Out of Disaster into Preparedness

The Time is Now to Capitalize on Risk Mitigation Opportunities

Major disasters provide important learning opportunities. People are motivated by the loss of life to be more receptive to new approaches and strategies for risk reduction in the aftermath of a crisis. In 2008, 321 natural disasters claimed more than 235,000 lives and cost the world an estimated $181 billion (according to The World Bank).

A long-term approach to building disaster resilience is critical, sadly however, disaster risk is often only fully acknowledged following a major event. The disaster recovery period thus provides an opportunity to once again sound the alarm and proselytize for increasing disaster preparedness and risk reduction funding at the federal, state and local levels.

Climate change now compounds the risks for natural disasters, but also provides an opportunity to empower communities to manage that risk. Consider that disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation funding can actually be integrated into relief and recovery budgets. How about an in-depth review of the relevant funding instruments and practices to ensure that those institutions most able to effect change have access to relevant funding  facilitated by local and national governments?

Let’s get serious about risk reduction partnerships and collaboration with practices that engage local government, civil society and NGOs in collective decision-making and tangible strategies to reduce risk and strengthen early warning. Technology MUST be utilized more effectively if we are to achieve enhanced resiliency and risk reduction with the limited funds we are currently willing to allocate.

This fleeting moment needs to be capitalized upon by policymakers, practitioners and the public alike – let’s do it together.

Resilient Cities

In the wake of the Haiti earthquake and the destruction of Port-au-Prince, we can wonder again at what it takes to create resilient cities and communities. In this day and age – do we even know what it takes to become resilient ourselves and thereby prepare our communities and our cities? Amidst the wonder, though, is a question of resolve. Do we have the requisite desire and the resources to do so? Haiti surely did not.

Thankfully there are those who are tackling these thorny questions. In October 2009 the 6th Gaining Ground Summit series attracted 600 people to Vancouver, BC to learn, talk about, and build connections around the theme of “Resilient Cities.”

Check out Mark Holland’s Resilient Cities Manifesto:

“I will open to the pain that I cause in the world through my ignorance and fear and the distance I seem to have from my internal dignity and nobility, and I will feel the pain, shock and injustice of participating in the death of so many, if only by accident – and then I will move past the grief to the restless serenity of my responsibility – to my planet, to my community, to my family, and to myself.”

Let the (Disaster) Games Begin

Now surely you’ve never thought to make a game of disaster preparedness!? Well … 2010 may be a good time to rethink your approach to improving your business continuity readiness.

Games are essential to our human experience and they form a part of every culture.

Defined as structured activities undertaken for fun, games are more and more being used as educational tools. By making aspects of education and work fun through games, attention and retention among participants can be greatly enhanced. The defense industry has understood this for many years – investing heavily in gaming software to enhance soldier training.

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Comments Due on Private Sector Preparedness Standards

The Department of Homeland Security is soliciting comments – by January 15 – on their proposed standards for the new Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep). Recommended by the 9/11 commission, PS-Prep was developed for private entities to receive certification for emergency preparedness from DHS.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility and everyone—including businesses, universities and non-profit organizations—has a role to play,” said Napolitano when announcing the proposed standards in October. “Ensuring our private sector partners have the information and training they need to respond to disasters will strengthen our efforts to build a culture of preparedness nationwide.”

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