Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation - IGNOU

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND
MITIGATION
‘A Stitch in Time Saves Nine’ …
(Famous Proverb)
It is believed that prevention is better than cure. Likewise, disaster preparedness is better than
disaster management. The United Nations Disaster Relief Office (UNDRO) uses the following
definition of Disaster Preparedness:
“It may be described as (a series of) measures designed to organize and facilitate timely and
effective rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations in cases of disaster…. Measures of
preparedness include among others, setting up disaster relief machinery, formulation of
emergency relief plans, training of specific groups (and vulnerable communities) to undertake
rescue and relief, stockpiling supplies and earmarking funds for relief operations”.
Preparedness planning for disaster management is quite useful. The preparedness plans can either
be short-term or long-term encompassing the organizational aims and objectives, structure for tackling
disasters, preparedness measures, communication system, warning arrangements, community disaster
operations, operational aspects of implementation of plans, post-disaster review, training and public
awareness. A Disaster Preparedness Plan made at any level:
Provides for hazard identification and risk analysis
Indicates basic information about the resources, demography, existing organizational set up,
administrative facilities at the state, district and local levels
Describes preparedness and mitigation measures as well as response mechanisms
Defines specific roles and responsibilities for various actors at different levels
Ensures networking/coordination with the media, NGOs, international agencies and other
stakeholders
DID YOU KNOW?
Any disaster preparedness programme should essentially include:
Perceptions that need to be examined, and opportunities, which need to be created
for people to modify their perceptions where necessary
Strategies that need to be created to rouse the curiosity of the members of vulnerable
affected community, and instill in them a desire for change
Individuals and communities that need to be helped to compare the existing practices
with proposed innovations
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