The Dominican Republic is located in the trajectory of hurricanes, tropical storms and their consequences, and therefore exposed to natural disasters caused by these phenomenons. Additionally, earthquakes may be prone to happening.
In the Dominican Republic, the Center for Emergency Operations (COE) is the government organization responsible for the planning and coordination between different institiutions that are part of the National System for the Prevention, Mitigation and Response to Disasters.
| Before the hurricane |
- Consult the Civil Protection authorities to find out if they are in a danger zone.
- Protect windows and doors, as well as secure exterior doors and awnings
- Secure loose objects on the roof of the house such as antennas, water tanks, or clotheslines
- Have a First Aid kit, radio, lamps, batteries, candles, and basic tools
- Unplug all electrical appliances
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
- Gather containers to store enough water
- Stock up on non-perishable food for several days
- Have telephone numbers and local civil protection contacts on hand.
- Locate a temporary shelter
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| During the Hurricane |
- Stay at home as long as it is safe
- Leave the home if the authorities determine so
- Do not cross streams or streams formed by rain, either walking in the car
- Remain in the shelter until the authorities determine so
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| After the Hurricane |
- Make sure all family members are well
- Check the conditions of the houses, as well as electrical installations, water and gas pipes.
- Inform the authorities if the house was affected
- Evacuate stagnant water to avoid mosquito infestations.
- Extreme food hygiene measures
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Source: Brochure ¿Qué hacer en Caso de un Huracán? (Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia, 2020)
| Before an earthquake |
- Always have a first aid kit, flashlight, radio, and batteries.
- Maintain food and water supplies
- Make a plan for what to do and where to meet after the shaking has stopped. Locate the safest places in your home.
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| During an earthquake |
- Do not evacuate during the earthquake. Stay away from windows, mirrors, or shelves with objects that could fall. Never stand in door frames
- If you are driving, park the vehicle as far as possible away from poles and cables. Locate to the side of it, never inside or under the car.
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| After an earthquake |
- Proceed to close the gas, water and light supplies.
- If there are injuries, ask the authorities for help.
- In case you have to evacuate, do not return until you verify the safety of the place.
- Do not light matches or electrical appliances until you are sure there is no gas leak.
- Do not eat food that has been in contact with broken glass, dust, debris, or any contaminant
- Turn on the radio to hear the directions. Avoid getting carried away by text messages or rumors. Use the phone only in emergencies
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Source: Instructivo ¿Qué hacer en caso de sismo o terremoto? (Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia, 2022)
