delight at receiving the training and have indicated their interest in subsequent training exercises which will focus on CPR and First Aid.