Disaster Preparedness - 2nd Edition (DHA/UNDRO - DMTP - UNDP, 1994, 66 p.): Overview: Overview of the concept

Disaster Preparedness - 2nd Edition (DHA/UNDRO - DMTP - UNDP, 1994, 66 p.)

(introduction...)

United Nations reorganization and the Disaster Management Training Programme

Introduction

Overview

(introduction...)

Overview of the concept

Working definition

PART 1 - Planning for disaster preparedness

(introduction...)

Vulnerability assessment

Planning

Institutional structure

Information systems

Resource base

Warning systems

Response mechanisms

Public education and training

Rehearsals

CASE STUDY

SUMMARY

PART 2 - International collaboration for preparedness

(introduction...)

The United Nations system

The U.N. at headquarters level

The U.N. at field level

The UNDP in the field

U.N. agencies and development projects

SUMMARY

PART 3 - Implementing disaster preparedness plans

(introduction...)

Promote the plan at the national level

Establish a reliable information base

Define appropriate institutional structures

Consider this advice

CASE STUDY

SUMMARY

Annex 1: Checklist of basic information required by a UN-DMT1

Annex 2: Acronyms

Annex 3: Additional reading

Module evaluation

Overview of the concept

Q. How would you define disaster preparedness?

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ANSWER

Compare your answer with paragraph 1 under “Working Definition.”

Disaster preparedness involves forecasting and taking precautionary measures prior to an imminent threat when advance warnings are possible. Preparedness planning improves the response to the effects of a disaster by organizing the delivery of timely and effective rescue, relief and assistance.

Preparedness involves the development and regular testing of warning systems (linked to forecasting systems) and plans for evacuation or other measures to be taken during a disaster alert period to minimize potential loss of life and physical damage. It also involves the education and training of officials and the population at risk, the training of intervention teams, and the establishment of policies, standards, organizational arrangements and operational plans to be applied following a disaster. Effective plans also consider securing resources, possibly including stockpiling supplies and earmarking funds. These plans must be supported by enabling legislation.