Vulnerability assessment of selected buildings designated as shelters. 1998

Throughout the world, including the Caribbean, natural hazards cause as much damage to educational facilities as they do to buildings of less importance. This is regrettable but it is also avoidable. Educational facilities deserve special attention because of their roles during the active periods of storms and also as post-disaster assets. It is traditional for schools to be used as hurricane shelters. Damage and destruction of schools would put the sheltered population at risk during severe storms. Also, damage and destruction of such schools would not facilitate the use of school buildings for temporary housing after hurricanes. The longer-term problem of loss of educational facilities is arguably even more severe.