Risk Returns

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The community’s local knowledge is crucial

to validate the relevant risks and hazards. In the

process of producing the map, discussion is encour-

aged to promote awareness of underlying risks and

how to reduce them as well as how to plan actions

for before, during and immediately after emergen-

cies and disasters.

CBDRM trainers take this opportunity to identify

locations for helipads, drop points for food distribution

and other important aspects in planning for response

during a disaster.

The hazard map also contains photos and notes that

are taken from the town-watching activity as references.

The map is a guide to help the local community with

disaster preparedness and response.

Contingency plans

The CBDRM training also prepares individuals

to carry out certain critical actions before the wet

season, such as monitoring media notifications of

weather patterns, clearing away rubbish and main-

taining drainage, checking ‘survival packs’, clearing

furniture from the ground floors of houses, moving

livestock to safety, and stockpiling crops while carry-

ing on with life as normal.

Follow-up actions

As a follow-up to the CBDRM, grassroots leaders,

residents and district authorities also create well-

planned strategies and actions based on the hazard

maps produced. Action plans include placing warning

signs regarding water levels; maintenance of alter-

skills are also taught to ensure that the community is ready to face

emergencies and disasters. The objective is to enable people to help

themselves and those caught in emergency situations prior to emer-

gency services arriving at the scene.

The NDMC’s engagement with communities is a bottom-up

approach from the grassroots to management level in every district.

It is aimed at helping people to realize that preparation for disaster

is not the sole responsibility of the Government and that self-help

is important in tackling local issues during every phase of disas-

ter management. It has established a sense of ownership within

communities, so that they are involved in planning and implement-

ing disaster risk reduction activities.

Since the introduction of the programme in 2010, the community

has studied three modules: Town Watching and Hazard Mapping;

First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation; and Fire Safety. Each

module comprises theoretical and practical lessons.

Hazard mapping in flood-prone areas

Trainers from relevant government agencies use historical data to

conduct risk identification assessment in the selected area, with

special attention to the types of disasters for which the community

is at risk. The trainers also conduct interviews with communities

and their leaders to enhance understanding of the situation.

Hazard mapping is used as an effective tool to engage and improve

awareness of hazard risk as well as to manage risk during an emer-

gency. Prior to producing this map, the community, assisted by the

trainers, conducts its own ‘town-watching’ activity. In this type of

exercise, the community members identify risks, hazards and other

potential danger zones. They also identify alternative routes to safer

and higher ground suitable for evacuation areas and temporary car

parks. The creation of the map requires the collaboration of trainers

and the community.

Hazard mapping is used as an effective tool to improve awareness

Strategic locations are pinpointed for response coordination

Image: NDMC