International Symposium on Mitigative Measures against Snow ...

<strong>International</strong> <strong>Symposium</strong> on Mitigative Measures against Snow Avalanches
Egilsstaðir, Iceland, March 11–14, 2008
Non-structural mitigation in areas of high snow avalanche
frequencies in Iceland
Guðrún Jóhannesdóttir and Víðir Reynisson
National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, Civil Protection Department,
Skúlagata 21, IS-101 Reykjavík, ICELAND
e-mail: gudrunj (at) rls.is, vidir (at) rls.is
ABSTRACT
Mitigation is about action or an activity that attempts to eliminate or reduce human suffering
and property damage from natural or man-made hazards. There are a number of different
approaches to mitigation in emergency management. The focus of this discussion revolves
around three themes relating to methods to mitigate risks
• The role of the Civil Protection in Iceland
• Mitigation in areas of high snow avalanche frequencies
• The collaboration of the Civil Protection, Meteorological Office, and other institutions
on snow avalanche mitigation measures.
First, the objective of the Act on Civil Protection (No. 94/1962) in mitigation will be
presented. Second, the non-structural mitigation methods in areas of high snow avalanche
frequencies in Iceland will be addressed. Finally, the collaboration of the Icelandic Meteorological
Office, the Civil Protection, and other organizations in the snow avalanche risk
management process before and after 1995.
1. THE CIVIL PROTECTION IN ICELAND
When the Civil Protection Act (94/1962) first became effective, it was in the middle of the
Cuban crisis and the key provision was the preparedness and prevention of a nuclear attack.
The Civil Protection Unit (AVRIK) was governed by the state under the authority of the
Ministry of Justice, but under control of the Civil Protection Council (until 2003 when the
National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police took over the Civil Protection Affairs). The
local communities (64) had their Civil Protection Committee and their administration was in
the hands of the Chief of Police. The Civil Protection Unit monitored and gave advice to the
otherwise independent Committees. The Minister of Health is responsible for medical service
during disasters.
The Civil Protection responds according to two types of emergency plans: Generic Plans, that
are core plans for mobilising staff and resources and apply to different kinds of emergencies,
and Specific Plans – that apply to a specific hazard, site or location
In 1974, the Civil Protection made an agreement with volunteer organizations, the Icelandic
Red Cross, and the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. This agreement defines their
roles and tasks in the overall organization of Civil Protection in times of hazards and
emergencies, training and education. This agreement is renewed on a regular basis.
The objective of the Civil Protection Act is to organize and implement actions for the
preservation of life and human needs, protecting property in case of military action, natural
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