The Emergency Operations Centre is the primary location from which the mobilisation and coordination of responses and resources is carried out in the event of a major incident. This centre is located at the CERO Secretariat.

The CERO Secretariat is the primary agency responsible for the day-to-day management of the modern day Disaster Management Programme. Its mission has expanded beyond hurricane preparedness and response, to having entire responsibility for any natural/manmade emergency. CERO Secretariat utilizes the integrated emergency management approach, which is necessary if it is to effectively and efficiently accomplish its mission. This will be achieved through the identification and mobilisation of all appropriate resources and detailed planning for the possible impact of any hazard.

Central Emergency Relief Organization, BNB Building, Cr James & Coleridge Street, Bridgetown, Barbados Copyright © 2004 CERO. All rights reserved.

EMERGENCY PROGRAMME OFFICERS

The Emergency Programme Officers carry out assignment under the direction of the National Disaster Coordinator. They have specific responsibility for Operations and Public Education Awareness

- Some of the duties include the following: -

- Reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of public education programs with a view to recommending adjustments in policy and approach

- Maintain close relationships with government and the private sector to ensure support for national public awareness programs

- Preparing and developing appropriate training materials to complement the public awareness programs

- Determining the contents and duration of training programs, designing and implementing these programs and evaluating their effectiveness

The present staff structure comprises:

1. Director of Emergency Services - National Disaster Coordinator

2. Deputy Director of Emergency Services

3. Emergency Programme Officers

4. Clerk/Typists

NATIONAL DISASTER COORDINATOR

- The National Disaster Coordinator has overall responsibility for: -

- Ensuring the development, implementation and execution of the National Disaster Programme including, training and public awareness

- Ensuring the development, implementation, testing and updating of National Disaster Plans

- The day-to-day management of the CERO Secretariat

- The activation of the Emergency Operations Centre and the coordination of all disaster response activities by the Emergency Management Teams

- The executive function of the National Disaster Committee

- Reporting to the Chairman the up-dated disaster situation status

DEPUTY NATIONAL DISASTER COORDINATOR

- The National Disaster Coordinator has overall responsibility for: -

- Ensuring the development, implementation and execution of the National Disaster Programme including, training and public awareness

- Responsibility for relief operations

- Responsibility for the management of the Emergency Operations Centre

- Developing operational plans and procedures

- Responsibility for the management of relief supplies and resource such as machinery and vehicles

- Assisting in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of simulation exercises

CLERK/TYPIST

The Clerk/Typist provide clerical and administrative support for the Management and Operations Staff. In addition to their normal everyday duties, they often are called upon to function as Radio Operator, Status Board Keepers, Map Trackers and Message Runners when CERO goes into initial Operations mode at short notice.