The U.N. at headquarters level

In developing national disaster preparedness plans, there are at least four areas in which U.N. agencies can be of immediate assistance.

Headquarters support for disaster preparedness initiatives

It is important for agencies at the field level to know that disaster preparedness initiatives have the support of their respective headquarters. Beyond the intangible issue of moral support is the more practical matter of establishing the initiative as a recognized priority at the field level.

Short-term consultancies, study tours and exchange of experts

Agencies at headquarters level should have better insight as to which experts might be available to support field level efforts, in both the planning and implementation stages. Agencies should compile rosters of available experts. These rosters should be exchanged with other agencies. Agencies should review hiring procedures to ensure the rapid fielding of experts.

Wherever possible, agency workers should encourage government officials to discuss disaster preparedness measures at headquarters levels. These workers should take study tours to countries that have well established disaster preparedness plans. Such exchanges should be worked out between headquarters and the field office.

Emergency funding

More flexible systems will have to be developed among some of the agencies to improve the use of field office resources in times of emergencies, and to ensure additional resources for emergencies from headquarters. Such flexibility should be recognized as part of the anticipated resource base in the national disaster preparedness plan.

Headquarters procedures and scheduling

Through their field offices, agencies will have to make sure that the proposed disaster preparedness plan incorporates headquarters procedures and the scheduling necessary for an agency to respond effectively to various crisis scenarios.