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Encouraging communities to consider possible risk situations and help them prepare to respond effectively. Includes information on first aid, emergency stores and community shelters.
To download a pdf version of the book, click here (2340K). To view the pages of the book in html format, follow the links below.
Objectives
To increase awareness of the need to prepare for a possible disaster
To reduce the impact of disasters by helping a community to work together more effectively, by considering their ability to respond to disaster
To enable local fac... More >> |
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alarm any kind of noise or signal that warns of danger
circulation the movement of blood around the body, pumped by the heart
crisis an unstable period of great trouble or danger
cyclone a violent tropical storm with very strong winds and heavy... More >> |
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For most people a disaster is something that always happens somewhere else, never in their own area. Most people see little point in preparing for a disaster that may never happen to them.
Sadly, disasters come in many forms and no community is e... More >> |
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Though the problems that may lead to a disaster can happen anywhere, some people are able to respond quickly and protect themselves from the effects of the disaster. They may have enough money to move away, they may have well-built homes or enough ... More >> |
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There are several different kinds of risk or hazard. Probably the most common are natural events such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes or droughts. Sometimes there is time to prepare; sometimes they may strike with no warning at all. Not all these ... More >> |
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Certain groups of people are much more at risk from the impact of disaster.
These include people who have problems in physically getting away from the disaster, such as the elderly, the disabled, pregnant women and women with young children.
It... More >> |
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In a disaster, saving people’s lives is always the first priority. But other things are also at risk. These may include all kinds of property, livestock, crops, food stores, fruit trees, water supplies, and resources used to earn money, such as too... More >> |
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Every community has a number of groups and a number of leaders, some official, some unofficial. Local government leaders and registered organisations may give reliable leadership and direction, but sometimes local people may not always have full co... More >> |
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Once people are aware of the need to make preparations for a possible disaster, it can be very useful for them to map their community. Maps allow people the opportunity to look at their whole community and consider things in different ways. Maps ca... More >> |
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In an emergency there is no time to prepare resources. Communities have to use what is immediately available. Emergency water supplies, health care, food and shelter are likely to be the priority needs.
After the community mapping, consider what na... More >> |
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In a crisis many skills are needed, but there may be great confusion and chaos. It is important that there are enough people in the community with skills that may prove vital in an emergency. Older people may have valuable skills. People may also h... More >> |
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In a disaster people are desperate for information, and incorrect rumours can create panic and cost lives. Reliable sources of information are essential. Radio stations, government officials or NGOs should be investigated before a disaster to discove... More >> |
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In every community there are public buildings that provide important social and spiritual functions. These buildings should be made safer than other buildings, partly because so many people use them, but also because in a disaster they can be used as... More >> |
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Some areas may experience regular flooding. Other areas may suffer unexpected flooding if, for example, a dam wall collapses, a water main pipe breaks or a cyclone strikes.
People should be aware of easy escape routes to higher ground and know ho... More >> |
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There is usually some warning of approaching cyclones. However, their speed, strength and direction often change. Residents in cyclone-prone areas should always be prepared.
Preparations should include routinely removing all large overhanging bra... More >> |
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Certain areas of the world are known to be at risk from earthquakes. However, sometimes there may be hundreds of years between major earthquakes. Earthquakes usually arrive with no warning and no time at all to prepare.
In areas known to be at ri... More >> |
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If a community is able to establish and strengthen a building which can be used as an emergency shelter, then equipment and supplies which would be essential during a disaster should be stored there. In poor communities it will be very difficult to... More >> |
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Clean water supplies are much more important than food immediately after a disaster. Consider your community’s present sources of water. Then consider the likely impact of flooding or cyclone damage. The only water supplies likely to be undamaged a... More >> |
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Following a major disaster, the health needs may be enormous. However, aside from injuries which require expert help, there are likely to be two major needs. The first is understanding and support to help people cope with trauma and the loss of lov... More >> |
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After checking for danger, make sure that injured people are still breathing. If someone is badly injured, particularly if their neck or back may be damaged, move them as little as possible. In order of priority, check: AIRWAY BREATHING CIRCULATION... More >> |
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After making the area safe and checking the ABC of unconscious people, only then begin to look at injuries. Decide which injuries need immediate attention.
To control heavy bleeding, push clean pads of cotton onto the wound and hold firmly in pla... More >> |
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Adequate sanitation is rarely considered by communities when preparing for disasters. However, without it, there is no doubt that many more people will suffer or die following a disaster, due to the spread of disease.
Latrines should already be a... More >> |
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Local authorities are normally responsible both for having emergency plans in place and for ensuring the safety of the community following any disaster. In most situations they have the influence and resources to play the most important role. Commu... More >> |
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If community leaders have successfully worked together to plan their response to a possible disaster, it is important to share these ideas widely. It is good for leaders to be prepared, but also important for all community members to be aware of ho... More >> |
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These Bible studies are designed to use in small groups. They may provide a useful introduction to a meeting where different topics from the Guide are being discussed. Choose a study that will be linked to the topic you plan to study or that is relev... More >> |
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