What is the International Day for Disaster Reduction?

In 1989, the United Nations General Assembly designated the second Wednesday of October International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction.

In 2001, the General Assembly decided to maintain the observance of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) secretariat, together with ISDR partners, launched the world campaign under the theme of “Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School” in 2006, events planned have focused on safer schools and disaster risk reduction education. The Campaign launched here in Anguilla in April this year is continuing until June next year.
 

 
MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION FROM THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL

Nearly three years ago, Governments adopted the Hyogo Framework -- a plan of action to reduce our collective vulnerability to natural hazards. Today, as we commemorate World Disaster Reduction Day, recent calamities around the world -- including floods, storms, and droughts -- continue to remind us of the devastating effects of natural hazards, as well as the potentially harmful effects of a warming planet. The need to engage fully in disaster risk reduction has never been more pressing.

Disaster risk reduction is about stronger building codes, sound land use planning, better early warning systems, environmental management and evacuation plans and, above all, education. It is about making communities and individuals aware of their risk to natural hazards and how they can reduce their vulnerability.
We have a moral, social and economic obligation to act now in building resilient communities and nations. Last year saw the launch of a global awareness campaign entitled “Disaster risk reduction begins at schools”. It aims to mobilize Governments, communities and individuals in making disaster risk an integral part of school curricula, while ensuring that school buildings are built or retrofitted to withstand natural hazards.

Disaster reduction is everybody’s business. All of us can do our part to raise awareness and reduce our vulnerability to future hazards. I urge all concerned -- Governments, civil society and the private sector, international financial institutions and other international organizations -- to invest in disaster reduction and to step up implementation of the Hyogo Framework, with concrete measures to reduce vulnerability. On this International Day, let us renew our dedication to this mission.
 

VOLUNTEER ENROLLMENT FORM
 PRINT FRIENDLY FORM

Please complete this form by typing or using CAPITAL letters

Name:

 

 

Address:

 

 

Residential (Physical location) :

Postal:

Occupation & Place of Work:

 

Telephone:

 

Home:

 

 

Work:

Cell:

Email:

 

NGO Membership:

Are you  a member of a service club/organization or other NGO? 5Yes       5No (Please tick as appropriate)

 

Details of NGO (if applicable) e.g. Name, your position etc:

 

 

 

SKILLS

What skills do you possess that may assist in Disaster Management activities.

 

Volunteer Area: (What is your area of interest)

1.                    Damage Analysis and Needs Assessment (DANA)

2.                    Relief Distribution

3.                    Shelter Management

4.                    Other (Please see attached form)

 

Brief Description of Volunteer background (if applicable)

 

 

 

 

 

1.        Are you the holder of a valid driver’s license?          5Yes       5No (Please tick as appropriate)

2.        Are you the holder of a heavy goods vehicle license?               5Yes       5No

3.        Do you have access to a vehicle that could be used in the performance of your volunteer duties?                                                                5Yes       5No

4.        Do you have health insurance?                             5Yes       5No

5.        Do you have life insurance?                                 5Yes       5No

6.        Are you willing to participate in disaster-related training? 5Yes                5No

 

I certify that the information contained in this form is to my knowledge accurate and true.  I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the DDM Volunteer Programme.

 

Signature:________________________________             Date:_____

 

 

  

J

ust 36 months ago 2004 went down as one of the most active and destructive hurricane seasons in recent history.  Our region was hit very hard. Grenada, Haiti and the Cayman islands suffered deaths and severe damage not only from hurricane force winds but also from Storm Surge. 2007 predictions were for an above average season.  We saw signs of this in the passage of Hurricane Dean. The updated Colorado State University forecast states “Our October-November forecast calls for 4 named storms, 2 hurricanes, 1 major hurricane. Our well above-average prediction for October-November activity is largely due to the emergence of a now moderate La Nińa event during the last two months.”    Anguillians are reminded of Hurricanes Hosea, Lenny, and Tropical Storm Klaus all of whom affected us in mid to late November.   We need to be prepared!

Complacency is our enemy, and always will be.  Preparation is key to ensuring that when a disaster strikes we are able to minimize its impact.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is putting in place a detailed programme for awareness-raising including educational initiatives and community preparedness so that people can make informed decisions and take action to build their resilience to disasters. 

Reducing risk and vulnerability to disasters requires people’s understanding of how they can best protect themselves, their property and their livelihoods. 

The recruitment of volunteers and the development of a volunteer programme is part of this initiative.  Please look for the orange forms in public places, fill it out, and return it to the DDM.