National Systems for Disaster Management

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National Systems for Disaster Management

• Judy R. Thomas
• Barbados National Disaster Coordinator
• Disaster Management Specialist

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• LEADERS 2006
• International Course on Development and
  Disasters
• PAHO in collaboration with the University of the
  West Indies and CDERA

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Presentation Overview

• National Systems for Emergency Management
• Evolution of the CEM IEMS
• The Caribbean System for CDM
• Trends and Factors of Influence.
• The Way Forward

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Objectives

• Participants will be able to
• Define National Disaster Management Systems
• Understand the emergency management process with
  such a system
• Compare and contract at least two national
  systems
• Understand the trends and factors that influence
  them
• Explain the importance of networking

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National Emergency Management System

• A network of people and organisations responsible
  for dealing with emergencies in a
  community/country

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IEMS and CDM

• Conceptual Framework to increase emergency
  management capability by networking,
  coordinating, linkages, interoperability,
  partnerships and resource acquisition

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Comparison of IEMS and CDM

• All Hazards Approach
• In All Phases of Disaster Cycle
• By All Actors and Stakeholders
• Towards the Attainment of Mutual Goals

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Classification of Disasters

• Attack (conventional/nuclear)
• Internal Disturbances (riots)
• Natural Hazards (met/seismic)
• Technological Hazards( spills)
• Energy Shortages

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Historical Perspective

• Noah /
• First Recorded Flood
• Warning System (telling the population)
• Preparedness Action (building and Ark)
• Response Action (going into the ark)

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NOAHs ARK
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Historical Perspective US National Systems

• Reference Point 1960 1970
• Transition in Emergency Management
• Cold War focus on Nuclear Attack (Civil
  Defense) (External)
• Civil Unrest Aspects of Security, Mass
  Casualty, homelessness (internal)
• Alaskan Earthquake

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TRENDS OF DIRECTION

• Expanded Scope to include Disaster Agents
• Decline in Disaster Assumption for Nuclear
  Planning
• Shift in focus from security to viability of
  local community
• Increased organisations involved in Planning

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Trends and Direction (1970)

• More Clearly defined Roles and Responsibilities
• Focus on Preparedness and Training
• Better Integration
• Provision of Organisation, Technology, and
  Management skills to cope with Disasters

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BEFOFE CEM

• Agencies operating in State Systems were
  fragmented in management styles and focus on
  Individual Roles and Responsibilities

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Partners in Emergency Management

• National Government at all Levels
  National/Federal, State, Local.
• Private Sector
• NGOs and CBOs
• Individuals in Communities
• Regional and International

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Partners in National System
Policy Direction
Management Structure
Partners
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Caribbean Perspectives

• Trends and Factors
• 1979 Watershed Year
• Caribbean Health Ministers Mandate. SLU
• Multi-Organizational Project PCDPPP (1980-1990)
• Creation of CDERA (1991)

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Caribbean Perspectives

• Trends and Factors
• Development of National Disaster Organisations
• Naming of National Disaster Coordinators
• Establishment of NEOCs
• Adoption of Policy/Legislation

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Elements of National Systems

• Ministerial Direction
• Disaster Legislation (Policy)
• National Disaster Committee
• (Public Sector other players)
• Planning Committees
• Work Programme
• Staff
• Budget

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Challenges in the System

• Collective Vision of CDM
• Buy In by Partners
• Staff Levels and competencies
• Adequate Resources
• Insufficient Budget
• Tendency to focus on Preparedness and Response
• Lack of capacity to absorb Technical Support

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Positive Developments

• Disaster Management as a Professional Discipline
• Integration within Institutions of Learning
• Increasing Perplexity of Disaster
• Willingness to incorporate Lessons Learnt
• Assistance from other disciplines

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Summary

• National Systems Lead By Governments
• Other Partners importance in the design of
  Systems
• 911 Terrorism CWC other hazards provide
  awareness and resources
• Greater Emphasis Must be On Risk Reduction.

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Let Us Talk!
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Thank YouFor Your Kind Attention And
Participation