A global review of disaster reduction initiatives - Welcome to the ...

4Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiativesIncreasing the value of public eventsSpecial or periodic commemorative eventshave demonstrated that they serve a useful rolein raising the public visibility of natural hazardsor by reflecting on the consequences ofearlier unmitigated disasters. But they are nosubstitute for longer term and more substantivecommitments to foster continuous publicexposure to the subject. Public or special eventscan be useful to illustrate that while there is nopossibility to be safe from all risks, there aregraduated steps that can be taken within acommunity to minimise existing hazards or todevelop an improved state of resilience to managefuture risks better. It is important thatadditional activities be conceived on an ongoingbasis, so that public interest does not fadeafter the special event.Using multiple interests to publicise risk issuesOne of the biggest challenges for governmentofficials and interested professionals in promotingrisk awareness is to remove the subject fromthe sense of crisis or trauma that ordinarilyaccompanies it. Disaster risk reduction is not anemergency service awaiting the time of need.Rather, the subject can be placed in the midst ofdaily concerns of people where they live andwork, among the people and property whichthey value. Hazards need not become disasterswith the widespread suffering and loss whichthey suggest, if people are sufficiently conversantwith the nature of the risks involved, andwhat they can do to reduce their own exposurebeforehand. This involves the full participationof the people most exposed to risks. Publicawareness strategies can motivate people to collaboratein different enterprises, supported bytheir various talents and multiple resources.202