Protect
Natural hazards
People with special needs
Disability and risk
A person with reduced mobility in the face of the flood
Seniors
The elderly are particularly vulnerable
Children
Children are vulnerable to the risks
According to Handicap International, some people are more vulnerable to disasters because of their gender, age, or disability. In fact, these individuals may have specific needs upon the occurrence of a hazard, either to prepare for, cope with the disaster or address. Without taking into account these specific needs, the disaster may have a greater impact on them, their vulnerability, their social exclusion. It is therefore essential to help remove barriers to the resilience of people with special needs. To do this, it is necessary to ensure their participation in the identification of risks and the implementation of overall strategies to limit the risks and their consequences.
Source : "Reduction inclusive disaster risk" – Handicap International – DC Brief N°13 – 2017
The safety and prevention measures can be adapted for people with specific needs such as people with disabilities, people with a chronic illness or catastrophic, the elderly or persons with the responsibility of a person with special needs such as parents or caregivers.
If all of the protective measures and safety instructions apply to groups with specific needs, there are some guidelines that may require an adaptation. Therefore, it is necessary to take cognizance of the whole of the instructions and their adaptations that there is a person with special needs or a person having the responsibility.
Source : PFMS inclusive multi-hazard – Project "Pare pa Pare" – The French Red Cross – 2023
the protection measures in individual, family and collective
Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. It comes as the government that every citizen. The protective measures are actions that aim to reduce risks and/or impacts of disasters. These measures can be individual, family or collective.
At the individual level and family
Before
Before a disaster, well prepared can help to significantly reduce the consequences of a risk on himself, his family and his property. It is important to know the guidelines given by the state services, and to track devices, forecasting and monitoring systems with state services , agencies, weather, and/or scientific (e.g. university of the west Indies on the risk seismic and volcanic). Do not hesitate to inquire about the plans of prevention of the risks of its common to know the areas of risk, areas of building prohibitions, etc
The exchange between elders and the younger also allows the transmission of a lived experience and practical advice and maintains the risk culture within the home. This intergenerational transmission contributes to a better preparation.
To be accompanied in the preparation of a natural hazard, the development of a family plan of implementation of safety (PFMS) is also very useful : it is a tool commonly used to accompany the people to prepare to the level of their homes. The PFMS provides instructions general safety in the event of a natural hazard or specific instructions by risk, to be guided in the preparation of his bag and relief in his escape plan family.
During
During the event, it is necessary to take action to safeguard and secure his property, when it is possible. It must be safe, stay informed, practice the good deeds and follow the instructions of the authorities.
After
After an event, it is important to stay vigilant : roads may be cut, the water may not be potable, a natural hazard can cause another natural hazard (e.g. flood may lead to a movement in the field). It is necessary to keep listening to the instructions of the authorities before resuming normal activity.
At the collective level
At the State level, risk management is also done before, during and after a disaster. This is called the cycle of disaster risk management
The cycle of disaster risk management
The bag relief
In the Face of natural hazards, the probability of having to evacuate is common. In the midst of a crisis, it is difficult to have the benefit of hindsight and the ability of analysis necessary for you don't forget anything important from.
Have an emergency bag prepared in advance may be helpful. Its composition must cover the five basic needs of a person in the event of a crisis, namely :
1. Hydrate
2. Feed
3. Heal
4. Protect
5. Report
The emergency kit should provide for the basic needs for a period of 24 to 72 hours pending the arrival of emergency. The composition of this emergency bag is adapted to the situation of each family to meet their specific needs.
Tip : This bag should be placed in a location for easy access. It is important to check the content once per year, in particular the expiry dates of medicines, perishable foods and to replace the batteries. If the bag has been used, it must not forget to replenish it.
Early warning systems
The Caribbean is a region that is particularly exposed to natural hazards. Its geography island and the proximity of the coastal populations are increasing the vulnerability to such events.
The early warning systems aim to establish measures of protection and preparedness to natural hazards. They are based on 4 pillars.
For more information and to understand how the SAP work, watch the video.
Early warning systems
Links to websites to explain the SAP in the Caribbean
What is the SAP ? Clear explanation of what is an early warning system and its importance to save lives in the event of a disaster.
Resilience in the Caribbean : Presentation of strategies and actions put in place to strengthen the resilience of communities to natural disasters in the eastern Caribbean.
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