UNIT IV

TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT

*Early warning system – Refer Unit II

Components of Disaster Relief

Disaster relief refers to the organized efforts and assistance provided by governments, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and other entities to help individuals and communities affected by disasters. These
disasters can be natural, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, or they can be man-made,
including industrial accidents or conflicts. Disaster relief typically involves the provision of emergency
services like food, shelter, medical care, and other essential resources to alleviate the immediate suffering
of those affected and aid in their recovery and rebuilding processes.

Water
 Global access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene education can reduce illness and
death from disease, leading to improved health, poverty reduction, and socio-economic development.
However, many countries are challenged to provide these basic necessities to their populations, leaving
people at risk for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related diseases.

Community water systems and water safety plans

 A couple pumps water out of a community well Human health and well-being are strongly affected by
the environment in which we live - the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food and nutrients we
eat. Community water systems and water safety plans are important ways to ensure the health of the
community.

 In many places, communities lack the capacity to effectively adapt their current systems for
water, sanitation, and hygiene to the community’s changing needs (population growth, changes in
water quality).
 According to the World Health Organization, the objectives of a water safety plan are to ensure
safe drinking water through good water supply practices, which include : o Preventing
contamination of source waters;
 Treating the water to reduce or remove contamination that could be present to the extent
necessary to meet the water quality targets; and
 Preventing re-contamination during storage, distribution, and handling of drinking water.

Prepare an emergency water supply

 Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. Consider storing more water
than this for hot climates, for pregnant women, and for people who are sick.
 Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet. Try to store a 2-week supply
if possible.
 Observe the expiration date for store-bought water; replace other stored water every 6 months.
  Store a bottle of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach to disinfect your water and to use for
general cleaning and sanitizing. Try to store bleach in an area where the average temperature
stays around 70°F (21°C). Because the amount of active chlorine in bleach decreases over time
due to normal decay, consider replacing the bottle each year.
 Note : Alcohol dehydrate the body, which increases the need for drinking water.

Water Containers (Cleaning and Storage)

 Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable emergency water supply.
 Use of food-grade water storage containers, such as those found at surplus or camping supply
stores, is recommended if you prepare stored water yourself.
 Before filling with safe water, use these steps to clean and sanitize storage containers :
 Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely with clean
water.
 Sanitize the container by adding a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid
household chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
 Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside
surfaces of the container.
 Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
 Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe
water that already is available.
 Avoid using the following containers to store safe water:
 Containers that cannot be sealed tightly
 Containers that can break, such as glass bottles
 Containers that have ever held toxic solid or liquid chemicals, such as bleach or pesticides
 Plastic or cardboard bottles, jugs, and containers used for milk or fruit juices

For proper water storage :

 Label container as “drinking water” and include storage date.

 Replace stored water that is not commercially bottled every six months.
 Keep stored water in a place with a fairly constant cool temperature.
 Do not store water containers in direct sunlight.
 Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides are
present.

Food
Prepare an emergency food supply A disaster can easily disrupt the food supply at any time, so plan to
have at least a 3-day supply of food on hand.

Keep foods that :

 Have a long storage life.

 Require little or no cooking, water, or refrigeration, in case utilities are disrupted.
  Meet the needs of babies or other family members who are on special diets.
 Meet pets’ needs.
 Are not very salty or spicy, as these foods increase the need for drinking water, which may be in
short supply.

How to store emergency food

 When storing food, it is not necessary to buy dehydrated or other types of emergency food.
 Check the expiration dates on canned foods and dry mixes. Home-canned food usually needs to
be thrown out after a year.
 Use and replace food before its expiration date.
 Certain storage conditions can enhance the shelf life of canned or dried foods. The ideal location
is a cool, dry, dark place. The best temperature is 40 ° to 70 °F.
 Store foods away from ranges or refrigerator exhausts. Heat causes many foods to spoil more
quickly.
 Store food away from petroleum products, such as gasoline, oil, paints, and solvents. Some food
products absorb their smell.
 Protect food from rodents and insects. Items stored in boxes or in paper cartons will keep longer
if they are heavily wrapped or stored in waterproof, airtight containers.

Preparing food

Preparing food after a disaster or emergency may be difficult due to damage to your home and loss of
electricity, gas, and water. Having the following items available will help you to prepare meals safely :

Cooking utensils

 Knives, forks, and spoons

 Paper plates, cups, and towels
 A manual can- and bottle-opener
 Heavy-duty aluminum foil
 Propane gas or charcoal grill; camp stove
 Fuel for cooking, such as charcoal. (CAUTION : Only use charcoal grills or camp stoves outside
of your home to avoid smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.)

Clean and sanitize food-contact surfaces in a four-step process :

 Wash with soap and hot, clean water.

 Rinse with clean water.
 Sanitize by immersing for 1 minute in a solution of 1 cup (8 oz/240 mL) of unscented household
chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of clean water.
 Allow to air dry.
Sanitation and Hygiene
 Sanitation and hygiene are critical to health, survival, and development. Many countries are
challenged in providing adequate sanitation for their entire populations, leaving people at risk for
water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)- related diseases.
 Throughout the world, an estimated 2.4 billion people lack basic sanitation (more than 32 % of
the world’s population).
 Basic sanitation is described as having access to facilities for the safe disposal of human waste
(feces and urine), as well as having the ability to maintain hygienic conditions, through services
such as garbage collection, industrial/hazardous waste management, and wastewater treatment
and disposal.

The need for latrines and toilets

 Proper sanitation facilities (for example, toilets and latrines) promote health because they allow
people to dispose of their waste appropriately.
 Throughout the developing world, many people do not have access to suitable sanitation
facilities, resulting in improper waste disposal.

Absence of basic sanitation facilities can

 Result in an unhealthy environment contaminated by human waste. Without proper sanitation

facilities, waste from infected individuals can contaminate a community’s land and water,
increasing the risk of infection for other individuals.
 Proper waste disposal can slow the infection cycle of many disease-causing agents
 Contribute to the spread of many diseases/conditions that can cause widespread illness and death.
Without proper sanitation facilities, people often have no choice but to live in and drink water
from an environment contaminated with waste from infected individuals, thereby putting
themselves at risk for future infection.
 Inadequate waste disposal drives the infection cycle of many agents that can be spread through
contaminated soil, food, water, and insects such as flies.

Personal hygiene and handwashing after a disaster or emergency

 Handwashing under faucet

 Disaster kit
 Handwashing
 When to wash hands
 Bathing
 Dental hygiene
 Wound care
 Good basic personal hygiene and handwashing are critical to help prevent the spread of illness
and disease. Clean, safe running water is essential for proper hygiene and handwashing.
  Hygiene is especially important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake, but
finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be difficult. The following information will help
to ensure good hygiene and handwashing in the event of an emergency.
 Disaster supplies kit (Hygiene supplies)
 Before an emergency, make sure you have created a disaster supplies kit.

Wound care

 Keeping wounds clean and covered is crucial during an emergency. Open wounds and rashes
exposed to flood waters can become infected. To protect yourself and your family :
 Avoid contact with flood waters if you have an open wound.
 Cover clean, open wounds with a waterproof bandage to reduce chance of infection.
 Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean water.
 If a wound develops redness, swelling, or oozing, seek immediate medical care.
 Vibrios are naturally occurring bacteria that live in certain coastal waters. They can cause a skin
infection when an open wound is exposed to salt water or a mix of salt and fresh water, which can
occur during floods.
 The risk for injury during and after a hurricane and other natural disasters is high. Prompt first aid
can help heal small wounds and prevent infection. Wash your hands with soap and water before
and after providing first aid for a wound to help prevent infection. Use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer that contains at least 60 % if soap and water are not available. Tetanus, other bacterial
infections, and fungal infections are potential health threats for persons who have open wounds.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if :

 There is a foreign object (soil, wood, metal, or other objects) embedded in the wound;
 The wound is at special risk of infection (such as a dog bite or a puncture by a dirty object);
 An old wound shows signs of becoming infected (increased pain and soreness, swelling, redness,
draining, or you develop a fever).

Septic and onsite wastewater systems

 A well-maintained and constructed septic system will better withstand the stresses of heavy rains
or flooding. Regular inspection is necessary to ensure proper functioning.
 During heavy rains and floods, the ground can become saturated, preventing proper operation of
the system. For example, a septic tank can collapse or float out of position. Signs that a septic
system is not working properly include the following :
 Sinks drain slowly
 Toilets drain slowly
 Floor drains overflow
 Sewage becomes visible outside the home
Shelters
 Individual family shelter should always be preferred to communal accommodation as it provides
the necessary privacy, psychological comfort, and emotional safety.
 It also provides safety and security for people and possessions and helps to preserve or rebuild
family unity.
 Emergency shelter needs are best met by using the same locally available, sustainably sourced
materials and construction methods as would be normally used by the refugees themselves or the
local hosting population.
 Only if adequate quantities cannot be quickly obtained locally should emergency shelter material
be brought into the country.
 The simplest structures, and labour-intensive building methods, are preferable.
 Materials should be environmentally friendly and obtained in a sustainable manner.
 Plastic sheeting has become the most important shelter component in many humanitarian
response operations often in combination with rigid materials, as they offer flexibility and can be
used in a variety of ways in both urban and rural settings.
 Regardless of the type of emergency shelter used the following principles generally apply :
 Shelters must provide protection from the elements, space to live and store belongings,
privacy and emotional security.
 Blankets, mats, and tarpaulin must be provided as needed. o Refugee shelter should be
culturally and socially appropriate and familiar where possible. Suitable local materials
are best, if available.
 Shelter must be adequate regardless of seasonal weather patterns, if not it should be
adapted accordingly.
 Wherever possible, persons of concern should be empowered to build their own shelter,
with the necessary organizational and material support.
 This will help to ensure that the shelter will meet their particular needs, promote a sense of
ownership and self-reliance, and reduces costs and construction time considerably

 Each type of emergency shelter has advantages and disadvantages depending on the context in
which it is used. Consider the following points when deciding on the emergency shelter or
combination of shelter types to be used in any given response :
Health
Management of medical supply

 Disasters can also cause disruptions to the health care infrastructure.

 Hospitals and health centers may suffer structural damage, or health personnel may be among the
casualties, limiting the ability to provide health services to disaster victims.
 Emergency health kits that contain essential medical supplies and drugs are often provided to
victims as part of the immediate response to disasters.
 These kits are designed to meet the primary health care needs of people without access to medical
facilities.
 Each kit covers the needs of about 10,000 persons for three months
 The twelve essential drugs in the basic kit include anti-inflammatories, an antacid, a disinfectant,
oral dehydration salts, an antimalarial, a basic antibiotic (effective against the most common
bacteria), and an ointment for eye infections.

Assessment of immediate health needs

 Natural disasters do not usually result in infectious disease outbreaks. However, certain
circumstances can increase the chance for disease transmission.
 Immediately after a disaster, most increases in disease incidence are caused by fecal
contamination of water and food supplies.
 This contamination usually results in intestinal disease. Outbreaks of communicable diseases are
directly associated with population density and displacement.
 If disaster victims live in overcrowded conditions or are forced to leave their homes, the risk of a
disease outbreak increases.

Disposal of dead

 In many emergency situations, especially in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster such as
an earthquake or cyclone, there may be many dead bodies that require appropriate disposal.
 Despite many myths and rumours to the contrary, exposure to dead human bodies is not in itself a
serious health hazard except in specific cases. For this reason, bodies should as far as possible be
handled and buried or cremated by the families of the dead people, in ways which are as close as
possible to their normal cultural and religious practices. Mass cremation or mass burial should be
avoided if possible.

Waste Management
 Depending on their nature and severity, disasters can create large volumes of debris and waste.

 The waste can overwhelm existing solid waste management facilities and impact on other emergency
response and recovery activities.

 If poorly managed, the waste can have significant environmental and public health impacts and can
affect the overall recovery process.
Sewer systems and wastewater management

 A sewer system pipe opening, along with the dirty water coming out of it.
 Community wastewater management and adequate sewer systems play important roles in
sanitation and disease prevention.
 Wastewater can contaminate the local environment and drinking water supply, thereby increasing
the risk of disease transmission.
 Therefore, to improve health, it is vital to develop a system to manage community wastewater
and sewage.
 In many countries, proper wastewater management is not practiced due to lack of resources,
infrastructure, available technology, and space.

Institutional arrangements in mitigation, response and preparedness

In India, like in many other countries, there are specific institutional arrangements in place to address
mitigation, response, and preparedness for disasters and emergencies. Here's an overview of these
arrangements in the Indian context:

1. Mitigation:
 In India, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body
responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster mitigation.
 State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) exist in each state and union territory to
implement mitigation measures at the regional level.
 District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are established in each district to
oversee local mitigation efforts.
 Various government departments, such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change, play a role in environmental and land-use planning to reduce vulnerability to
disasters.
 Building codes and standards are regulated by local urban development authorities and
municipal bodies to ensure structural resilience.
2. Response:
 The NDMA and SDMAs coordinate disaster response efforts, working closely with various
agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which specializes in
search and rescue operations.
 Local first responders, such as police, fire departments, and medical teams, are mobilized
during emergencies.
 The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) at the national level and the State
Crisis Management Committee (SCMC) at the state level oversee response coordination.
 Communication networks and early warning systems are managed by agencies like the India
Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Authority.
 Emergency relief and medical facilities are set up in affected areas, often with the help of
organizations like the Indian Red Cross Society.
 3. Preparedness:
 The NDMA and SDMAs develop disaster management plans and conduct regular drills and
exercises to ensure preparedness.
 Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are conducted to inform citizens
about disaster risks and response procedures.
 Training programs are provided to first responders and emergency management personnel.
 Stockpiling of essential supplies, including relief materials, food, and medicines, is
maintained at strategic locations.
 Coordination mechanisms are established to facilitate cooperation among various
government agencies and non-governmental organizations during emergencies.

India's institutional arrangements for disaster management are designed to address the diverse and
complex challenges posed by the country's geographical and climatic diversity. These arrangements aim
to enhance resilience, minimize losses, and save lives in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

Role of GIS and information technology components in preparedness, risk

assessment, response and recovery phases in disaster management
The role of Geographic Information System (GIS) and information technology components in disaster
management across various phases is significant:

1. Preparedness:
 Database Creation: GIS helps in creating comprehensive spatial databases, including
information about critical infrastructure, vulnerable populations, and evacuation routes.
 Training Simulations: GIS can be used for creating realistic training scenarios, allowing
emergency responders to simulate disaster situations and improve preparedness.
2. Risk Assessment:
 Spatial Analysis: GIS facilitates the analysis of spatial data, identifying areas prone to specific
hazards and assessing the vulnerability of communities.
 Modeling and Simulation: GIS-based modeling helps simulate potential disasters, allowing for
the assessment of potential impacts on the environment and population.
3. Response:
 Real-time Data Integration: GIS allows the integration of real-time data from various sources,
providing a dynamic and up-to-date picture of the disaster situation.
 Resource Deployment: GIS assists in optimizing the deployment of resources, such as
emergency personnel, vehicles, and supplies, based on real-time spatial information.
 Situation Awareness: GIS contributes to creating interactive maps that enhance situational
awareness, aiding decision-makers during the response phase.
4. Recovery:
 Damage Assessment: GIS is crucial for conducting damage assessments, helping prioritize
recovery efforts and allocate resources effectively.
  Infrastructure Planning: GIS supports long-term recovery planning by providing spatial
information on rebuilt infrastructure, land use, and community development.
 Community Resilience Planning: GIS aids in identifying vulnerable areas and implementing
measures to enhance community resilience, considering geographic factors and lessons learned
from the disaster.
5. Communication and Coordination:
 Information Sharing: GIS facilitates the sharing of spatial information among various
stakeholders, promoting better coordination and collaboration.
 Public Communication: GIS-based maps and visualizations help in communicating critical
information to the public, including evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation:
 Performance Metrics: GIS enables the tracking and analysis of performance metrics, helping
authorities evaluate the effectiveness of response and recovery efforts.
 Continuous Improvement: GIS data can be used to identify areas for improvement in disaster
management strategies and enhance future preparedness.

In summary, GIS and information technology components provide valuable tools for collecting,
analyzing, and visualizing spatial data throughout the disaster management cycle, contributing to more
effective decision-making and response efforts.

Disaster damage assessment

Disaster damage assessment is the process of evaluating and documenting the extent of damage and loss
caused by a disaster or emergency event. This assessment is a critical step in the disaster management
cycle, as it helps inform response and recovery efforts. Here are the key aspects of disaster damage
assessment:

1. Types of Damage: Damage assessment covers various aspects of the disaster impact, including:
 Structural damage to buildings, infrastructure, and utilities.
 Damage to natural resources and the environment.
 Human casualties and injuries.
 Economic losses to businesses, agriculture, and industries.
 Social and community impacts.
2. Phases of Assessment:
 Immediate Damage Assessment: This initial assessment takes place during or immediately
after the disaster to determine the immediate safety of affected areas and people.
 Rapid Damage Assessment: Conducted shortly after the event, this phase assesses the overall
impact and prioritizes response efforts.
 Detailed Damage Assessment: A more comprehensive assessment conducted in the days or
weeks following the disaster to provide a detailed picture of damage and losses.
3. Methods and Tools:
  Visual Inspections: Field teams inspect affected areas to visually assess damage to buildings,
infrastructure, and natural resources.
 Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery, drones, and aerial surveys are used to capture high-
resolution images for assessing damage in larger areas.
 Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS technology helps map and analyze damage data,
aiding in decision-making and resource allocation.
 Data Collection Forms: Standardized forms are often used to record damage data
systematically.
4. Data Collection:
 Damage assessors collect information on the type and extent of damage, including
photographs and descriptions.
 Data on casualties, injuries, and displaced populations are also recorded.
 Economic losses, including business interruptions and agricultural damage, are documented.
5. Information Sharing: Damage assessment data is shared with relevant authorities, emergency
management agencies, and relief organizations to guide response and recovery efforts.
6. Resource Allocation: The data collected during the assessment helps authorities allocate
resources, such as search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and relief materials, to areas with
the greatest need.
7. Long-Term Planning: Damage assessment data is used for long-term recovery and reconstruction
planning, helping communities rebuild and become more resilient to future disasters.
8. Community Engagement: Engaging affected communities in the damage assessment process can
provide valuable local knowledge and ensure that the response and recovery efforts align with
community needs.

Standard operation procedure for disaster response

Creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disaster response is essential to ensure an organized,
efficient, and effective response to various types of emergencies and disasters. The specifics of the SOP
may vary depending on the organization, the type of disaster, and the resources available, but here is a
general outline of the key elements to include:

Disaster Response Standard Operating Procedure

Objective: Provide guidelines for a coordinated and effective response to disasters, ensuring the safety
and well-being of all affected individuals.

1. Introduction

 Overview of the SOP.

 Statement of the organization's commitment to disaster response.

2. Activation and Alert Procedures

 Criteria for activating the disaster response plan.

  Chain of command and contact information for key personnel.
 Procedures for alerting response teams and stakeholders.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

 Detailed description of roles and responsibilities for each response team or department.
 Clear assignment of tasks and responsibilities.
 Identify individuals responsible for decision-making at various levels.

4. Communication Plan

 Communication protocols, including channels, frequencies, and backup systems.

 Procedures for relaying critical information to response teams, authorities, and the public.
 Contact information for key stakeholders and agencies.

5. Resource Mobilization

 Procedures for mobilizing personnel, equipment, and resources.

 Inventory of available resources and their locations.
 Coordination with external agencies and mutual aid agreements.

6. Evacuation and Shelter Operations

 Evacuation procedures, routes, and assembly points.

 Shelter setup and management protocols.
 Procedures for caring for special-needs populations.

7. Search and Rescue

 Procedures for conducting search and rescue operations.

 Safety protocols for responders.
 Equipment and tools required for search and rescue efforts.

8. Medical Response

 Medical triage procedures.

 First aid and emergency medical treatment guidelines.
 Coordination with hospitals and medical facilities.

9. Public Information and Warning

 Procedures for disseminating timely and accurate information to the public.

 Media relations and spokesperson responsibilities.
 Social media and website management during disasters.

10. Logistics and Supply Chain

 Procedures for resource procurement and distribution.

  Inventory management and tracking.
 Coordination with suppliers and donors.

11. Incident Command Structure

 Establishment of an incident command structure.

 Command roles and responsibilities.
 Unified command procedures if multiple agencies are involved.

12. Debriefing and Evaluation

 Post-disaster debriefing procedures.

 Evaluation of the response and identification of areas for improvement.
 Documentation of lessons learned.

13. Recovery and Rehabilitation

 Transition from response to recovery efforts.

 Long-term recovery planning and coordination.
 Support for affected communities in rebuilding and restoring normalcy.

14. Training and Exercises

 Ongoing training and exercise programs to ensure response teams are prepared.
 Simulation exercises to test the SOP and response capabilities.

Financial planning for disaster management

Financial planning for disaster management is essential to ensure that resources are available and
effectively allocated to mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. Here are key
considerations for financial planning in disaster management:

1. Budgeting and Funding Allocation:

 Establish a dedicated budget for disaster management activities.
 Allocate funds for preparedness, risk reduction, response, and recovery phases.
 Identify potential funding sources, including government budgets, grants, insurance, and
donations.
2. Risk Assessment and Prioritization:
 Assess the financial implications of potential disasters based on historical data, hazard
assessments, and vulnerability analysis.
 Prioritize risk reduction measures and response efforts based on available resources and
potential impact.
3. Insurance Coverage:
  Review and update insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for disaster-related losses.
 Explore specialized disaster insurance options for infrastructure, property, and business
continuity.
4. Emergency Funds and Reserves:
 Maintain contingency funds or reserves to cover immediate response costs before external aid
arrives.
 Ensure these funds are accessible and well-managed.
5. Resource Mobilization:
 Establish mechanisms to quickly mobilize additional financial resources in times of crisis,
such as emergency appropriations, loans, or lines of credit.
 Develop partnerships with financial institutions for rapid access to credit facilities.
6. Cost-Benefit Analysis:
 Conduct cost-benefit analyses of proposed risk reduction measures to determine their
economic feasibility.
 Consider the long-term savings and benefits of investing in disaster resilience.
7. Grant and Aid Management:
 Streamline the process of applying for and managing grants and aid from government
agencies, international organizations, and donors.
 Ensure compliance with funding requirements and reporting obligations.
8. Financial Preparedness for Communities:
 Encourage individuals, households, and businesses to develop financial resilience through
savings, insurance, and emergency funds.
 Promote financial education and awareness to enhance preparedness at the community level.
9. Budget Monitoring and Accountability:
 Implement financial tracking and reporting systems to monitor expenditures and ensure
transparency and accountability.
 Regularly review and audit disaster-related expenses to identify inefficiencies and areas for
improvement.
10. Long-Term Recovery and Reconstruction:
 Include funding for long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts in the financial plan.
 Explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships or infrastructure
bonds, for post-disaster rebuilding.
11. Capacity Building:
 Invest in the training and capacity building of financial and procurement staff involved in
disaster management.
 Ensure they are well-versed in financial regulations and procedures related to disaster
response.
12. Communication and Advocacy:
 Communicate the importance of disaster financial planning to policymakers, stakeholders, and
the public to garner support and resources.
 Advocate for policies that promote disaster risk reduction and resilience.