PROJECT PROPOSAL COMPILED BY: PAT REID

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PROJECT HANDBOOK

EARLY WARNINGS SYSTEMS

AND

COMMUNITY AWARENESS

Project Design by Pat Reid

PROJECT PROPOSAL COMPILED BY: PAT REID

STRATEGY FOR THE INTRODUCTION

OF

EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS

AND

A COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROJECT

1. PREAMBLE

The value of early warning systems and the importance of an alert and aware community in the risk elimination and risk reduction have been well recorded and cannot be underestimated.

The recent spate of disasters which severely affected communities in a number of Provinces in the country have once again highlighted the need for urgent intervention by creating community awareness and introducing early warning systems which will ultimately inculcate risk avoidance behaviour in communities at risk to disaster.

2. INTRODUCTION

The White Paper on Disaster Management sets out very clearly governments policy on Capacity Building, Training and Community Awareness.

The key policy proposals set out in the White Paper in this context, embrace inter alia

the development of a strategy to reduce the vulnerability of South Africans especially the poor and disadvantaged communities to disasters

the establishment of a framework to enable communities to be informed, alert, self reliant and capable of supporting and co operating with government in disaster prevention and mitigation

the introduction of a funding system which builds sufficient capacity to respond to disasters and provides for adequate post disaster recovery

The White Paper emphasises the need to develop community support for disaster prevention and management. The policy suggests that municipalities enlist the support of communities and local business in the establishment of Disaster Management Plans. It further moots the establishment of volunteer services similar to the system of Police Reservists to improve capacity and to increase public awareness of Disaster Management.

In the section on Training and Community Awareness, special training programmes for people interested in volunteering their services is listed as one of the key target groups. It is emphasised that these programmes should address issues such as:

mitigation

prevention

vulnerability assessments

greater awareness of risks and hazards

as well as general preparedness and response

The Disaster Management Bill, 2002 on the other hand, makes repeated reference to the dissemination of information, community awareness and early warning systems and places responsibility at all three spheres of government for these initiatives. An entire Chapter is devoted to the establishment of volunteer units to participate in disaster management in municipalities.

3. THE PROPOSED PROJECT

The introduction of a national strategy to address the needs identified will ensure a common approach with readily accessible material.

The intention is to disseminate the best information, to the most with the least by the fewest!

The strategy should be simple and focused. It was therefore decided that the project focus on a two-pronged strategy which will eliminate the need to produce material in 11 different languages and which will address the problem of illiteracy. The two strategies however, should be co-ordinated in order to compliment and reinforce each other.

3.1. Community Awareness Strategy

3.1.1. Target Group:

The essence of this strategy is to focus on school children and rural communities particularly in those communities most at risk. The school children would, in turn, be encouraged to take the information home to their parents and families. This would ensure that even illiterate individuals could be accessed.

3.1.2. Trainers

Training would be conducted by teachers, disaster management functionaries, traditional leaders and community volunteers. The trainers would be required to attend a short one-day Facilitators Training module, to enable them to transfer the information to the target groups.

3.1.3. Training Content and Material

3.1.3.1. Topics

The information content consists of short, simple and easily remembered tips on what to do and how to behave (what not to do) in hazardous conditions. The following seven topics have been included for the initial thrust:

Heavy rain and flooding

Thunderstorms/Lightning

Gale force winds

Tornadoes

Veld fires

Domestic fires

Cholera

The fundamental intention is to develop a culture of risk avoidance behaviour in individuals.

The Information focuses on mitigation, prevention and preparedness in relation to the hazards identified and includes

information which will do away with the myths associated with natural hazards e.g. tornadoes

how to recognise early warnings signs

the importance of heeding warnings

what to do on receipt of a warning

what to do once an incident has already occurred

how and where to obtain help

3.1.3.2. Media

The media to be used expands on a product already introduced by the City of Cape Towns Disaster Management Centre. The product consists of a gimmick called the Eye Spy which is a rectangular box-like cube with two round magnifying lenses which, when held up to the eye and peered through, reveal an astonishing amount of information in a small space which is all depicted in graphic form. The dimensions of each side of the cube are only 5cm square.

The following example of the outside cover artwork and the two inside panels of one of the cubes depicts the dos and donts to prevent domestic fires.

The Eye Spys which have been developed for this project consist of pictures only, and therefore transcend all language barriers and illiteracy.

The target groups will be subjected to short but slightly more detailed information/training sessions on hazards which are appropriate to their circumstances. The presentations will be supported by visual aids in the form of Power Point Presentations and black and white reproductions of the artwork which can be printed on A4 paper and distributed for colouring in. At the end of the session each participant will be issued with a set of Eye Spys to take home. They will be encouraged to further disseminate the information to family and friends by showing them the Eye Spy and explaining the content.

4. Dissemination of Early Warnings Strategy

It is also a commonly known fact that radio is the most accessible of all communication media to the widest of populations. It too, transcends illiteracy and is accessible to the various language groups in our country via the local community radio stations.

In the state of Victoria in Australia the State Emergency Service (the equivalent to our Disaster Management Centres) has linked up with the Bureau of Meteorology and local community radio stations and introduced an early warning mechanism. The system is called News Tag Alerts. It was introduced as part of the United Nations International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. The series of Alerts were designed to provide a valuable community service and are used in cases of severe weather. They are preceded by a unique warning signal followed by a recorded message and are played immediately after weather broadcasts, after newscasts and on receipt of weather warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. The severe weather warnings are recorded on a CD and distributed free of charge to all the local radio stations.

An example of the alert for a Severe Thunderstorm is as follows:

The current thunderstorm warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, indicates the strong probability of intense storm activity in the area.

In the interests of community safety the SES suggests some simple precautions:

secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home, then:

stay indoors if possible

if you are outdoors avoid, sheltering under trees

listen to the radio station for storm updates

switch off computers and electrical appliances

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the SES.

A second CD contains the Standard Emergency Warning Signal which is utilised to alert communities to disasters or threatening disasters. It is played prior to the reading of a 15 and 30 second community service announcement issued by the State Emergency Response Officer (equivalent of our Head of Disaster Management Centre).

It is proposed that a similar system be implemented in South Africa by entering into a partnership with the local and national media as well as the SA Weather Service and to:

prepare CDs duplicating the information contained in the Eye Spy material for the seven topics referred to previously

introduce a standard emergency warning signal mechanism for disasters and threatening disasters in South Africa and to prepare CDs for distribution accordingly.

The introduction of a project of this nature will ensure that people become familiar with the sound of the signal and immediately listen to the broadcast and alter their behaviour pattern accordingly.

5. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a concerted effort to implement this as a national community awareness programme and a mechanism for the dissemination of early warnings, is long overdue. The media are always eager to report extensively on disasters and incidents once they have occurred, but we now need to join hands, in a concerted effort to reduce risk and prevent both the day-to-day tragedies as well as the major disasters by introducing this strategy.Pat Reid

PROPOSED CONTENT OF EARLY WARNING MESSAGES AND BASIS FOR EYE SPY CONTENT

1. THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

The current thunderstorm warning issued by the SA Weather Service, indicates the strong probability of intense storm activity accompanied by lightning in the area.

In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management Centre suggests some simple precautions:

Secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home, then:

Stay indoors if possible and avoid taking a shower or a bath

If you are outside, take shelter in a low lying place away from trees, poles and metal objects

If you are out boating or swimming return to the shore and find shelter immediately

Crouch low to the ground, place your head between you knees do not lie flat

Switch off computers and electrical appliances and avoid using the telephone

Listen to the radio station for weather bulletins and storm updates

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the _________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

2. HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING

The SA Weather Services current flood warning for some river systems indicates the possibility of flooding in the near future.

In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management Centre suggests some simple precautions:

Do not attempt to cross low lying areas of swift moving water either by foot or in a vehicle of any description

If you live close to a river in an informal settlement in a temporary dwelling, head for higher ground

Do not drink flood water as it may be contaminated

If you live in formal housing on the banks of a river watch the level of the river and be prepared to evacuate in the case of a flash flood or the river bursting its banks

Where practical move furniture, appliances and valuables to the highest level possible

Move vehicles, stock, garbage and poisons to a high place

Secure any objects that could float and cause damage

Prepare to turn off electricity and gas supplies

Prepare reserves of medical, clothing, food and water supplies

Listen to the radio station for weather updates

Watch out for snakes and scared animals who may seek shelter in your home

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the _________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

3. GALE FORCE WINDS

The current strong wind warning issued by the SA Weather Service, indicates that strong and possible damaging winds are likely in our area over the next few hours.

In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management Centre suggests some simple precautions:

Secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home, then:

Stay indoors if possible and remain in the centre of the room away from windows and glass doors, do not crouch in corners

If you are outdoors avoid sheltering under trees and beware of fallen power lines

If you are boating return to shore as soon as possible

Listen to the radio station for weather updates

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the _________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

4. TORNADOES

The current warning issued by the SA Weather Service, indicates the possibility tornadoes in the area.

In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management Centre suggests some simple precautions:

If you are outdoors:

If you are in a vehicle and can see the funnel at a distance stop the vehicle immediately Try to establish the direction of the Tornados movement and drive away in the opposite direction be aware, however, that there could be more than one tornado in the area

If you are out in the open or if the tornado is too close to your vehicle, abandon the vehicle immediately and seek shelter under a causeway or ditch

Get as low as possible to avoid the debris and to try and get some relief from the winds

Protect your head and neck with your arms

If you are caught in the vehicle, keep your safety belt on and open the window and slip down as low as possible to avoid flying debris

if it is an intense Tornado it will throw your car around but provided you are buckled up and have a strong heart you should survive the ordeal.

If you are indoors or in built up area: Do not try and close windows or doors If you are caught in a building, seek shelter in the following places in order of preference:

An underground cellar, shelter, basement or vault.

Under a mattress underneath a sturdy table or bed against an inner wall.

In an office environment get under a desk away from the windows against an inner wall.

Try and find shelter in an area free of loose objects.

A vault or walk in safe is a good place provided it is not electronically sealed during power cuts

If you are in a mobile home, caravan or informal settlement home, get outside and seek shelter in an underground storm cellar or ditch and protect your head and neck with your arms

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the _________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

5. VELD AND FOREST FIRES

The SA Weather Services current warning of extremely hot dry and windy weather conditions is conducive to runaway veld and forest fires in the area.

In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management Centre suggests some simple precautions:

if you are a landowner do not burn fire breaks or do controlled burning under the present conditions

do not make open, uncontained fires

do not leave contained braai fires unattended and ensure that they are properly extinguished when you have finished

only extinguish cigarette butts in an ashtray

do not throw cigarette butts out of moving or stationery vehicles or onto the ground

if your home is surrounded by fire prone bush and vegetation always make sure that your garden hose is connected and that you have a fire extinguisher handy

do not allow children to play with matches

listen to the radio station for weather updates

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by your Municipal Fire Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

6. DOMESTIC FIRES

The current cold weather increases the danger of domestic fires in informal settlements. Many people die each year as a result of domestic fires.

In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management Centre suggests some simple precautions:

If you use candles for lighting take the following precautions:

Always place the candle in a proper candle holder to prevent it falling over

Never place a candle or any other open flame near a curtain or open window

Never go to sleep with the candle still burning

If you use a paraffin stove or a gas cooker for cooking:

ensure that your stove or gas cooker is in good working order with the correct connections

do not use the cooker or stove if there are any leakages

always place the stove on a clear, level surface

keep the stove away from any curtains or other material that can burn

never place it on top of an electric stove

Never place a heater close to any material that can burn

NEVER MAKE AN OPEN FIRE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE UNLESS YOU MAKE SURE THAT THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN AND AIR CAN GET INSIDE, OTHERWISE YOU WILL SUFFOCATE!Do not allow your children to play with matches and teach them the dangers of playing with them

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by your Municipal Fire Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

7. CHOLERA

Remember Cholera kills. This is a precautionary warning presented in the interests of community safety by your Municipal Disaster Management Centre and you local Health Service, which suggests some simple precautions against cholera.

If you do not have access to piped Municipal tap water and sanitation you must take the following precautions:

Drinking water:

Never drink water from a river or stream

All water which is not Municipal tap water must be purified (cleaned) before you drink it by treating it as follows:

Add I teaspoon of Jik to 20 litres of water and mix it. Leave the water in the container for at least two hours before you drink it.

or

Boil the water for at least 15 minutes in a pot with a tight fitting lid or cover it with a clean cloth

Sanitation: Make sure that your water supply is kept safe from human waste, do not allow people in your area to use the streams and rivers or the areas close by, as a toilet

Human waste infects the water and if you drink infected water you can contract cholera and other diseases

Pit toilets must be properly erected so that they do not affect the underground water

Refuse left open breeds flies. Flies spread disease. Make sure that refuse is removed regularly and either buried or burnt.

Food preparation Always wash raw fruit and vegetables in clean purified water before use

Cook food in clean purified water and eat the food while it is still hot

Store cooked food in sealed containers

Wash your hands with soap and clean water after going to the toilet and before handling food

The signs of Cholera:

The first sign is a watery, runny stomach

This causes the person to lose a lot of water from their body very quickly

The person feels weak and complains of cramp in the arms and legs

Eventually the skin becomes cold and wrinkled

What to do if you develop a runny stomach:

REMEMBER:

A person can die from Cholera very quickly if the persons body fluid is not replaced by means of a water, salt and sugar mixture or watery rice or mealie meal porridge in large quantities

Take 1 litre clean (purified) water and add 8 level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt mix together

or

For rice or mealie meal porridge, mix half a cup of rice or mealie meal with one litre of clean (purified) water and boil for 6-7 minutes

Give one of these special mixtures to the person to drink as soon as the persons stomach is runny the first time, and thereafter, after each watery stool

If the person loses a lot of water, or feels or looks weak take the person to the clinic or doctor straight away but remember to keep on giving the person the special mixture

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by your local Health Services and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

Pat Reid

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