1. Write a speech to be delivered in your society explaining the role of responsible citizens during the time of disaste management.
Answers
Answer:
What can/should be done in advance:
1) All citizens should go through disaster-preparedness training.
2) All citizens should go through instruction in preparedness for all different disasters and then follow-through on being prepared. They should know the county disaster plan and whom to turn to in an emergency.
3) They should pay attention to emergency warnings and stay aware of developing situations.
4) Parents need to prepare their children and practice drills with their families.
5) People should get to know their neighbors and their neighbors’ needs. They should keep an eye out all the time for their neighbors and their neighbors’ property.
6) Citizens should be responsible for their own preparation and be able to carry on, if possible, after a disaster. They should make sure that they have extra supplies in case of a disaster: nonperishable food, water, flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, candles, auxiliary power, blankets, first-aid kit, medications, generator, and money. They should know how to turn off the utilities in their homes.
7) Have gardens and save own food. Also be willing to share with others.
8) Build community.
9) Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Check them every year.
10) Keep safety kits in their cars. They should include first aid and supplies for different kinds of emergencies.
11) Every business/organization/family should have a disaster plan and practice these.
12) Learn–and continue to update–skills in CPR and first aid.
13) They should pay taxes to fund services that people need, donate blood, and pray.
14) Public sensitisation campaigns, education programmes through media as well as training on how to mitigate the impacts of disasters.
15)Residents should continue to avoid living in high risk zones and whenever they are issued with a relocation notice, they should always be willing to cooperate because it is in their interest.
What should be done after the disaster:
1) Everyone should find a place to serve in a disaster. They should volunteer to help with disaster preparedness and relief.
2) People should check on their neighbors. They should take care of one another, feed pets, provide first aid. They should offer food and shelter to those in need.
3) People need to stay positive, good-natured, kind, cooperative, and peaceful.
4) Be aware of transportation limitations and roads that are impassable.
5) They should be be available to assist in any way that they are asked or directed to by government or NGOs. They should use their skills for assistance. For example, they can clear roads or assist fire fighters and safety services, but should do this only as directed within the chain of command.
6) Stay informed. Cooperate with agencies and comply with directions. For example, if there is an evacuation, they need to evacuate.
7) Report injuries, looting, etc. Take pictures with cell phone. Use weapons cautiously.
8) Citizens should be responsible and use common sense. They should not gawk; nor should they act as vigilantes. They should not impede rescuers’ actions. They should not put themselves at undue risk because, to do so, might mean risk to the responders.
9) Citizens are often the first on the scene. They should help their neighbors and do what they can to care for themselves, their families, and others, freeing resources for those with a greater need. Physical and emotional needs should be tended immediately.
10) Citizens should organize, determine needs, can communicate to government and NGOs. Natural leaders will emerge.
11) After the initial disaster, they can collect money and raise funds to help those who are in need.
12) Patients should be informed and assist where they can.
Concerns expressed:
1) Often people mistrust the government. They want the assistance but they don’t want to cooperate (think they are being bossed around).
2) People are complacent, thinking a disaster won’t happen or won’t happen again. They don’t seek education or training. They need to be prepared ahead of time.
3) People can and want to help during disasters but safety can be a factor.
4) People often don’t pay attention to alerts.
5) The Good Samaritan law helps to protect volunteers, yet people should not go beyond their training and ability to help. People are afraid that, if they help someone, they might be sued.
6) Some citizens still believe their role in mitigating the effects of disasters is limited by lack of sufficient financial capacity although they admit that their participation is crucial.