Tsunami Safety in Braille

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Tsunami Safety in Braille

“Inclusive and multi-hazard early warning systems that close the ‘last mile’ are among the best risk reduction methods in the face of climate-related hazards and geophysical hazards such as tsunamis…. it is a moral imperative as well,” said Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR (2018-2024). In that spirit and upon the request of the government of Saint Lucia, the International Tsunami Information Center Caribbean Office (ITIC-CAR) has developed an English/Spanish Braille translation of the Tsunami Safety Rules flyer of the Caribbean Tsunami Information Center. This is the first time tsunami information has been made available in Braille. The priority is to distribute to the visually impaired community in the Caribbean, but also share globally. The package includes a Braille Tsunami Safety Rules 5 page booklet, a printed transcription, the original color printed flyer andITIC-CAR contact information. Saint Lucia requested these materials as part of the implementation of the UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme in this Small Island Developing State in the Caribbean. According to CCB Eye Care Caribbean, blindness in the Caribbean is estimated at 1% according to a 2020 population analysis (https://www.eyecarecaribbean.com/site/ecc/education-for-all-caribbean/caribbean-situation-analysis/3/). Mrs. Freeman of the Nevis Blind Light and Visually Impaired Society commented, "It is so wonderful to have this material in Braille, I miss reading very much”. ITIC CAR will be seeking feedback regarding the value of the content, feasibility, usefulness, and other parameters. This initiative has been funded by the United States Agency for International Development. For more information, to request these booklets (English/Spanish) or provide feedback, please email itic.tsunami@noaa.gov.