Disaster preparedness
More families and residents have now been added to the number of homeless and needy because of fires that hit several communities in Cebu City lately. We join them in prayers during these difficult moments.
Among the fire victims of Ermita, we especially reach out to three students of UC who volunteered for our RCE Global Conference last December. Thank God, these volunteers and their families survived the fire. However, they could not save any of their possessions and are now, like many other fire victims, calling out for much-needed assistance and donations (food, water, clothes) to start anew. The path to recovery and reconstruction will certainly be a most difficult and challenging one for the fire victims. We hope guidance counselors are present to help process the victims through their recent ordeal. Children and PWDs most especially need to be given special attention and care. We also hope gender-sensitive response systems are in place to meet the needs especially of lactating mothers and other women.
Fire is a reality that many of those who reside in vulnerable communities live with. The barangay residents know and accept the danger and risks they face each day. Their communities are highly crowded, lacking in basic amenities- no safe and accessible water supply, unclean environment, dangerous electrical connections, lack of access roads. Despite reminders about fire prevention and precaution, sadly, fires spread quickly through their fragile houses. Within hours, communities are razed to the ground. So many victims left, once again, to pick up whatever they can, to take the painful steps to rebuilding houses, rebuilding lives.
Do you think we are all doing enough to protect and secure ourselves and our people from fires and disasters? At the rate we continue to have fires reported frequently, perhaps, now is another occasion to review our disaster risk and reduction management system and network?
Especially in vulnerable communities, regular campaigns, drills and reminders need to be organized. Self-help DRRM system and network, hopefully, are already effectively organized on a sitio basis? Responding fire personnel lament the lack of road access and water supply that affect their service delivery. Barangay residents have to mobilize and provide ready road access, water supply availability, among others. More people and houses can be saved if only communities cooperate and provide road and water access at all times.
A check-list of what to prepare for and what to do, before, during and after disasters may help, to be made accessible in all public areas and throughout all households in all barangays. Each community should regularly review their DRRM preparedness – whether they have the necessary resources - for example, fully equipped evacuation centers with available food items and safe water supply, clean toilets, comfortable rest areas, offering privacy, especially for the PWDS, infants, lactating mothers, others.
Have communities organized DRRM groups with clear tasks and responsibilities like enforcers for traffic, security, crowd management, welfare officers, health/counseling staff?
Have communities coordinated with LGUS and neighboring communities and organizations for expanded, prompt and effective response and service delivery before, during, and after disasters?
How prepared are our LGUs for disaster response and management? Do LGUS have adequate, sustainable DRRM resources, budget, staff and personnel, among others? Regular monitoring and evaluation studies of public and private response to disasters are necessary.
How prepared and coordinated are all of us before, during, and after disasters? Timely precaution and preparation will go a long way in protecting more people and resources. All have to be involved in DRRM preparation and networks soonest time possible.
Stay prepared and safe, everyone!
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