Introduction

Purpose

This training module, Disaster Preparedness, is designed to introduce one aspect of disaster management to an audience of U.N. organization professionals who form disaster management teams, as well as to government counterpart agencies, non-governmental organizations and donors. This module is designed to increase the audience’s awareness of the nature and management of disasters, leading to better performance in disaster preparedness and response.

The content has been written by experts in the field of disaster management and in general follows the UNDP/UNDRO Disaster Management Manual and its principles, procedures, and terminology. However, terminology in this field is not standardized and authors from different institutions may use the same terms in slightly different ways.

Scope

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to basic concepts related to disaster preparedness. The first part of the module sets forth various categories to consider in planning for disaster preparedness: from assessing vulnerability to actually rehearsing the plan.

In the second part of the module, you will learn about international collaboration for preparedness with a focus on the U.N. system. You should come away with a heightened awareness of the roles and limitations of international agencies in coordinating disaster preparedness efforts.

The implementation of disaster preparedness plans is discussed in Part Three of this module: from promoting these plans to considering advice based on common pitfalls related to implementation.

Training methods

This module is intended for two audiences, the self-study learner and the participant in a training workshop. The following training methods are planned for use in workshops and are simulated in the accompanying “training guide.” For the self-study learner the text is as close to a tutor as can be managed in print.

Workshop training methods include:

· group discussions
· simulations/role plays
· supplementary handouts
· videos
· review sessions
· self-assessment exercises

The self-study learner is invited to use this text as a workbook. In addition to note-taking in the margins, you will be given the opportunity to stop and examine your learning along the way through questions included in the text. Write down your answers to these questions before proceeding to ensure that you have captured key points in the text.