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 natural resources could be improved:
- Little-used springs on higher ground that may have been replaced by piped water supplies or water tanks could be repaired and protected. Maybe there are large community buildings on higher ground, away from the centre of villages and towns, which could be strengthened for use as emergency shelters.
- Planting trees will have many benefits. They will provide a source of fuel and building supplies. They help stabilise soil so it is not easily washed away during flooding. They may provide shelter from storms or safety during flooding. If planted along roads, they may help as markers during flooding.
Discussion
- Consider in turn the impact of different disasters: flooding, high winds, fire, crop failure, livestock epidemic, earthquake or war. For each one, spend time thinking of how people would respond and what would be needed.
- For poor communities there may be few resources available, but every community has some resources. Consider what resources are available to your community.
- Consider where people would turn to obtain water supplies if the normal supplies are not available. Clean water supplies will usually be the most urgent need.
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