4 Continued from previous page It is advisable to have detailed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) among the government, private owners and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and/or Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) with regard to location, design, management, governance and repair of emergency shelters. The MOUs should be standardised as far as is feasible to promote transparency and fairness. This is particularly important for matters relating to cost and maintenance. For example, a government might agree to meet the costs of construction for the number of bathrooms that could be required in a shelter situation or allow a reduction in the cost of water used routinely at a facility in return for use of the facility when required in an emergency if it is not owned by the state. I suggest that in designing such buildings in the future that we have a clear set of design standards for emergency shelters not only to make them safe but to meet the levels established by the Sphere Project. That will require a focus on matters such as: Parking areas Playing areas for children Technology infrastructure Access for the differently-abled, ingress, egress and occupancy Kitchen capacity for mass meal preparation and serving Laundry facilities and working areas for laundry Design for showers and toilet areas not only for large numbers but for security, safety and privacy Space allocations for common area for eating, recreation and sleeping Some of the damage in Dominica from Hurricane Maria. (Photo by Yuri Jones) Continues on next page
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