Be prepared: The motto of effective disaster management
BY ASHOK MENON/www.oheraldo.in
The Fire Services in the country observe National Fire Service Day on 14
April. This day is observed to pay homage to the firemen martyrs who sacrificed
their lives during the course of duty and to inspire fire fighters of today to
dedicate their services in saving life and property from the ever increasing
hazards of fire.
In order to generate fire safety awareness, the theme for this year's Fire
Service Week is: Fire Prevention: Do it for Life.
While it is necessary to pay attention to the day to-day major hazards of fire,
it is also necessary for the community to broaden our vision and expand our
preparedness to face other disasters as well.
The increasing incidence of disasters is creating a devastating impact on the
lives, property and livelihood of people. Disasters impede development and
consume resources earmarked for growth and welfare. A holistic approach to
manage disasters is emerging that integrates the prevention, preparedness,
mitigation and response activities. Governments are gearing up to prevent, be
prepared and respond to disasters.
Preparedness is necessary to strengthen the abilities and capacities to predict
and, wherever feasible, prevent disasters, lessen their impact, and facilitate
response to handle the consequences of disasters at various levels.
One such measure of disaster preparedness is the formulation of disaster
preparedness plans at the national, State and district levels. A people-centred
approach to disaster preparedness that builds the communitys capacities is
gaining significance to enable people to cope with and recover.
The biggest challenge is to ensure adequate preparedness on these fronts.
India is among the five countries in the South Asian region that meets many of
the criteria for disaster preparedness and that has a legal framework in place.
The Disaster Management Act, 2005, enacted by Parliament, provides a framework
for the effective management of disasters and for matters connected with them.
Preparedness involves different sets of activities before, during and after a
disaster:
Before disaster
1. Formulation of disaster preparedness plans at national, State, local and
community levels.
2. Generation and dissemination of information through the mass media about
potential hazards, their frequency of occurrence and associated risks.
3. Installation of appropriate forecasting and warning systems.
4. Strengthening of physical infrastructure.
5. Evacuation of people to safer areas.
During the eventuality
1. Provision of food, shelter, medical and first aid services.
2. Security arrangements to prevent occurrence of untoward incidents.
After the disaster
1. Rescue operations for the affected.
2. Proper relief distribution, including food, clothes and medicine.
3. Restoration of communication systems.
4. Damage assessment and immediate financial assistance.
The approach towards managing disasters is undergoing a transformation.
Presently, there is an emphasis to adopt a developmental approach to disaster
management. This involves ensuring readiness on the part of stakeholders to
predict and prevent disasters, reduce their impact and cope with the
consequences.
It is essential that any support operation be designed and implemented with a
long-term perspective.
Governments all over the world are adopting a proactive and holistic approach
to disaster management.
Disaster management aims to integrate interrelated components in an orderly
and coordinated manner. This includes activities before disaster, during and
after the disaster.
Disasters comprise certain elements such as the event, vulnerability of people
and destruction. The vulnerability of individuals and communities, in which
their lives are threatened and destruction caused to the communitys property,
infrastructure, etc, is tested during such events. This brings out the
significance of developing disaster preparedness mechanisms and processes to
neutralise and reduce the vulnerability of people and minimise loss.
Investing in disaster preparedness can save lives.This can be taken up
individually as well as collectively.
Disaster preparedness is a multifaceted activity. It involves preparation and
operationalisation of preparedness plans, community-based preparedness plans,
and appropriate use of information technology, remote sensing, disaster
mapping, Geographical Information Systems etc.
Preparedness for disasters done meticulously, implies half of the problem is
solved in advance. Preparedness needs meticulous planning, as a small mistake
would result in many deaths. For example, the quake in Gujarat on January 26,
2001 was considered the biggest recorded tremor in India since the Calcutta
quake of 1737. While the epicentre was in Lodai, Kutch, the impact was felt
through Gujarat and adjoining States.
Emergencies do not come with a warning. To handle emergency situations, the
community needs to know the basics of various emergencies to ensure quick
action and safety knowledge and practice various peacetime emergencies to make
the community familiar and alert.
Enlightened citizens are requested to extend a helping hand by obtaining copies
of the special booklet brought out by our department in connection with the
Fire Prevention Week 2008, and disseminate its contents among friends and
family.
[The writer is the Director (Offg), Fire & Emergency Services, Government of
Goa]
- Forwarded by www.goa-world.com
