The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says it will have several priority shelters across the island to ensure the safety and protection of children in an emergency.

Regional co-ordinator at the ODPEM, Sophia Mitchell, made the disclosure last week at a community forum at the Old Harbour Bay Primary School in St Catherine.

The meeting, held to update residents on disaster preparedness plans for the community, was organised by the Jamaica Information Service, in collaboration with the ODPEM and the Old Harbour Bay Community Development Association.

"For this upcoming [hurricane] season, we have come up with a plan where we are looking at what we call priority shelters," Mitchell said, stating that the Old Harbour High School in St Catherine, has been designated a priority shelter in the event of a hurricane.

Mitchell, who was guest speaker at the event, said the initiative was part of a plan by the ODPEM to create a more friendly and safe environment for children during disasters. She explained that the priority shelters would be equipped with toys, books, and hygiene kits for children younger than five years.

"We recognise that children under five are most vulnerable in an emergency and therefore, from the ODPEM standpoint, we will be making some effort," she said.

Mitchell said that with the advent of the Child Care and Protection Act of 2004, shelters would be monitored by officials from the Ministry of Health to ensure the protection and safety of children.

"When they do their assessment, and based on that assessment come to a conclusion that some corrective measures need to be done, then they will act on it. Because the minute you enter a shelter, you become a ward of the state," Mitchell pointed out, noting that children in shelters could be exposed to physical abuse and sexual violence.

She also used the opportunity to remind residents that shelters should be regarded as a temporary housing facility.

"A shelter is the last resort. You first stay with friends and relatives. When you have no friends and relatives, then you come to the shelter," she emphasised.

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