Introduction | PDF FILE
When Disasters strike on an unprepared community, the damage can be incredible. Ironically, many communities, including within the DUS working area of Hatiya located at Noakhali & adjoining Districts of Bangladesh, are often not appropriately prepared although disasters happens more frequently than other parts of the country. Historically, DUS and the communities have allocated human, physical and financial resources quickly in order to meet urgent human needs. Putting these resources in place has naturally varied in their timing, effectiveness, efficiency and reliability, which are critical factors in terms of cost that is measured in lives lost and property damaged and/or destroyed.
Post-disaster studies have shown that organizations and the communities perform better during disaster response with a well-developed prior planning. They also show that organized efforts may be more successful if integrated into the social and political processes of community associations, schools, workplaces, places of worship and other organizations.
Effective response needs comprehensive planning and coordination of all who will be involved, which includes the private sector, local Leaders, schools, volunteer groups and community organizations. Appropriate training and accurate information can prepare individuals and groups to be crucial resources in their community, capable of performing many emergency functions needed during the immediate post-disaster period. This plan is designed to help communities and individuals prepare for and respond to hazards that regularly face.
The plan focuses on the physical hazards of disasters; however, there are some emotional aspects as well. Living through a major emergency or a disaster may cause fatigue, hyperactivity, anger and withdrawal. Children and seniors are especially vulnerable to these types of post-impact psychological effects.
The plan should be shared with every staff members and local actors of disaster management. Being prepared for and aware of the risks of hazard events and taking steps to reduce them can eventually reduce their negative effects and/or resulting damage. Becoming involved in community disaster management could greatly improve the preparedness and response capability of particular community. One way to do, this is to volunteer your services to your local Community or offshore islands.
This Contingency Plan ensures the deployment of resources and personnel as well as the systems and tools to respond quickly and smartly to any disaster occurrences. The plan articulates the types of disasters, its nature and type, its seriousness as well as the how to respond to them when they do strike. The plan lays out the processes and procedures to determine the gaps, so that the resources and the personnel can be deployed smartly, effectively and efficiently address the same.
