Detailed Relief Aid Needs – Jamaica | Hurricane Melissa Response
Presented by: Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)
This detailed relief aid list outlines the priority humanitarian needs as coordinated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), in alignment with national disaster response protocols for Hurricane Melissa. Items are organized by sector to aid efficient sourcing, packing, and distribution. Where applicable, please label cartons and pallets by sector and subcategory.
- Medical Supplies & Health
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
- Food & Nutrition
- Shelter & Non‑Food Items (NFIs)
- Debris Clearance & Tools
- Building & Repair Materials
- Power, Fuel & Lighting
- Protection, Family & Community Support
- Education & Learning
- Logistics, Packaging & Admin
- Communications & IT (Response Support)
- Transport Support (as coordinated)
- Animal Care (Community)
Rationale: Why a detailed list: A granular breakdown reduces duplication, ensures standards compliance (e.g., WASH kits, clinical disposables), speeds customs clearance with accurate manifests, and helps responders match donations to verified needs across parishes and facilities.
Medical Supplies & Health
- First aid kits (complete): assorted bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers
- Wound care: sterile gauze pads, rolls, non-adherent and hydrogel dressings, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine
- Clinical disposables: surgical masks, N95/FFP2 masks, gloves (nitrile), disposable gowns, face shields, caps, shoe covers
- Diagnostics: digital thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, glucometers with test strips & lancets
- Medications (OTC): acetaminophen/paracetamol, ibuprofen, ORS, antihistamines, antacids
- Medications (licensed donors): antibiotics (per formulary), insulin & cold-chain packs, bronchodilators
- Maternal & child health: prenatal vitamins, pediatric syringes, infant scales, neonatal thermometers
- Infection prevention & control: alcohol-based hand rub (≥60%), disinfectants (bleach), surface wipes
- Medical equipment (basic): wheelchairs, crutches, stretchers, BP monitors, nebulizers
- Cold chain: cooler boxes, gel ice packs, temperature loggers (for vaccines/insulins)
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
- Bottled water (0.5–1 L) and bulk (5–20 L) – sealed and within expiry
- Water treatment: purification tablets, point-of-use filters, portable chlorination kits, test strips
- Containers: jerry cans (10–20 L, food-grade), collapsible water carriers with spouts
- Sanitation kits: buckets with lids, heavy-duty garbage bags, lime/bleach, scoop, gloves
- Hygiene kits (family): soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, razors, washcloths, towels
- Menstrual health: sanitary pads, tampons, reusable pads, underwear (various sizes)
- Infant care: diapers (NB–XL), baby wipes, diaper rash cream
- Handwashing stations: portable stands, foot pumps, basins
- Portable toilets & accessories: privacy tents, biodegradable bags, odor control
Food & Nutrition
- Non‑perishables: rice, beans/peas, pasta, oats, flour, cornmeal, canned meats/fish, canned vegetables, canned fruit
- Ready‑to‑eat: protein bars, peanut butter, crackers, shelf‑stable milk, UHT beverages
- Infant nutrition: formula (stage-appropriate), baby cereals, baby food pouches (sealed)
- Special diets (label clearly): gluten‑free staples, low‑sodium items, diabetic‑friendly options
- Accessories: manual can openers, disposable plates/bowls, cups, cutlery
Shelter & Non‑Food Items (NFIs)
- Tarpaulins (reinforced, UV-resistant, ≥3x4 m) with grommets; guy lines & stakes
- Family tents / communal tents (with repair kits)
- Sleeping: blankets, thermal blankets, sleeping bags, cots, sleeping mats/foam pads
- Bedding & linen: sheets, pillowcases, pillows (new), mosquito nets (treated preferred)
- Lighting & power: LED lanterns, flashlights, headlamps, rechargeable power banks, spare batteries (AA/AAA)
- Cooking: portable stoves, fuel tablets or canisters, lighters, matches (waterproof), cooking pots, kettles, utensils
- Storage: heavy-duty bins, crates, zip bags for kit assembly
Debris Clearance & Tools
- Hand tools: shovels (square/round), rakes, hoes, sledgehammers, hammers, crowbars, hand saws, machetes
- Power tools: chainsaws, circular saws, cordless drills; include blades/bits and safety manuals
- Safety: work gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, ear protection, high‑visibility vests, steel‑toe boots
- Handling: wheelbarrows, heavy‑duty contractor bags, tarps, straps/ratchet ties
- Fuel accessories: approved jerry cans, funnels, oil mix for 2‑stroke engines
Building & Repair Materials
- Roofing: metal roofing sheets (zinc/galvanized), roofing screws with washers, ridge caps, sealants
- Lumber & panels: plywood (exterior grade), treated timber, furring strips
- Fasteners & fittings: nails, screws, anchors, brackets, hinges, hasps, padlocks
- Waterproofing & sealants: bitumen, silicone, expanding foam, tar tape
- Windows & doors (repair): plastic sheeting, glazing tape, temporary shutters
- Plumbing: PVC/PEX fittings, pipe sealant, hoses, clamps, faucet repair kits
- Electrical (qualified installers): extension cords (outdoor), surge protectors, junction boxes, wiring accessories, LED bulbs
Power, Fuel & Lighting
- Generators (portable) with manuals; voltage stabilizers
- Fuel support: safe storage cans, siphons, spill kits
- Solar: compact solar lanterns, solar chargers/power banks
- Battery supplies: AA/AAA/D packs (alkaline/rechargeable), USB chargers
Protection, Family & Community Support
- Clothing (new or gently used) sorted by size and type
- Footwear (new/gently used, closed‑toe preferred)
- Child comfort: toys, coloring books, crayons, storybooks
- Elderly & disability: adult diapers, incontinence pads, mobility aids
- Psychosocial support: activity kits, journals, stress‑relief items
Education & Learning
- School kits: notebooks, pencils, pens, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, geometry sets
- Bags/backpacks (durable)
- Teaching aids: whiteboards, markers, flip charts, laminating pouches
- Digital: basic tablets (pre‑loaded where possible), charging hubs
Logistics, Packaging & Admin
- Pallets (heat‑treated/ISPM‑15), stretch wrap, strapping, corner protectors
- Cartons (double‑wall for heavy items), tape (water‑activated/pressure‑sensitive), labels
- Documentation: packing lists, manifests, donation declarations, SDS (as applicable)
- PPE for handling: back‑support belts, gloves, safety shoes
- Barcode/ID: zip ties, tags, permanent markers
Communications & IT (Response Support)
- Two‑way radios (UHF/VHF) with chargers and extra batteries
- Power banks (high‑capacity), multi‑port USB chargers
- MiFi/routers (unlocked) and SIM card top‑ups (as coordinated)
- Cables & adapters: USB‑C, Micro‑USB, Lightning
Transport Support (as coordinated)
- Fuel vouchers/allocations (for relief transport)
- Forklift rental hours or operators
- Short‑haul trucking/drayage support; hand trucks/dollies
- Cold‑chain transport: insulated containers, data loggers
Animal Care (Community)
- Pet food (sealed, dry/wet)
- Leashes, collars, kennels/crates
- Basic veterinary supplies (licensed donors)
- Sort and label items by sector and subcategory to speed distribution.
- Ensure all consumables are sealed, within expiry, and labeled in English with quantities.
- Include Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and manuals for tools/equipment where applicable.
- Coordinate bulk shipments with ODPEM/NCI hubs in Cayman & Miami for consolidation and routing.