Issue 9, October 2009

This week is Bushfire Action Week in Victoria. We consider the benefits of assisting children and their families to prepare and plan for the possibility of floods, storms, cyclones or bushfires and other hazardous events. The importance of preparedness is that it builds individuals, families and communities capacities to deal with potential threat or disaster, and lessens the likelihood of adverse outcomes. There is an increasing recognition of the importance of preparing for disasters and other mass hazards, so as to mitigate their effects. Preparedness is one of the 4 key themes in the management of disasters, using the All Hazard model.  Prevention aims to lessen the risk of the disaster happening or to mitigate its severity. Preparedness aims to equip individuals, families and communities to deal with the disaster in optimal ways, so as to lessen its impact. For instance, to lessen the impact of trauma, loss and grief for children, adolescents and families. Preparedness means that Response can be more effective and Recovery more successful with fewer negative impacts.

Key elements of preparedness include:

·         Knowing about risks and threats, understanding their likelihood and implications and what can be done to lessen them, or their impact. This knowledge requires information about likelihood, potential warning and what to do about the self and others to protect from injury or death. Preparedness may also include protecting property.

·         Sources of Information about threat and processes for keeping updated about its likelihood are important. It is also important to know what a community member can do and what emergency services or other agencies can do to assist. This may involve knowledge about evacuation, or safe places, shelter or protective strategies. Sources of ongoing information provided by trusted sources or agencies, or through the media and where questions can be asked are also useful. Knowing your community’s plan and preparedness, neighbourhood contacts and so forth will help.

·         Family Plans: It is helpful to have a family plan about what to do in the event of an emergency, and different emergencies. This can involve contact details; where to reconnect if separated; supplies – such as torch, portable radio, batteries, water, food basics, medication and other essentials; and safe places. Letting others know is also good practice.

·         Building resilience and coping strategies helps in dealing with the challenges of everyday life, as well as those of major disasters. For instance checking off the things you have dealt with successfully can remind you of your strengths in the face of other emergencies: using practical common sense; recognising fears are natural and are part of mobilising appropriate action so can be used effectively and enhance the capacity to deal with the challenge.

Preparedness for disaster helps to build resilience for all the adversities of everyday life, reinforcing personal and family competency; building connectedness and support through shared action and mutual assistance; and the protection of children and those who are more vulnerable.  Preparedness is helpful even if an anticipated disaster doesn’t eventuate, or something unexpected does. Not only is there the security of being ready or knowing what can be done,  but also the reinforcement of hopeful and positives future expectancies.

Beverley Raphael