Physical vulnerability of critical facilities in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Abstract

Using the methodology developed by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, USA, we determined the physical vulnerability to the impact of hazards of the main critical facilities at Grand Cayman (GC), Cayman Islands. Our results indicate that: 1) About 82% of the emergency response infrastructure, 95% of the government facilities, and 85% of the utilities have physical vulnerabilities in the range from low to moderate; 2) Only 12% of all identified critical facilities at GC are exposed to natural and man-made hazards with a high vulnerability; 3) GC shows a very good level of protection of its critical facilities to natural hazards; 4) Explosions or leaks of the Airport Texaco Fuel Depot and the fuel pipeline, could impact the George Town Red Cross Building, the Caribbean Utilities and the Owen Roberts International Airport. An explosion of the Home Gas Terminal could damage the John Gray High School, which is also used as shelter in case of emergencies.