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| Disaster
preparedness policy |
Introduction |
| The
readiness to predict and, where possible, prevent disasters, reduce
their impact as well as respond to and cope with their consequences
at international, national and local levels is central to the work
of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
and every individual National Society. This work, key to development,
essentially involves reducing the vulnerability of households and
communities in disaster-prone areas and improving their ability to
cope with the effects of disasters; strengthening the capacities of
National Societies in disaster preparedness and post-disaster response;
determining a National Society role and mandate in national disaster
plans; and establishing regional networks of National Societies that
will strengthen the Federation's collective impact in disaster preparedness
and response at the international level. |
| Scope |
| This
policy establishes the basis of Red Cross and Red Crescent action
in disaster preparedness. It applies to all types of disaster preparedness
activities at local, national, regional and international levels whether
carried out by a single branch of a National Society, by an individual
National Society or by the International Federation acting together. |
| Statement |
| The
International Federation and each individual National Society shall:
- Recognize that disaster preparedness should be one
of the primary activities of the International Federation and
each National Society, regarding it as the most effective
way of reducing the impact of both small and localized as well
as large-scale disasters. The National Society has a role to
play at the branch, the national and the international level.
These roles shall be complemented by the actions of the Federation
at the international level.
- Recognize disaster preparedness as an effective link
between emergency response, rehabilitation and development programmes
and strive to build disaster preparedness upon the
competent programming in other key areas Red Cross/Red Crescent
work such as in the health sector.
- Recognize the Red Cross/Red Crescent role in disaster
preparedness as complementary to government and thus
will not replace state responsibilities. In addition, the National
Society should engage in debate with the government on the focus
and nature of the National Emergency Plan and encourage the
assignment of a clear role and responsibilities to the National
Society, supported by appropriate legislation.
- Advocate, where necessary, with government, donors,
non-governmental organizations and the public, the need for
and effectiveness of disaster preparedness. National
Societies should contribute to raising awareness of hazards,
levels of risks and coping mechanisms adopted by society and
mitigation programmes, such as early warning systems, that may
reduce the loss of lives and property when a disaster strikes.
- Strengthen the organizational structures at international,
national and local levels required for effective disaster preparedness.
In particular, prioritize the strengthening of branches and
the mobilization and training of Red Cross/Red Crescent volunteers
in high-risk areas and the responsibility of National Societies
to prepared to be part of the Federation's international disaster
response programming. Integrate or harmonize such activities
with institutional development and other relevant programme
areas.
- Improve co-ordination by promoting better
co-operation and partnerships between National Societies, ICRC,
governments, non-governmental organizations and other disaster
response agencies at local, national, regional and international
levels.
- Identify those persons, communities and households
most at risk to disaster through assessment and analysis
of risks, vulnerabilities and capacities (Vulnerability and
Capacity Assessment) as a basis for prioritising location and
focus of programming activities.
- Raise awareness of disaster hazards through
public education, encouraging vulnerable people to take preventative
and mitigating actions where possible before disaster strikes.
Ensure that the knowledge from prediction and early warning
systems can be accessed, understood and acted upon by local
communities
- Improve the ability of vulnerable communities to cope
with disasters through community-based disaster preparedness
strategies that build on existing structures, practices,
skills and coping mechanisms. Recognizing that a community-based
approach is the best guarantee that improvement in disaster
preparedness will be realized and sustained, the assisted population
must participate in the planning and preparation for disasters.
All activities and programmes should be sensitive to issues
of gender, generation and the needs of vulnerable groups, such
as the disabled.
- Strive to provide the financial, material and human
resources required to carry out appropriate and sustainable
disaster preparedness activities. In particular, maximize
the strategic advantage of the International Federation to mobilize
all available resources and establish regional networks of National
Societies that will strengthen the Federation's collective impact
in disaster preparedness.
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| Reponsabilities |
| National
Societies and the International Federation have a responsibility to
ensure that all disaster preparedness activities and programmes are
carried out in compliance with this policy; that all staff and volunteers
participating in such programmes are aware of the rationale and content
of the policy; and that all relevant governmental, intergovernmental
and non-governmental partners are adequately informed of this policy. |
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| Further
reference texts |
|
| Reference:
This policy was adopted by the 12th Session of the General Assembly
of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
on October 26, 1999. This policy replaces all previously established
disaster preparedness policies |
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| Printed
version |
English
version 
(57kb, 2 pages)
French
version
(59kb, 2 pages)
Spanish
version
(83kb, 2 páginas) |
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