DDM Launches Disaster Preparedness Survey Today
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has launched a territory-wide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey today to assess how residents and frequent visitors understand and prepare for emergencies, the BVI Government announced. Responses will shape DDM planning, public education and early-warning communications; the survey is open to anyone aged 12 and older who lives in the Virgin Islands or visits for more than three weeks a year.
Today the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) launches a new survey aimed at understanding how well the Virgin Islands community knows and prepares for emergencies and disasters, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in a press release. The questionnaire is a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey that the DDM carries out every three years to ensure its programmes keep pace with changes in population, technology and hazards. "The pace of change in the world is very fast.
Our population changes, technology changes, even hazards change, so we want to make sure our disaster management programme keeps pace," Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn said, according to the Government release. Penn encouraged residents to take part and provide feedback that will help the Department better meet community needs.
The survey is open to all persons aged 12 and older who live in the Virgin Islands or who visit for more than three weeks a year. It covers topics including home preparedness, likely responses to early warnings, and preferred channels for receiving emergency information — for example radio, social media, text alerts or community meetings.
The Government said responses will directly guide DDM planning, public education and communication strategies to help protect lives and property across the Territory. Residents can complete the questionnaire online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/KAPSURVEY. A paper or large-print version is available in person at the Department's office for those who need it.
For assistance completing the survey, people can call the DDM at (284) 468-4200 or email ddm@gov.vg, the release stated. About the DDM: the Department was established to protect lives and maintain a resilient, sustainable economy and society by fostering comprehensive disaster management and climate change adaptation as a way of life, the Government said.
The Virgin Islands disaster management programme is accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Programme (EMAP), underscoring the Territory's commitment to recognised international standards. The press release also provided media and administrative contacts. Chrystall Kanyuck-Abel, Information & Education Manager at the DDM, can be reached at ckanyuck-abel@gov.vg for further information from the Department.
For international media enquiries, the Government advised contacting BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. For general government services, appointment bookings or to connect with other departments, residents can call the Government of the Virgin Islands at (284) 468-3701 or use the virtual booking system; a WhatsApp line is also available at 1(284) 468-9760.
The Government's main administrative office is at 33 Admin Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, Tortola. The DDM says this survey is a practical way for households, businesses and frequent visitors to influence how preparedness information is delivered and to highlight any gaps in awareness or resources at the household level.
With changing storm patterns and ongoing climate-related risks, the Department is urging everyone eligible to take part so its programmes and warnings better reflect current risks and local needs.
Primary source: BVI Government