Disaster Management Unit (DMU) is primarily responsible for Shelter Management. The Unit is also tasked with assisting in national disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts relative to all natural and man-made events and disasters throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. In partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and in compliance with the National Disaster Plan, The DMU is involved with seven (7) of the fourteen (14) Emergency Support Functions (ESF) listed below:

• #1        Transportation
• #5        Planning of Information
• #6        Shelter Services
• #7        Relief Supplies & Distribution
• #8        Health and Medical Services
• #9 (c)   Bioterrorism
• #11      Food

DMU’s other services are to:

• Assist with identifying and inspecting shelters for suitability prior to an event, disaster or commencement of the hurricane season;
• Manage shelter supplies, assist with identifying, training, and assigning shelter managers and officers to work in designated shelters;
• Assist with identifying, training, and assigning volunteers to conduct Initial Damage Assessments (IDA) and Damage Needs Assessments (DNA) on New Providence and the Family Islands;
• Identify volunteers to work in the National Emergency Operating Centre (NEOC);
• Submit lists of shelters, key holders, volunteers, and vulnerable groups to NEMA;
• Submit all reports relevant to shelter management and assessments to NEMA;
• Collaborate with NEMA to provide the general public with tips and tools to ensure a safe and comfortable shelter experience during an event or disaster;
• Collaborate with other ESFs to assist in relief efforts and food distribution, organize transportation for vulnerable groups, and provide counselling when needed.

Address and Contact Information:
Disaster Management Unit
Building A, Sunshine Plaza, Baillou Hill Road
Nassau, New Providence,
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 604-4200/1
Cell contact (242) 357-3136
Office Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.