Children and Special Needs Guide to Resource in Jamaica - Pilot ...
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Children and
Special Needs
Guide to Resource
in Jamaica
Climate Change,
Disaster Preparedness and
Emergency Management
for People with Disabilities
This Edition of the Publication was supported
through funding and technical assistance
from the Adaptation Programme and
Financing Mechanism Project, Ministry of
Economic Growth and Job Creation.
1
2 nd Edition 2019 / 2021
We believe that giving people the knowledge and tools to support
the holistic development of children with disabilities and special
needs, has a ripple effect in helping children, families, and
communities achieve true disability inclusion! Here are some
publications which could help. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
RAISING NATHAN: Every Life Has a Story
By Christine E. Staple-Ebanks
Raising Nathan: Every Life Has a Story is an inspirational book is written
from a parent’s perspective and give the reader insight into the life of
the Ebanks’ family, as they navigate the journey of raising a child with
disabilities in Jamaica. The author helps her reader to see beyond the
disability, and to see the gift that is the child.
Available in Kindle and print from amazon.com
This issue has been brought to the fore through funding and support from the Adaptation Programme
and Financing Mechanism (AP&FM) for the Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience (PPCR), a project
under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. The AP&FM is funded by the Climate
Investment Funds through the Inter-American Development Bank. The publication is a collaborative
effort between six public and private organizations who were consulted for their subject matter
expertise and special insights. Special thanks to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Office of Disaster
A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Homework Years: Foundations Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and Combined Disabilities Association. For a
for Helping Your Child Develop Good Study Habits e-copy of the guide, please visit nefjamaica.org or send an email to info@nefjamaica.org.
by Christine Staple-Ebanks
This book is a homework help manual which will support and guide
Our partners and contributors
Child Protection and Family Services Agency; Adaptation Programme and Financing Mechanism for
parents in how to build healthy parent/child relationships through
homework partnership. Whether your child is in a general education or the PPCR, a project under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation; The Office of Disaster
special education classroom, this manual presents a carefully culled list Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM); The Jamaica Fire Brigade; Combined Disabili-
of strategies, activities and resources which are tested and proven to be ties Association; and Chief John Alston, Connecticut, USA.
effective in laying the foundation necessary to cultivate effective study
skills and form good study habits in your child’s life. This publication is available online at nefjamaica.org.
Available in print format only at this time from amazon.com Please note: This publication is available in the following formats: print (limited amount), e-version,
audio, and braille (limited amount of copies).
© 2017 by Nathan Ebanks Foundation
How to Cope with Being a New Parent of a Child with Special Needs All rights reserved. Published in 2019
By Christine E. Staple-Ebanks No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission of the
You are not alone. If you have recently learned that your child has a publisher.
developmental delay or a disability (which may or may not be completely
defined), this book may be for you. It is written from my personal Editor: Christine E. Staple-Ebanks
perspective of parenting a child with a disability in Jamaica and provides Editing Support: Adrianne Staple-Ebanks, Indi Lafayette, Delmaris White, David Nation
insights, tips and information that will support you in the new journey. Graphic design: Francesca Silvestri (UN Volunteer)
Available November 2019 on Amazon.com. You can preorder your copy
today. Go to http://christinestapleebanks.com/ for more details.
Contact us at: Facebook Pages:
P.O. Box 2334, Kingston 8 TheNathanEbanksFoundation
Tel: 876 942 2075 FESNRF
Email: info@nefjamaica.org JAMCAMH
www.nefjamaica.org JPEC2018
To book a workshop or speaking engagement,
2
please send us an email to info@nefjamaica.org 3
or visit our website https:\\www.nefjamaica.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction
Christine Ebanks
Founder and President, Nathan Ebanks
Foundation
Before 2018, the idea of Climate Change, Disaster Raising awareness about climate change and its
Preparedness and Emergency Management for effect should be ongoing for the population at
persons with disabilities was not something that large. Equally, there should be informed disas-
I had ever thought of as childhood disabilities ter preparedness and emergency management
advocate or as a mother of a child with a Cerebral plans for persons with disabilities in place in var-
Palsy disability. ious settings: homes, schools, businesses, com-
1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS munities, and of course our first responder sys-
Contact with the Adaptation Programme and tems across the country.
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Financing Mechanism for the Pilot Programme
for Climate Resilience (PPCR) Jamaica Project This is the context for this special edition
3 Introduction completely banished my ignorance. I was not of the Children and Special Needs Guide to
aware that as a mother of a child with a disability, Resource Handbook. Under the theme “Disaster
4 Increased vulnerabilities – climate change and the challenges for persons with disabilities I needed to have a response plan in place for my Preparedness and Emergency Management for
son and my family. While disasters and emergen- Persons with Disabilities”, the guide provides
6 Message from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management - ODPEM cies affect everyone, their impact on people with information on preparing an emergency plan
disabilities/special needs is often compounded and kit for people with disabilities/special
7 Message from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency - CPFSA by factors such as reliance on wheelchair, acces- needs and for caregivers.
sible transportation and accessible communica-
9 Jamaica Fire Brigade: Strengthening capacities to serve persons with disabilities tion – all of which can be compromised in emer- This issue has been brought to the fore through
gency situations. Generally speaking, evidence funding and support from the Adaptation Pro-
12 Profile of the Green Island Climate Adaptation Project Balfour Bowen – building climate resil- shows that persons with disabilities are often gramme and Financing Mechanism for the PPCR,
ience through oyster farming among the first victims of natural disasters as a project under the Ministry of Economic Growth
early warning systems may fail to reach them in and Job Creation. The publication is a collabo-
13 Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) Making Strides time, or those with physical disabilities such as rative effort between six public and private or-
blindness, hearing impaired or deaf, or wheel- ganizations who were consulted for their subject
15 Directory of Support Services chair users might not be able to act on the warn- matter expertise and special insights. Special
ings quickly enough. thanks to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, the Office of
25 First responders first aid Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Manage-
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsi- ment (ODPEM), Jamaica Association for the Deaf,
27 Protocol for emergency, fire, flood, hurricane as it relates to Jamaica Fire Brigade bility. As climate change threats continue to be and Combined Disabilities Association. Thank
on the rise, weather conditions are expected to you also John Alston, a 34 year veteran of Fire
29 Home Safety for People with Disabilites worsen in the coming years. Countries like Ja- and Emergency Services who currently holds the
maica, which is known to experience extreme title of Fire Chief, where he commands over 360
weathers such as storms, hurricanes, flooding, strong women and men of the New Haven Fire
and earthquakes, must be adequately prepared. Department in Connecticut, USA.
Christine Ebanks
4 5
Increased vulnerabilities for using the bathrooms as usually they are not 5) Ensuring that persons with disabilities are
constructed to ensure that persons with physi- represented at the Parish or national levels
– climate change and the cal challenges are able to go by themselves. So on entities dealing with disaster manage-
many have to undergo the indignity of being ment and climate change.
challenges for persons assisted to the bathroom.
6) Sensitisation for the disabled sector on the
with disabilities Another issue that also has to be considered is impacts of climate change.
the awareness of the disabled community and
their support networks about the impact of 7) Research on the Knowledge, Attitude and
climate change and what is needed to ensure Practice of Persons with disabilities towards
that the roughly 270,000 persons that make up climate change.
Indi Mclymont - Lafayette the sector are able to adequately respond to
Development Communications climate impacts. It is critical that strong partnerships be estab-
lished to ensure that the needs of PwD’s are
Specialist - AP&FM*
The Adaptation Programme and Financing adequately reflected in Jamaica’s planning and
Mechanism (AP&FM) of the Pilot Programme resilience framework for climate change. While
Thirty-two year old deaf instructor Rohan will believe that she had run out without her child. for Climate Resilience (PPCR) was very happy there is increasing awareness about the need
tell you that he has never received a hurricane to work with the Nathan Ebanks Foundation in for inclusive response to climate change and
warning. In fact for the two hurricanes he has At the same workshop several response agen- 2018 to share climate information at the Expo emergency management, much more needs
experienced he only found out that they were cies said that they did not have any proper and Information Fair. A key part of its knowl- to be done to boost capacity (knowledge, fi-
coming when torrential rains started tearing plans in place to assist persons with disabilities. edge management component has been to nancial, human and physical) among key ser-
and he got soaked. raise awareness about climate change and vices delivery institutions/stakeholders, im-
In the past 20 years Jamaica has had over 10 its impacts so that the sector can start taking prove infrastructure and increase the visibility
For him, and many other deaf persons in Jamai- hurricanes and tropical storms which has sig- adaptive action. and participation of PwD in climate response
ca, there is no formal early warning system for nificantly impacted the islands Gross Domestic and disaster planning and decision-making at
them. Unless a friend or relative deliberately Product. In 2017. The ongoing drought condi- It would be good for example for the sector to all levels. The AP&FM and the Nathan Ebanks
tells them that a hurricane is coming then they tions in 2014/2015 cost the Jamaican govern- look at issues such as: Foundation have started the process – Join us
are left unprepared and vulnerable to the hur- ment $1 billion to help farmers who were being on the journey of reducing risk and protecting
ricane impacts. impacted. The 2017 flooding in Clarendon also 1) The building of more accessible shelters for the lives of the most vulnerable.
cost the government millions to help persons Persons with Disabilities.
Many times persons with disabilities tend to recover. Indi Mclymont - Lafayette
be forgotten in a disaster – maybe not neces- 2) Having shelters managers who are trained
sarily out of ill-intent but more due to cases of As Jamaica moves towards building climate to deal with persons with disabilities and
self-preservation or lack of knowledge on how resilience and ensuring that the country can to ensure that disabled women especially
to work with them in those situations. adapt to climate impacts such as stronger hurri- are not faced with increased risk of violence
canes, increased flash floods, longer droughts, and abuse at the shelters.
At a workshop on climate change and disaster sea level rise, hotter temperatures and more
response a few years ago one parent recount- vector-borne diseases it raises the question of 3) Doing training with response entities re
ed a story of flooding in her community. As how prepared is the disabled community? reaching and evacuating persons with dis- * The Adaptation Programme and Financing
she saw the waters rising she said she ran out abilities in the event of a disaster. Mechanism (AP&FM) of the Pilot Programme for
of the house in terror and only when she had For example, very few shelters in Jamaica can Climate Resilience (PPCR), a project under the
gotten to higher ground did she remember her accommodate physically challenged persons. 4) Having a database of persons with disa- Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation
disabled child inside. She ran back to get her Access is usually problematic and requires that bilities living in flood prone or vulnerable
and was able to do so before the waters flood- persons be lifted from their wheelchairs and communities.
ed the house. But looking back she could not carried into the shelter. It is a similar situation
6 7
Message from the Office of Message from the Child
Disaster Preparedness and Protection and Family
Emergency Management - Services Agency - CPFSA
ODPEM
Richard Thompson, Mr. Mrs. Rosalee Gage-Grey
Director General, Acting - ODPEM CEO, CPFSA
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emer- we can reduce the impact of emergencies and “If every child matters, every child has the right The initiative taken to represent the interest of
gency Management (ODPEM) is pleased to disasters on persons living with disabilities, by to a good start in life and to be included. And children and families to policy-makers and at
partner with the Nathan Ebanks Foundation on creating need specific responses all the while this is equally important for children with special every level of society to promote social inclusion
the 2019 staging of its Family Expo and Special considering challenges that include mobility, needs.” must not be taken lightly. It is through this level of
Needs Recourse Fair. While disasters threat- hearing, learning or seeing disabilities. This interest that we are now making strides in persons
en the well-being of people from all walks of should allow them in an emergency to evacu- This profound statement continues to be echoed in the disability community.
life, few are as disproportionately affected as ate immediately without difficulty at the Child Protection and Family Services
the more than one billion people around the Agency (CPFSA) as we continue of our mission of Undoubtedly, the CPFSA and Nathan Ebanks
world who live with disabilities (Arnold, 2018). The ODPEM and the Nathan Ebanks Founda- safeguarding children with the support our key Foundation are family, as our mission to focus on
According to the United Nations (UN), only 1 in tion’s partnership will ensure that people with partner; the Nathan Ebanks Foundation (NEF). the holistic development of the Nation’s children
5 person with disabilities around the world is disabilities, their caregivers, families, friends is on par. The CPFSA will continue to support
a in capacity to evacuate without difficulty in and the wider community can access the rele- We are absolutely delighted to be associated the efforts of equality for all as we emphasis the
the event of a disaster (Handicap International, vant information from public and private bod- with NEF yet another year for the 3rd staging message of child protection across our island.
2017). ies to be ready for any urgent situation, which of the annual Family Expo and Special Needs
means assembling a survival kit, making an Resource Fair under the theme Encourage, We hope this year’s event will impact more
As the national disaster management agency emergency plan and being better informed. It Enable, Include Me. families and spark an islandwide dialogue as to
our vision is to become a proactive world-class is our hope that this partnership will also pro- the way forward.
agency, building a disaster resilient nation and vide pace of mind for persons living with disa- The shared theme which also is for this year’s Child
it is through partnerships like these, we can ad- bilities when it comes to disaster preparedness Month initiates the need for us to safeguard and Thank you.
vance disaster preparedness and emergency and emergencies. enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities
management measures in Jamaica. By being across Jamaica. R os a le e Ga g e-Gray
more inclusive with regards to persons living Ri c h a rd Thom p s o n
with disabilities it is our hope to reduce the lev- It is due passion and commitment to the needs
els of disaster related injury and death, through of children and families with special needs that
integrated disaster management systems is- the Foundation is to be commended for its
land wide. intervention with schools to improve access to,
and evidence-based practices for effectively
Emergencies and Disasters can occur without reaching and teaching children and adolescents
notice; however with more inclusive planning with disabilities.
8 9
Jamaica Fire Brigade:
Strengthening capacities
to serve persons with
disabilities
Stewart L. Beckford
Commissioner, Jamaica Fire Brigade
The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is committed to The job of awareness and fire prevention is nev-
providing an economical and highly efficient er ending. As such, we provide daily, monthly,
Fire and Rescue Service that is inclusive of all quarterly and yearly campaigns that are used
citizens. Over the past decade, the JFB has been to actively increase awareness in the event
working steadily and consistently to improve of fire and, to promote Life Safety practices.
its services to be more responsive to our most These include:
vulnerable citizens - children, and children and
adults with disabilities and the elderly. Campaigns and Lectures
Through its Fire Prevention and Public Rela- • Fire and Life Safety lectures are conduct-
tions unit, the JFB has been building strategic ed daily and may also be executed upon
partnerships with organizations such as the request.
Nathan Ebanks Foundation, the various public • Social Media Awareness Campaigns
agencies and non-profit organizations which • Traditional Media Campaigns (Television,
support, educate and provide services for per- Radio and Newspapers)
sons with disabilities. • Fire and Life Safety Awareness Campaigns
• Children Fire and Life Safety Awareness
The Jamaica Fire Brigade has confirmed that at Campaigns
least two children with disabilities have died as a • Publications of Kindergarten Books
result of unsafe Fire and Life Safety practices since • Production of Fire and Life Safety Manuals
the start of 2019. In an effort to encourage a “Fire
safe Jamaica” that is accessible to all its citizens re- In addition, the Fire Prevention Division of the
gardless of their abilities or disabilities, the Jamai- Jamaica Fire Brigade ensures that existing and
ca Fire Brigade has launched several campaigns proposed buildings conforms with the Nation-
and programmes aimed at unveiling the need for al Building Code of Jamaica and the Disability
persons with disabilities to be included through- Act of 2014. These documents along with the
out the programmes and planning of the JFB and, National Fire Protection Association Codes
as a priority in disaster preparedness and emer- (NFPA) assist with the processing of building
gency plans and systems across the country. applications and site inspection of properties.
10 11
Buildings within Jamaica should be in accord- Together as a Nation, one of our top priorities
ance with the laws of Jamaica with regards to should be to safe guard, uphold and guarantee
physically challenged persons. equality of opportunity, for the civil liberties,
attentiveness, benefits and treatment for our
We are all guided by Section 37(a, b, c) of the fellow citizens especially for those with special
Disability Act of 2014 which states that: needs.
In constructing any public or commercial prem- Ste wa rt L. Be c k f ord
ises, the construction of which began on or af-
ter the appointed day, the owner agent shall
ensure that the premises being constructed
are:
a) Readily accessible to and usable by a per-
son with disability;
b) Built in accordance with the National Build-
ing Code; and
c) Designed in such a way as to make the
common areas accessible to and usable by
a person with disability
Key Tips to aid Persons with Disabilities, within the Home
• Every home should have an emergency exit plan, drawn and mounted
• Place signs in braille (and other types of notifications based on specified
disabilities) within your household
• Practice escape drills based on the identified disabilities of your relatives
• Separate keys and, keep a copy at a visible and accessible point near each
exit
• If you have grilles at your home, ensure that at least one (1) of the windows
is hinged and the key kept close by, in case of an emergency
• Purchase portable fire extinguishers and smoke detectors for your home
• Ensure ramps are installed where necessary, according to building code
specifications
12 13
Profile of the Green Island Child Protection and Family respond in the event of an emergency. There
are 54 Children’s homes which are regularly
Climate Adaptation Project Services Agency (CPFSA) assessed and through a partnership with the
Jamaica Fire Brigade, day and night drills are
Balfour Bowen – building Making Strides conducted. There is also a disaster manage-
ment and contingency planning policy, which
climate resilience through is activated during impending threats; as part
of the Agency’s response mechanism to safe-
oyster farming guard children in State care.
Agreeably, disasters can happen at any time,
Indi Mclymont - Lafayette Formed from a merge between the Child De- householders/parents/guardians are encour-
Development Communications velopment Agency (CDA) and Office of the aged to put mechanisms in place to prevent
Registry (OCR), the Child Protection and Family loss of lives and property such as:
Specialist - AP&FM*
Services Agency (CPFSA) is an executive agency
of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Infor- 1. Evacuation Plan and Escape routes- this
Balfour Bowen is the President of the Green Is- its Special Climate Change Adaptation Fund mation, mandated to provide quality services should be taught to children, individuals
land Friendly Fisherfolks Cooperative. He leads (SCCAF) for funding to continue the work. EFJ to children in need of care & protection, in par- with disability and the elderly.
his team in several initiatives including the administers the funding for grants through the ticular, those abused, abandoned, neglected or 2. Installation of trap doors
implementation of a project entitled Climate SCCAF with funds provided by the Adaptation at risk. 3. Converting grilled windows with hinges
Resilience Improvement in Local Fisheries in Programme and Financing Mechanism of the 4. Installation of smoke detectors and alarms
Green Island, Hanover. Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience. The re- Over the years, the CPFSA places emphasis on
quest was favourably received, and Bowen and developing programmes catering to the holistic The Agency continues to ensure that children
The project focuses on boosting the income of his team are fully underway with implementing wellbeing of children in State care, and the wider understand how to protect themselves; feel
the fisherfolk that are members of the Cooper- the project. society through the Living and Family Environ- protected and are protected from significant
ative through the introduction of commercial ment (LIFE) Programme. LIFE is a more desirable harm.
oyster farming. The project has been collabo- The Green Island Bay has some important eco- alternative care option comprising of adoption,
rating with the Fisheries Division of the Minis- logical characteristics such as two fresh water family reintegration, supervision order and fos- The achievements of the Agency should also
try of Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries and sources entering the sea as well as suitability ter care. The latter is the flagship programme of be credited to the many dedicated partners
other partners to boost oyster production and salinity and temperature. There are imports the CPFSA and is geared at placing children in who have openly gave of time and financial
get it available in underserved markets such as physical features that are important to oyster State care in temporary and nurturing familial support, the most recent; a Memorandum of
hotels and surrounding communities. production. The results of the pilot study have settings. Understanding signed between the Supreme
been used as a guide for the development of Ventures Foundation and the Ministry of Edu-
Bowen and his team have recognised that fish- commercial production. The Agency monitors all children in the pro- cation, Youth and Information through the CP-
ing in Green Island has been impacted by de- tective sector in keeping with the 29 Standards FSA. This timely partnership will greatly assist
clining fish stock – both in numbers and size Bowen, who is physically challenged, is a stal- of Care and the Child Care and Protection Act with the provision of fire safety equipment and
– partly due to overfishing as well as climate wart who sets an example for persons with dis- (CCPA). Every child has a tailored care plan that training for 30 institutions, islandwide, within
change. In an attempt to find alternate liveli- abilities and those without that persons with focuses on his/her safety, health and overall the next two years.
hoods for fisherfolk, Bowen and his team had disabilities can lead the charge for climate ad- development.
partnered with the Fisheries Division to do a aptation. The project provides an example of The CPFSA through its programmes and initi-
pilot venture in commercial oyster farming job creation and income generation through Of the 29 standards an even greater focus is atives continues to promote the wellbeing of
based on the favourable environment in the innovation. It opens options for replication and placed on safety and security, in particular children in State care, ensuring that their rights
Green Island Bay for it. When that pilot reaped scaling up and displays the mind set needed disaster preparedness. The Agency continues are fully protected.
results, the Cooperative applied to the Environ- get persons with disabilities more involved in to make strides in implementing measures to
mental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) through climate adaptation. ensure that children and staff are equipped to
14 15
Directory of Support Salvation Army School for the Blind & Visually
Impaired
Services 57 Mannings Hill Road, P.O Box 562, Kingston 8
876-925-1362
officeoftheprincipal@yahoo.com
CHILD CARE AND PROTECTION
AT RISK CHILDREN AND YOUTHS Child Development Agency Corporate Office
48 Duke Street Kingston
Hear The Children Cry 876-948-6678/876-948-2841-2
26 Haining Road, New Kingston, Kingston 5 info@cds.gov.jm
876-929-0431
hearthechildrencry@yahoo.com > St. Thomas Office
Morant Bay Shop 6 & 7, 52 Queen Street
LEAP Centre (Heart Trust) 876-734-0373
115 Duke Street, Kingston
876-922-5795/876-967-2939 > Clarendon Office
Shop #7 16a Manchester Avenue, May Pen
Youth Reacing Youth 876-986-6934
55 Swallowfield Road, Kingston 5
876-920-6317 > St. Elizabeth Office
yry.swallow@gmail.com Skyview Mall 80 Main Street, Santa Cruz
876-966-3246
AUTISM SUPPORT > St. Ann Office
Lee-Sin Tyre Centre Winsor Road, St Ann’s Bay
Autism Centre 876-972-2686
300 Lorraine Drive Mango Walk, Montego Bay
St. James > St. Mary Office
876-940-6275 Credit Union Building Main Street, Highgate P.O
montegobayautismcentre@gmail.com 876-992-2212
Jamaica Autism Suppourt (JASA) > Portland Office
21 Hope Road, Kingston 10 Shop 45 West Palm Court 17 West Avenue, Port
876-926-8081 Antonio
jasa@cwjamaica.com 876-993-9289
BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED > St. James Office
4 Kerr Crescent, Montego Bay
Jamaica Society For The Blind 876-979-3446/876-979-1024
111 1/2 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 > Trelawny
876-927-6757/876-927-6759
kelite@gmail.com
16 17
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING AND
8 Duke Street, Falmouth Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD)
876-954-4344
SERVICES C. B. Facey Building, Hope Estate, Papine, King-
ASSESSMENT SERVICES
ston 7
> Hanover Office Dr. Orlean Brown-Earle 876-970-1778-9/876-927-1098 McCam Child Developmental Centre
United Church Building, Church Street, Lucea Mandeville P.O Manchester admin@jamdeaf.org.jm 231 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
876-956-2047 876-878-0212 www.jamdeaf.org 876-977-0189/876-977-6496
abrown@hotmail.com mccamresourcecentre@gmail.com
> Westmoreland Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf
Shop 10 Hendon Mall, Beckford Street, Spanish Town Peace Centre White Sand P. O., St. James MICO CARE Centre (Kingston)
Savanna-la-mar 10 Hanover Street, Spanish Town, St. Catherine 876-912-0119/876-921-0121 5 Manhattan Rd, Kingston 5
876-918-1642 876-749-0245/876-749-5228/876-749-6959/876- jcsd_1@yahoo.com 876-929-7720
518-8754 care_cenre@cwjamaica.com
Caribbean Child Development Centre (CCDC) spanishtownpjc@yahoo.com Lister Mair Gilby High School for The Deaf
UWI, Open Campus 1 Port of Spain Way, 7 Mona Hope Estate, Papine, Kingston 6 MICO CARE Centre (St. Ann)
Road, Kingston Rehabilitation Institute of the Caribbean 876-927-2862/876-927-1261 2 Royes Street, St Ann’s Bay
876-927-1618 Suite 2 B-C, Liguanea Post Office Mall 115 Hope listermairgilby@jamdeaf.org.jm/listermair@ya- 876-929-7722
cecileminott@open.uwi.edu Road, Kingston 6 hoo.com micocare_stann@cwjamaica.com
876-631-4000
Office of The Children Advocate appointments@rehabcaribbean.com Maranatha School for the Deaf Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD)
11th Floor Air Jamaica Building, 72 Harbour Ridge District, Top Hill P. O., St. Elizabeth Hope Estate, Papine, Kingston 6
Street Kingston Revamp Comprehensive Rehabilitaton Centre 876-965-1738 876-970-1778-9/876-927-1098
876-967-3225 17 Latham Avenue (6) maranthasfd@yahoo.com admin@jamdeaf.org.jm
info@oca.gov.jm 876-946-1172
revampjamaica@gmail.com Port Antonio Learning Centre Community Based Rehabilitation Jamaica
Office Children Registry www.revamprehabjamaica.com Williamsfield, Clear Spring, Port Antonio 94J Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
12 Carlton Crescent Kingston 10 876-993-7359 876-978-2092/876-909-5859
876-924-1322 One Stop Physical Therapy Services bgayle@jamdeaf.org.jm threedprojects@hotmail.com
info@ocr.gov.jm On the St. James Family Court building, 4 Kerr communitybasedrehabilitationjamaica.com
Cr, Montego Bay St. Christopher School for the Deaf
Wortley Home For Girls 876-776-4133 St. Christopher’s Crescent, Browns Town, P. O., > Spanish Town Office
193 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10 St. Ann 14 Monk Street, Spanish Town, St. Catherine
Webster Memorial Clinic & Counselling 876-975-2226 Flow: 876-984-2840/876-837-5717,
53 Half Way Tree Road, Kingston 10 stchristophersschool@jamdeaf.org Digicel: 876-665-3342
CHRISTIAN CHURCH 876-926-6127
webstermemorial@cwjamaica.com Widsor Unit For the Deaf > St. James Office
Church Teachers College- Student Educational Windsor Road, Spanish Town, St. Catherine 72 West Green Meadows, Catherine Hall, Mon-
Assessment Centre 876-771-2382 tego Bay
40 Manchester Road, Mandeville Manchester DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING windsorspecialschool@yahoo.com 876-971-3415
876-962-2662/876-962-0701/876-962-2864
ctcadmissions@ctc.edu.jm or info@ctc.edu.jm Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf Woodside Unit for the Deaf > St. Elizabeth Office
4 Cassia Park Road, Kingston 10 Woodside District, Denbigh 40 Institution Drive, Santa Cruz
876-923-6103 876-786-0906 876-966-3237/876-356-9995
deaflink_cccd2@hotmail.com deafunitmaypen@yahoo.com
18 19> Manchester Office Community Based Rehabilitation Jamaica > Clarendon Office Nathan Ebanks Foundation
Albion 94J Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 6 Manchester Avenue, May Pen P.O. Box 2334, Kingston 8
876-476-6447 876-978-2092/876-909-5859 876-986-2472/876-902-6418-9 876-94220675
threedprojects@hotmail.com info@nefjamaica.org
Early Stimulation Programme communitybasedrehabilitationjamaica.com > St. Ann Office www.nefjamaica.org
95 Hanover Street, Kingston 2 4 Windsor Road, St. Ann’s Bay www.facebook.com/NEFJamaica
876-922-5585 > Spanish Town Office 876-972-0472/876-2470
mlss_earlystim@cwjamaica.com 14 Monk Street, Spanish Town, St. Catherine Paraplegic Development and Outreach
Flow: 876-984-2840/876-837-5717, > St. Catherine Office Foundation
Dr. Roxanne Melbourne: Pediatric Neurologist Digicel: 876-665-3342 10 Hanover Street, Spanish Town 92 Hanover Street, Kingston
Unit 1 11 Latham Avenue Kingston 6 876-891-4020 876-578-0450/876-948-2706
876-978-6681 > St. James Office paraplegicdevelopment@gmail.com
kiddiecarepaediatricians@gmail.com 72 West Green Meadows, Catherine Hall, Mon- > St. Elizabeth Office
tego Bay 43 Main Street Santa Cruz Portmore Self-Help Disability Organization
Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughn: Pediatric 876-971-3415 876-966-2232 267 Borealis Blv, Watson Grove, Gregory Part
Neurologist P.O, St. Catherine
University of the West Indies, Kingston 6 > St. Elizabeth Office > Hanover Office 876 939-1837, 876 746-9832, whats app: 876
876-927-1446 40 Institution Drive, Santa Cruz Shop 4 Uptown Shopping Centre, Mosley Drive, 437-1837
msamms@cwjamaica.com 876-966-3237/876-356-9995 Lucea psdohelp@gmail.com
876-956-2255/876-956-3218/876-956-3447
Dr. Gerogia Beavers: Caribbean Hearing Centre > Manchester Office West Haven Children’s Home
18 Lindsay Crescent, Kingston 10 Albion > St. James Office Copse P.A. Hanover
876-755-3848/876-755-1507 876-476-6447 4 Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay 876-956-4912/876-468-1133
caribbeanhearingcentre@gmail.com 876-971-4193 westhaven2012@hotmail.com
Combined Disabilities Assoication (CDA)
DISABILITIES AGENCIES AND NON 18 Ripon Road, Kingston 5 > St. Mary EARLY CHILDHOOD RESOURCE
876-929-1177 2 Main Street, Port Maria
PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS CENTRES
advocacy1981@yahoo.com 876-994-2437
Abilities Foundation Clarendon group for the Disabled (CGD) > Manchester > Kingston & St. Andrew
191 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8 2a Palm Avenue, May Pen Clarendon Lot 24 Mandeville Plaza, Manchester Caenwood Complex
876-924-6619 876-986-4202 876-966-2573/876-625-8592 37 Arnold Road Kingston 4
abilitiesfoundation@yahoo.com discovercgd@cwjamaica.com 876-754-6168
> Portland Office
Accessible Services Caribbean Early Stimulation Programme 28 Harbour Street, Port Antonio Dudley Grant (DBG) Early Childhood Resource
13 Dawkins Drive, Portmore Town Center, St. 95 Hanover Street, Kingston 2 876-715-4939 Centre
Catherine 876-922-5585 1 Gibraltar Camp Road, Mona Campus, St.
876-337-2531 antonica.gunter@mlss.gov.jm > St. Thomas Office Andrew
4-6 Wharf Road, Morant Bay 876-970-4604
Centre For Disability Studies Jamaica Council for Persons With Disabilities 876-734-0373/876-734-3320
UWI Mona, Kingston 7 (JCPD) > St. Thomas & Portland
876-977-9423 18 Ripon Road, Kingston 5 > Westmoreland St. Thomas Resource Centre
uwicds@gmail.com 876-968-0623/876-968-8378 876-918-2246 Baptist Yallahs P. O. St. Thomas
jcpd@mlss.gov.jm 876-706-3205
20 21Portland Resource Centre Jamaican Association on Intellectual Disabilities Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) Ms. Ava-Gay Maria Smith
1 Smatt Road, Port Antonio (JAID) 3 Brumalia Road, Mandeville, Manchester 876-854-1835
876-993-3883 Unit # 10, 7 Golding Avenue, P. O. Box 224 King- 876-779-0424/876-779-7654 avagaysmith@yahoo.com
ston 7 pr@srha.gov.jm
> St. Mary & St. Ann 876-977-1118/876-977-0134/876-970-3182 Dr. Orlean Brown-Earle/ Vista Counselling and
St. Mary Resource Centre jaid@cwjamaica.com North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) Assessment Services
Main Street Highgate P. O. St. Mary Seville Road, St. Ann’s Bay Ridgemount United Church, Main Street
876-793-8812 Jamaica’s Down’s Syndrome Foundation 876-972-2272 Mandeville
Unit # 10, 1 Stanton Terrace Kingston 4 webmaster@nerha.gov.jm 876-382-7034
St. Ann Resource Centre 876-978-0829 obrownie@hotmail.com
Buckfield Housing Scheme, Ocho Rios jamaicadownssyndrome@cwjamaica.com Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA)
876-797-6865 Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay Dr. Coretta Brown-Johnson/Clinical and Behav-
May Pen Learning Centre (Windsor, JAID) 876-979-7820 ioural Psychologist
> Trelawny & St. James Denbigh Show Ground, May Pen, Clarendon info@wrha.gov.jm 876-348-8728
Trelawny Resource Centre 876-902-2112 dr.c.brown.johnson@gmail.com
Duncans Trelawny windsormaypen@yahoo.com PARENTING PLACE LOCATIONS
Community Based Rehabilitation Jamaica
(NATIONAL PARENTING SUPPOURT
DRB Grant Resource Centre (Accredited Par- MINISTRY OF HEALTH- MENTAL COMMISSION)
94J Old Hope Road, Kingston 6
ents’ Place) 876-978-2092/876-909-5859
HEALTH SERVICES
Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, St. James threedprojects@hotmail.com
876-940-5512 Kingston Headquarters communitybasedrehabilitationjamaica.com
Child and Adolescent Guidance Clinic: 37, Arnold Rd, Kingston
> Westmoreland & Hanover Glen Vincent Memorial Clinic/Health Centre 876-967-7977 > Spanish Town Office
Westmoreland Resource Centre 3 Travennion Pk Road, Kingston 5 nationalparentingsupport@moey.gov.jm 14 Monk Street, Spanish Town, St. Catherine
Torrington Strathbogie, Savanna la Mar 876-929-6511-3 ext. 235/876-405-4561 Flow: 876-984-2840/876-837-5717, Digicel:
876-286-008 Western Region 876-665-3342
Comprehensive Health Centre 876-967-7966
Hanover Resource Centre 55 Slipe Pen Road, Kingston > St. James Office
Violet Drive, Lucea Hanover Tel: 876-922-3042/Mobile: 335-3591 PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS AND 72 West Green Meadows, Catherine Hall, Mon-
tego Bay
SERVICES
INTELLECTUAL/LEARNING/ University Hospital of the West Indies 876-971-3415
Mona, Kingston 7
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Tel: 876-927-1620-9 ext. 2535 Dr. Cheryl Thompson/ Southcentral Psychoso- > St. Elizabeth Office
cial & Wellness Services Centre 40 Institution Drive, Santa Cruz
Jamaica Association for Children With Learning St. Jago Park Health Centre (SERA) 14 Caledonia Road, Mandeville 876-966-3237/876-356-9995
Disabilities (JACLD) Burke Road, Spanish Town, St. Catherine Tel: 876-963-7498/ Mobile: 876-396-0561
7 Leinster Road, Kingston 5 876-984-3318 > Manchester Office
876-929-4348 Dr. Kai A. D. Morgan/ Jamaica Psychological Albion
jacld7leinster@yahoo.com Mental Health Unit Emergency Services: Society 876-476-6447
Southeast Regional Health Authority (SERHA): 68 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10
Regional Office Tel: 876-869-7657
The Tower, 25 Dominica Drive, Kingston 5 kadmorganpractice@gmail.com
876-754-3441-2
patientcare@serha.gov.jm
22 23RECREATION Fathers and Families Coalition Women’s Media Watch Liberty Academy at the Priory
Aloe Avenue, Kingston 11 16 Queens Avenue Kingston 10 32 Hope Road, Kingston 10
Ashe Performing Arts Company 876-340-3021 Tel: 876-881-5177 876-960-5059/876-920-2469
88 Cargill Avenue, Kingston 10 fathersandfamiliescoalitiona@gmail.com hello@wmwja.org libertyprep@yahoo.com
876-960-2985/ 876-353-2287 www.wmwja.org
ashe@theashecompany.org University of the West Indies Lyssons Primary Special Education Unit
Mona, Kingston 7 Lyssons P. O. St. Thomas
Girls Brigade 876-970-6325,/876-379-0459 SPECIAL EDUCATION 876-982-2536
2e Camp Road, Kingston 5 herbert.gayle@gmail.com lyssons.primary.sts@moey.gov.jm
876-926-6427 Jamaica Foundation for Life Long Learning (JFLL) Ministry of Education- Special Education Unit
girlsbrigadeja@yahoo.com 47 B South Camp Road, Kingston 4 Caenwood Centre, 37 Arnold Road Ocho Rios Primary School Special Education
876-922-3969/ 876-928-5181 876-967-1312 Unit
Girls Guide Association of Jamaica whibbert@jfll.gov.jm Milford Road, Ocho Rios
2 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10 Adonijah Group of Schools 876-974-2432
876-926-6277/ 876-926-6507 MENSANA 20 Elspeth Avenue, Kingston 20 ochoriosprim@yahoo.com
girlguides@cwjamaica.com 46 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 10 876-770-1223/876-378-8805/876-857-5914
Tel: 876-340-8837/ 876-553-9113 adonijahgroup@yahoo.com Port Maria Learning Centre
Scouts Association of Jamaica mensanajamaica@gmail.com/dawnmroper@ Trinity Port Maria, St. Mary
2d Camp Road, Kingston 5 gmail.com Carberry Court Special School 876-994-9373
876-926-7209 Hope Estate, Papine, Kingston 6 edgehillportmaria1@yahoo.com
office@scoutsamaica.org REHAB PLUS 876-977-3176
12 Tangerine Place, Kingston carberrycourt@gmail.com Randolph Lopez School of Hope (JAID)
Sports Development Foundation Tel: 876-926-6365 7 Golding Avenue P. O. Box 224 Kingston 7
31 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10 info@rehabplusja.com Edgehill School of Special Education 876-977-7480/876-977-0134/876-927-1088/876-
876-926-6734 Edgehill Road, St. Ann’s Bay 927-2054/876-970-3182
sdf@cwjamaica.com Rural Services for Children with Disabilities 876-972-9761 rlsoh@cwjamaica.com
(RSCD) edgehillspecialedu@yahoo.com
SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND NON- 40 Constitution, Santa Cruz St. Hugh’s Resource Department
Tel: 876-966-3237/876-356-909 Genesis Academy 1 Tom Redcam Drive, Kingston 5
PROFT ORGANISATIONS
madgesanderson@yahoo.com 38 South Camp Road, Kingston 4 876-754-2518-9/fax:754-2520
876-928-5051/876-930-2662 sthughsprep@gmail.com
Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences & St. Ann Disability Association genesisacademyjamaica@gmail.com
Child Abuse (CISOCA) Community Steer Town, St. Ann’s Bay SURE, Foundation
3 Ruthven Road, Kingston 10 Tel: 876-310-6775/848-0853 Hope Valley Experimental Unit 15a Shortwood Road Kingston 8
876-906-4283/ 876-926-4579 psankeypech@gmail.com 2 University Road, P. O. Kingston 7 876-924-4495/876-839-3181
876-927-2473 cmaudrick@yahoo.com
cisoca@jcf.gov.jm Teamwork Associate hovalex72@gmail.com
Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS) Flower Hill Avenue, Toradi Heights Montego Queens Preparatory Special Education Unit
122-126 Tower Street, Kingston 1, Jamaica Bay, St. James Llandilo Special School of Education 121 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8
876-922-9365 Tel: 876-953-3123/876-953-2707/876-953- P. O. Box 238, Savanna la Mar, Westmoreland 876-924-1441/876-924-2046
cvsja@hotmail.com 3818/876-955-9451 876-955-4849 queenspreparatory@gmail.com
www.cvsjamaica.com teamwork@cwjamaica.com llandilo10@gmail.com/yordier@yahoo.com
24 25Green Pond High School First responders first aid
Cornwall Courts, Montego Bay
Front desk: 876-680-8914/principal’s office:
876-680-8916/guidance office: 876-680-9389
greenpondhighschool@yahoo.com
Hannah Town Community Centre
16-24 Hannah Street, Kingston
President: 876-894-9592
The H. O. L. Y Network
68 & 68 Barry Street Kingston John Alston
Vouch Limited 876-922-3262 Chief, New Haven Fire Department,
1 National Heroes Circle Kingston 4 theholynetwork@gmail.com
USA
876-922-5717
vouch_ltd@yahoo.com Women’s Research and Outreach Center
(WORC) I have been involved in Emergency Response There are a few basic and sophisticated battery
Windsor School of Special Education 47 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5 for over 34 years, as a Firefighter, Emergency back-up packs available everywhere. When it
Windsor Road, Spanish Town, St. Catherine 876-929-8873 Management Specialist and Hazardous Materi- comes to lighting and a charger for your small
876-771-2382/876-984-7115 info.wrocjamaica@gmail.com als Technician. I travel frequently for business USB devices, there is a solar powered device
windsorspecialschool@yahoo.com www.wrocjamaica.org and pleasure. I always check the area that I will call a “LuminAID”. It is a portable, waterproof,
be in before travel. By obtaining local news rechargeable lantern, as well.
Woodlawn School of Special Education publications, I look at the local climate and
19 Woodlawn Road, Mandeville, Manchester WHEELCHAIRS, USED AND REPAIRED weather patterns. In addition to my regular list There are commercially available first-aid and
876-962-6679 of travel items, I bring a compact emergency survival kits that are preset. They can be ex-
woodlawnschoolspecialedu79@yahoo.com Portmore Self-Help Disability Organization kit. I have them in my home and automobiles. pensive; however, you can build your own now.
3 Baptist Road, Christian Pen, Gregory Park P.O., I even have emergency back up items in my By buying the contents and components be-
VIOLENCE PREVENTION St. Catherine fore the storm. Go on amazon.com and search
876-939-1636/876-437-1837 first-aid or survival kits. It will show them and
Violence Prevention Alliance psdohelp@yahoo.com list their contents. Build your “go bag”, before
13 Gibraltar Camp Way, The University of The the storm.
West Indies Salvation Army
876-702-2079 3 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10 In these disaster events be prepared for loss of
vpajamaica@gmail.com 876-929-6190-2 power and loss of fresh water. Some people
www.vpajamaica.org are lucky enough to have small portable elec-
Morgan’s Motorsied Wheelchair Repair Service tric generators but when they run out of fuel
Godfrey Stewart High School Ltd. what do you do? You must have alternatives.
4 Lewis Street, Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland Sir John Golding Rehab Centre, 7 Golding Ave. briefcase and back pack. Having survived and There are also water purification systems that
876-955-2574/876-955-2759 Kgn 7 responded to Hurricanes Floyd, Irene and Su- are small, personal and portable. There are
gdfrystewart@yahoo.com 876-318-2364 perstorm Sandy, I picked up a few items that also cartridge systems that can remove most
are universal. contaminants and allow for the safe consump-
tion of outdoor water sources.
You must have a source of fresh water to drink,
non-perishable food items, a first-aid kit and Our most vulnerable members of society are
batteries to power small electronic devices. our elderly, the very young, the informed and
26 27Your meds
Protocol for emergency,
Pack about three days’ worth of each of your fire, flood, hurricane as
prescriptions, which should last until you can
get to a pharmacy that’s open. If you need larg- it relates to Jamaica Fire
er items, such as an oxygen tank, make sure Brigade
you have a portable version.
The perfect bag
Think small and portable. A backpack is ideal,
but a lightweight suitcase with wheels will also
do. Just remember, you may literally be run- For the thousands of Jamaicans and the millions of people around the world that have a physical,
those who are mentally and physically chal- ning with it. medical, sensory or cognitive disability; emergencies such as fires, hurricanes or even acts of terror-
lenged. We must preplan for their care and ism can present a real challenge. This same challenge applies to the elderly and the wider communi-
transport now, before the storm. Be sure to Paperwork ty of persons with special needs.
maintain a supply of sanitary wipes, medica- Fill a zip-top waterproof bag with photocop-
tions, pain relief and diapers. ies of your birth certificate; driver’s license; Tax While a disaster may strike anywhere and at any time, being prepared or knowing what to do, may be
Payer Registration (TRN) number; power of at- the deciding factor as to whether or not you and your loved ones survive. The Jamaica Fire Brigade
We must look to provide temporary shelter sys- torney and will; any marriage, adoption or nat- does not yet have in place a set protocol for disaster preparedness and emergency management for
tems, should evacuation become a required ac- uralization certificates; proof of address; insur- persons with disabilities however, the following are some guidelines for persons with disabilities
tion. Portable radios both the personal variety ance, medical and immunization records; and and, for their families and caregivers to follow which is applicable to any disaster:
and the larger HAM radio systems should be information about your credit and ATM cards.
acquired, tested and used, before and during
the storm. Food and drink
Bottled water is essential. Granola or energy
Basic electronics bars are great because they are small and fill- Contact the nearest fire / police station and ensure that they know where you live and
Pack an extra phone charger in case you’re for- ing, and they come in a variety of flavors. exactly what disability(ies) you or your family member have.
tunate enough to have electricity, and a porta-
ble battery pack in case you’re not. Also stash a Cash Have the fire department’s phone number on speed dial.
long-lasting LED flashlight. Pack a small hand- In addition to enough money for a few days,
cranked or battery-operated AM/FM radio include small bills and a roll of quarters. If you Post a list of emergency number(s) in a visible place in your home or business; some-
(with extra batteries). need to buy something you don’t want to start where which gets a lot of traffic (notice board, refrigerator, etc.)
asking equally desperate strangers for change.
Personal needs Ensure that your home is equipped with smoke alarms, and at least one working fire
While getting ready for a typical day, list every extinguisher.
toiletry you use, then buy a travel-size version
of each. Pack backup eyeglasses, as well as a Have a family meeting periodically, to review the escape plan in case of fire.
first-aid kit, baby wipes and a multipurpose
tool with a knife and can opener. John Alston is a 34 year veteran of Fire and Emergency Display the plan in a visible place. Ensure that all members of the household under-
Services. He currently holds the title of Fire Chief stand what they should do in the event of a fire or medical emergency.
Clothing where he commands the over 360 proud professional
Pack a few days’ worth. Include layers you can women and men of the New Haven Fire Department If you are blind or have a visual impairment, a high-pitched whistle will alert others, if
add or remove, plus lightweight rain gear and in Connecticut. He is a published author, blogger and you lose your way while leaving the building.
waterproof boots. trainer.
28 29Home Safety for People People who are Deaf or Hard of
Hearing
Once or twice per year, visit the nearest police station and fire station assigned to your with Disabilites
community to let them know where you live and, the type of disability that you or your • Smoke alarms and alert devices are
family member have. If you or a family member has a disability, build a support team of available for people who are deaf or hard
people who will help you in an emergency. These can include family members, neigh- or hearing.
bours, the nearest police station or fire department.
• Strobe lights flash when the smoke alarm
Develop an emergency plan for your specific situation. This should be done well ahead sounds. The lights warn people of a
of any disaster and should be reinforced by way of personal drills, periodically. There’s no place like home. It is a place to re- possible fire.
lax, share laughs with family, and enjoy home
Create a personal disaster plan - one specific to the particular need of the person (for cookedmeals. But did you know that the ma- • When people who are deaf are asleep, a pil-
example, if you are hearing impaired - devise a signalling system with family members jority of fire deaths occur in the home? Help low or bed shaker can wake them so they
and immediate neighbours to communicate during an emergency). everyone in the home stay safe from fire. can escape.
Keep a basic emergency kit close at hand with medication, flashlight, batteries, special Home Fire Sprinklers • When people who are hard of hearing are
instructions, etc. See the Basic Emergency Kit Checklist in this publication Home fire sprinklers protect lives by keeping asleep, a loud, mixed, low-pitched sound
fires small. Sprinklers allows people more time alert device can wake them. A pillow or bed
In case of fire, whether at home, work or in the community: to escape in a fire. When choosing an apart- shaker may be helpful. These devices are
ment or home, look for one that has home fire triggered by the sound of the smoke alarm.
Contact the nearest fire / police station and ensure that they know where you live and sprinklers.
exactly what disability(ies) you or your family member have. Escape Planning
Smoke Alarms Include everyone in home escape planning.
Have the fire department’s phone number on speed dial. • Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room. Each person should have input about the best
They should also be outside each sleeping ways to escape. Home fire drills are important.
Post a list of emergency number(s) in a visible place in your home or business; some- area and on every level of the home. Everyone in the home must participate in them.
where which gets a lot of traffic (notice board, refrigerator, etc.) Keep a phone by your bed in case you can’t es-
• Test your smoke alarm at least once a cape and need to call for help.
Ensure that your home is equipped with smoke alarms, and at least one working fire month by pushing the test button. If you
extinguisher. can’t reach the alarm, ask for help. Talk with someone from the fire
department about your escape plan
Have a family meeting periodically, to review the escape plan in case of fire. • For added safety, interconnect the smoke Ask them review your plan. Ask if your fire
alarms. If one sounds, they all sound. This department keeps a directory of people who
Display the plan in a visible place. Ensure that all members of the household under- gives more time to escape. may need extra help. If you have a service
stand what they should do in the event of a fire or medical emergency. animal, agree on a plan to keep the animal
• Smoke alarms with sealed (long-life) bat- with you during an emergency.
If you are blind or have a visual impairment, a high-pitched whistle will alert others, if teries work for up to 10 years. They can
you lose your way while leaving the building. be helpful for people who find it hard to
change batteries.
www.nfpa.org/disabilities
• Smoke alarms expire. Replace them every www.nfpa.org/education
10 years. ©NFPA 2016 Reproduced with permission.
To learn more, contact:
BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS,
85 Hagley Park Road, Kingston 10; Jamaica W.I.
Tel:(876)922-0007, (876)922-0027, (876)967-0550
Email:hr.jfb@cwjamaica.com
30 3132 33
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