Disaster Preparedness - 2nd Edition (DHA/UNDRO - DMTP - UNDP, 1994, 66 p.): PART 2 - International collaboration for preparedness: The United Nations system

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

The United Nations system

The role of the United Nations in disaster management is rapidly changing. A variety of arrangements need to be agreed upon amongst the agencies themselves if these changes are to lead to more effective assistance to disaster-afflicted peoples. There are already various established agency roles and functions in the realm of disaster management.

The following international agencies have functions that support the practical implementation of disaster preparedness plans.

FAO		planting assessments, crop forecast assessments and food information early warning system

UNDP		disaster-to-development projects, technical assistance for disaster preparedness plans and strategies, and in-country resident coordinator of U.N. system

UNDHA		information coordination, disaster assessments, mitigation and disaster preparedness planning

UNICEF		vaccination programs and supplementary feeding programing in times of emergencies for vulnerable groups and water and shelter programs

UNHCR		emergency planning for refugee influxes

WFP		relief food needs assessments and food or non-food logistics

WHO		technical assistance on epidemiological matters in times of emergencies and health preparedness

WMO		tropical storm meteorological information

Each of the above have specialist technical literature for particular fields of competence. UNDP, WFP, UNICEF and UNHCR have excellent manuals on disaster preparedness and management that should be incorporated into preparedness planning exercises. DHA-Geneva has a publication series on disaster prevention and mitigation that is another valuable resource.

As a means to strengthen the coordination of humanitarian emergency assistance, the Secretary-General has created a high level post of Emergency Relief Coordinator. This post will ensure better preparation for, as well as rapid and coherent response to natural disasters and other emergencies. Responsibilities of the Emergency Relief Coordinator include consolidated appeals, a register of standby capacities and a central emergency revolving fund. This US $50 million fund provides a cash-flow mechanism to ensure the rapid and coordinated response of the organizations of the U.N. system. Advances to operational organizations of the system can be made with the understanding that they will reimburse the fund.