This section is an informational page about registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Obviously, the content will concentrate on disaster relief organizations. This page will be updated with weekly articles on practices applied by nonprofit agencies. Feel welcome to leave suggestions pertaining to what topics you have an interest in in the comments section.
What are Disaster Management and first response?
Around the world, and especially here in the states we hear more and more about the continued affects of natural disasters. How do we manage the fallout and minimize the long term damage that natural disasters can cause? Is your family ready for and embrace the possibility that catastrophe can strike? Being located in Florida with hurricane season peaking around the corner this may be the time of year to be that you get sick of hearing about disaster management and response, but it an issue to take seriously as not all nations of the world have the advanced procedures in place that the developed world does for such occurrences.
The terms disaster management and first response encompass a broad range of features. First response can involve multiple public service agencies including EMS, fire departments, police departments, and search and rescue personnel. First response can be understood as the efforts of individuals and communities to plan for and coordinate personnel and materials needed to mitigate the effects of, prepare for, or recover from natural disasters, Disaster management refers to the management of all of the resources pertaining to the humanitarian aspects of emergencies (IFRC, 2014).
Natural disasters are impossible to prevent. However, loss of life and injuries can be mitigated with proper efforts. How are these procedures broken down to ensure that first response and disaster management are effective? There are 3 key elements of natural disaster management. They are; preparedness, relief, and recovery/response (WCPT, 2014, QGDM, 2014).
Have you practiced these 4 steps with your family yet?
Of the 3 elements of disaster management preparedness is the most effective was to reduce loss of life and damage during a natural disaster. Have evacuation plans and listen to other diligently to be prepared in case an event occurs (WCPT, 2014). The second element, relief is a response by multiple agencies to begin rebuilding after the disaster strikes. Response is combating the disaster and providing assistance to those affected (QGDM, 2014). Relief activities include rescue, relocation, provision of food and water, and repair of vital services such as telecom and transportation (WCPT, 2014). The third step recover is is the lengthiest and most challenging step of the disaster management strategy. It can take month to years to rebuild a community, and the community can still be vulnerable to future disasters prior to finishing the rebuilding process.
Talk with your family about a disaster plan. It is better to have one and not need it than need one and not have it. No area is immune from the possibility of a natural disaster. Have a stock of necessary supplies and a plan in place to ensure the safety of your family.
By: Ryan Ruddy ryan@iwillprevail.org
References
http://www.disastermgmt.org/
http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/About_Disaster_Management/Management_Phases.html
http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/disaster-management/
http://www.wcpt.org/disaster-management
