The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is reminding Dominicans that emergency preparedness must continue long after the hurricane season ends. In a new public advisory, the ODM stresses that emergencies do not wait for a convenient time and that staying ready throughout the year protects homes, families, and peace of mind.
“Preparedness doesn’t end with the hurricane season — and emergencies don’t wait for the ‘right time,’” the ODM said. The message encourages residents to treat readiness as a continuous lifestyle rather than a seasonal task, particularly as the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
The ODM’s guidance focuses on practical steps families can take now. Residents are urged to keep their emergency kits updated, refresh supplies of water and non-perishable food regularly, and safeguard important documents and belongings. These measures, the office notes, help ensure that households are not caught off guard when a hazard strikes.
Dominica is no stranger to the destructive power of natural disasters. The island is still rebuilding from Hurricane Maria, which struck in September 2017 and caused widespread devastation across the Nature Isle. More recently, the country has faced flash flooding, landslides, and seismic activity, all of which can occur at any point in the year. The ODM’s year-round approach reflects the reality that threats such as earthquakes, heavy rainfall, and tropical storms are not confined to the official hurricane window.
The advisory also aligns with the ODM’s broader public education efforts, which include community outreach, school programmes, and the promotion of family emergency plans. The office has long encouraged every household to know its evacuation routes, establish a meeting point for family members, and maintain a stock of essentials that can sustain a home for at least 72 hours.
For those who have not yet assembled an emergency kit, the ODM advises starting with the basics: bottled water, canned and dried food, a manual can opener, flashlights with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, and copies of identification and insurance documents stored in waterproof packaging. Items should be checked every few months, and expired goods replaced before they are needed.
The reminder comes as Dominica enters the post-hurricane period, a time when many residents traditionally relax their guard. The ODM cautions against this complacency, noting that preparedness is most valuable precisely when it becomes a habit. The office says a well-maintained kit and a clear plan can make the difference between a manageable disruption and a serious emergency.
Residents seeking further guidance on emergency preparedness can contact the ODM or follow its public announcements. The office continues to monitor hazards and issue alerts as conditions warrant, but its core message remains constant: readiness is not a seasonal chore but a year-round responsibility for every Dominican household.
