Summary

· Globally, the number of disasters is increasing with growing community vulnerability.

· Inappropriate humanitarian assistance can lead to reduced development assistance, increased community vulnerability, and further social crisis.

· Community vulnerability is a function of susceptibility and resilience.

· Vulnerability reduction can decrease the risk of emergencies and disasters by:

- decreasing susceptibility (emergency prevention and mitigation);
- increasing resilience (emergency preparedness).

· Vulnerability reduction also requires policy development and vulnerability assessment.

· Vulnerability reduction can protect and enhance development.

· Emergency management can be described by:

- the comprehensive approach;
- the all-hazards approach;
- the multisectoral and intersectoral approach.

· The aims of civil protection, humanitarian action, and emergency management are very similar, and the same preparedness processes can be used for each. The health sector plays a key role, regardless of the system adopted by a country.

· Emergency preparedness is required at every level within a country, particularly at the community level.

· Community participation in emergency preparedness is essential for its success.

· Emergency preparedness processes can be used for any community, organization, or activity.

· Emergency preparedness should be developed to suit the context of the community.

· An emergency preparedness programme should be guided by project management methods.