Emergency
Response Units (ERU’s) are part of the International
Federation’s disaster response tools. They provide specific
support or direct services when local facilities are either
destroyed, overwhelmed by needs, or do not exist. The Logistics
ERU organises logistics in the field and has been developed
to effectively manage the arrival, clearance, storage and
distribution of relief items. The logistics team can also
make arrangements for arrival of other ERUs.
The Logistics and Resource Mobilization
Department (LRMD) has developed a set of standard logistics
tools that help to improve the efficiency of logistics services
by way of establishing a standardized approach and increased
accountability. Standard response tools, adequate procedures
and qualified human resources are key pre-requisites for a
successful logistics response.
Logistics standards
The logistics standard CD-Rom
is designed as an auxiliary tool to increase the operational
efficiency and provide a general know-how to Red Cross/Red Crescent
logisticians. Standard job descriptions for logistics functions,
manuals and guidelines, training material and case studies are
some of the materials included in the CD-Rom. It has an online
version accessible to the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.
Emergency
Items Catalogue
The Emergency
Items Catalogue is a compilation of descriptions and
specifications for standard relief items and kits delivered
to relief operations. It is an effort to harmonize the emergency
relief and medical items provided by donors and major operational
players in response to humanitarian needs. The International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the
International Committee of the Red Cross supported by National
Societies have coordinated their joint efforts towards this
tool.
The catalogue is intended to facilitate
the selection and acquisition of suitable items notably
during emergency operations. Standardization is aimed at
facilitating field operations and logistics support, improving
quality assurance, communication and reporting, and also
preventing inappropriate donations. The catalogue provides
generic technical specifications for essential items to:
There have been 2 editions of the
catalogue respectively issued in 2002 and 2004. The set
includes 3 volumes and a CD-Rom. The next updated version
is expected to be launched by the end of 2008.
The Federation logistics has also
developed operational manuals that guide a specific aspect
of logistics operations such as Procurement, Fleet, Mobilization,
Warehousing, Air Operations and the like. For more information
on logistics tools and manuals, please contact the Geneva
Logistics and Resource Mobilization Department.
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Disaster management
