The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has announced that 49 structures have been designated as official shelters for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which spans June to November.

Inspections were conducted by personnel from the Ministry of Works in collaboration with District Disaster Coordinators (DDCs) to ensure the suitability of each site. As in previous years, designated shelters include schools, churches, and community centres.

Each disaster district, coordinated by volunteer DDCs under NODS, will have at least one shelter, though not every community will have its own.

NODS continues to urge residents to prepare their homes to withstand hurricane impacts, noting that public shelters should be considered a last resort.

Those seeking refuge in a shelter should bring essential items such as canned or ready-to-eat food, water, clothing, hygiene products, blankets, sheets, sleeping cots, and any other necessary supplies, as these will not be provided.

A trained volunteer team is tasked with managing public shelters across Antigua and Barbuda.

The full list of designated shelters is available on the NODS Facebook page.