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Disaster risk reduction planning checklist for UNDP country programme purpose.

From Appendix 2A, UNDP/UNDRO Disaster Management Manual.

In order to appraise disaster mitigation needs, policies, and capacity, an informed judgment must be made concerning likely hazards and their effects, the adequacy and cost-effectiveness of existing risk reduction and preparedness measures, and the ability of all concerned to act on these measures. This checklist shows what to consider in this appraisal.

National policies towards disaster risks and development planning

Are hazard-related risks considered in development planning? Is there a policy for risk reduction: At national level? For specific disaster-prone areas?

Are there institutional mechanisms to integrate risk concerns into development planning and ensure inter-sectoral co-ordination?

If/when new human settlements are planned, are natural hazards and risk of disaster considered, and appropriate measures built into the planning?

Awareness and analysis of risks and options

What is the level of awareness of the hazard-related risks among officials in central planning and sectoral bodies?

What impact have disasters (and all forms of hazard impacts) had on development efforts and on the situation of the most vulnerable groups in society?

Have data on known hazards (natural and human-made) been analysed? Have hazard maps been prepared? Are the data and maps updated as hazard conditions change, or as new populations or economic activities move into the hazardous areas?

Have the populations, infrastructure, agricultural and industrial economic assets, essential services, and development programmes and investments at risk been fully identified?

Have specific estimates been made of the likely social and economic effects of particular hazard impacts on the various elements at risk and on the society as a whole?

What measures have been taken, or are planned, to reduce the risks? How effective are they? Have additional specific measures been identified as feasible options? Why have they not been adopted or implemented yet?

Institutional arrangements for disaster management

What arrangements exist at national level? Is there an entity in the national government with specific responsibility for all phases of disaster management? Is it adequately staffed, trained, and funded? Is it properly placed within the government structure?

Are there specific entities at the regional, subregional, and community levels specifically responsible for disaster management? Are they adequately staffed, trained, and funded?

Warning and other preparedness measures

Are mechanisms in place that can issue warnings of disaster threats to populations at risk? Are warnings given with sufficient lead time? Do they make clear the risks involved and the action to take?

Are there established arrangements at local and national levels? Are all concerned aware of their responsibilities, the procedures to follow, and arrangements for coordination? Are these plans widely understood and regularly tested?

Are there adequate communications systems, including back-up systems, for use in disaster response?

Human resources for disaster management

Is there a training programme for disaster managers?

Is there a public information and education programme?