Early Warning Systems Toolkit

The new and improved Toolkit presents a compilation of guidance and operational documents in an online platform, which can act as an information resource for sector practitioners, policy and decision-makers’ access to information for developing and/or strengthening early warning systems (hydro-meteorological and coastal hazards) within the Caribbean context. 

This tool provides an overview of successful practices from the field relating to establishing Early Warning Systems (EWS) and presents guiding principles that will build a strong foundation for the design or strengthening of EWS at any level. Presently, the toolkit comprises information within five sections one of which is a case study section and the remaining 4 being consistent with the 4 key components identified for the development and sustainability of a successful people centered EWS.

The toolkit is dynamic and will be updated periodically building on experience and knowledge generated through various activities at the country, regional and international level.  The toolkit is not meant to be an operation guide but a strategic tool that guides decision makers relating to development of an EWS.
 
It has been developed through the DIPECHO Action Plan for the Caribbean, implemented by the UNDP, CDEMA, IFRC and funded by the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid of the European Union (ECHO). This project, which takes place in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba over an 18-month period, seeks to strengthen disaster preparedness and risk reduction through Integrated Early Warning Systems (EWS).