Disaster Management is a multi-sectorial, multi-disciplinary process that reduces the impact of a disaster by issuing necessary logistics to the victims of disasters. The activities are done through the two types of assessments namely: the rapid assessment which is then followed by the in-depth assessment to deduce the impact of the disaster and take effective measures in resolving the issues at hand.
Disaster risk management requires specialist input and support due to hazardous conditions which may prompt loss and understanding of vulnerable factors that increase the severity of the impact. Thus our programming is facilitated by experienced staff and volunteers in consultation with government, local authorities and communities. Disaster risk management is thus carried out to lessen the impact of the disaster. Despite being called upon by authorities the South African Red Cross Society is not remunerated for its services. We rely on funding from individual donors to support disaster relief programming.
Due to the extreme weather conditions in South Africa, Tornados, Flash Floods, Droughts, Strong Winds, Severe Thunderstorms, Sudden Cold Spells and Infected Water Supplies are major causes of disasters. Due to rapid urbanisation, the fringes of the cities have high population density where Veld Fires, Shack Fires and Floods are major hazards. The nature and positioning of informal settlements could be a health hazard if Communicable Diseases were to break out, as these areas have no health facilities, they have poor roads, poor drainage systems and tend to have communal sanitary facilities.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Disaster Preparedness is the action taken to minimize the negative effects of the disaster through effective precautionary measures.
Effective Precautionary measures:
- Educating the community and the public on disaster mitigation to ensure adequate, timely, appropriate and efficient response to disaster situations.
- To achieve these objectives, volunteers undergo training in First Aid, CPR, Fire Training, Domestic Water Purification, Water and Sanitation, Health and Hygiene Promotion, Disaster Preparedness and Relief.
- Ensuring essential stock and resources are identified and available to support all Provinces when disaster strikes.
- Established Red Cross Disaster Management committees in all Provinces.
- Affiliation to Provincial and District Disaster Management advisory forums to ensure updated disaster notifications, training and strategy at all times.
DISASTER TRAINING
- Disaster Training helps communities improve their environments, manage their water and sanitation facilities, for the prevention of diarrheal disease. Improve the ability of the vulnerable communities to cope with disasters through community based disaster preparation strategies that build on existing structures, skills and coping mechanisms.
- Prepares volunteers and communities about risks and hazards that may lead to disasters.
- Ensures a rapid and appropriate response during disasters.
- Ensures Beneficiary selection.
DISASTER RESPONSE
- Conduct Assessments.
- Effective disaster risk management and risk reduction planning.
- Provision of a mobile kitchen, three daily meals are provided whilst victims are evacuated to a community centre or temporary shelter.
- Provision of essential basic needs to victims including food parcels, hygiene packs and blankets.
- Basic first aid support to victims.
- Appeals and procurement of Disaster relief.
- Distribution of relief.
- Post disaster recovery.
HOW YOU CAN HELP THE RED CROSS DISASTER TEAM
The after math of a Disaster renders many communities shattered and helpless, months after the Disaster has occured. The outcomes of a disaster can vary from damage to property, damage to the infrastructure, deaths, poverty, water and sanitation outbreaks, diseases and health and hygiene issues.
The South African Red Cross Society assists these communities long after the disaster has dissipated.
Help us help these communities:
- Donate non-perishable items, clothing, blankets and toiletries to communities.
- Provide Financial support to disaster victims.
- Assist at disaster sites.
- Render your skills.