A first-aid training intervention on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR) is the first in a series of practical steps towards building disaster resilience in the community, following the completion of a community-based risk assessment.
Community-based
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) recently completed a community-based risk assessment with the community in Valhalla Park. One of the key components of the programme was first-aid training, which marked the start of a broader programme of community resilience-building activities that will run until March 2027. The initiative aims to strengthen community preparedness, emergency response capabilities, and overall resilience to local risks and hazards.
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This year’s IDDR theme, “Resilience Starts at Home”, recognises that homes are the primary places where disaster impacts are felt. It highlights the importance of education, involvement, and planning within the home to reduce the risk of damage and life-threatening situations.
Creating understanding and sharing knowledge of risk reduction with communities not only assists in complying with legislative requirements, but also enhances the collective ability of the DRMC and communities to respond effectively to both natural and human-induced disasters.
Shared responsibility
‘”t’s government’s responsibility to ensure that it is adequately prepared and resourced to deal with disasters; however, it is also a shared responsibility that starts within the walls we call home. From simply knowing what kind of threats are possible, to having the correct emergency number on speed dial and working out an exit plan in the event of a fire. These are all things that are within our control and can contribute to how much we are impacted by an event, and how quickly we are able to recover,” said mayo committee member for safety and security, JP Smith.
‘Our Disaster Risk Management Centre has various awareness and educational programmes that assist communities to be better prepared. The Valhalla Park community has stepped up and embraced the concept of disaster resilience and reduction. I hope that others will see what’s possible and follow suit,’ Smith said.
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