ABOUT
Disasters and emergencies can strike at anytime and anywhere. But how many of us are actually prepared to respond? Many citizens rely on first responders to assist them. However, provincial and municipal governments have stated that households and communities must be prepared to be on their own for the first 72 hours of an emergency.
Disaster preparedness and response programs are more successful when they are community-driven and if community members have participated in planning and training prior to the event. The We’re Ready! Community Disaster Preparedness workshop is intended to complement existing emergency preparedness programs, to build on effective strategies, and to promote collaboration. The We're Ready! workshop is community-based, rather than individual or household-based, and builds on the principles of adult education. Evaluation of three workshops is described in the We're Ready! article.
Disaster preparedness and response programs are more successful when they are community-driven and if community members have participated in planning and training prior to the event. The We’re Ready! Community Disaster Preparedness workshop is intended to complement existing emergency preparedness programs, to build on effective strategies, and to promote collaboration. The We're Ready! workshop is community-based, rather than individual or household-based, and builds on the principles of adult education. Evaluation of three workshops is described in the We're Ready! article.
Mock disaster simulation. May 2016. Photo: Eva Bogdan.
PURPOSE
To facilitate communities in designing and implementing their own disaster plans through interactive and engaging community-building activities.
Workshop participants. May 2016. Photo: Eva Bogdan.
GOAL
Through participation, residents are collectively prepared for emergencies and respond in ways that reduce confusion and distress, prevent injury, save lives, and minimize or avoid damage.
Workshop activity. May 2016. Photo: Eva Bogdan.
DELIVERABLES
Workshop participants design their own customized community disaster plan, including hazard and evacuation maps; communication plans; and a community capacity inventory.
