Preparing for disaster: a community based appraoch

During the past decade less people have died in natural disasters, but more and more lives and livelihoods are affected by the negative consequences of them. The increase is steep, triggered by more frequent extreme weather conditions with twice as many affected only in the last five years. [Adapted from author]. This guide outlines community based disaster preparedness.

An introduction is given to the Integrated Community Disaster Planning Programme (ICDPP), a six-step model used by the Red Cross in the Philippines. This is followed by, a more generic step-by-step guide to community based disaster preparedness.

Steps include:

• Site selection criteria and process
• Partnership with Local Government Units
• Formation and training of Community Disaster Action Teams (CDAT)
• Risks and resources mapping
• Community Mitigation Measures
• Long lasting effect: Sustainability

Advice is given on how to proceed with each step followed by lessons learned and examples from the Philippines. Tool are provided to aid in CDAT training and as well as a sample Community Disaster Action Plan.

Finally, lessons learned from the Philippines are provided including recommendations for modification.

(Note: Although this guide has a Philippine focus, steps outlined in section 2 can be applied in other contexts)