Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015)

Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015)

• Adopted in Kobe, Japan, in January 2005 during the World Conference for Disaster Reduction.
• It provides principles, priorities, and practical ways to achieve disaster resilience in vulnerable communities.
• Action priorities include:
  • Ensuring national and local prioritization of disaster risk reduction with strong institutional support.
  • Identifying, assessing, monitoring risks and enhancing early warning systems.
  • Using knowledge, innovation, and education to foster a culture of safety and resilience.
  • Reducing underlying risk factors.
  • Strengthening disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.

Drought and the Hyogo Framework

• Drought is a natural hazard that can lead to disaster based on vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability to drought depends on cultural, socio-economic, technological factors, government policies, and natural resource management.
• Refers to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, adopted in 1994 and effective in 1996, especially in Africa.
• Promotes food security as a factor for community resilience against hazards affecting agriculture-based livelihoods.

Partnerships within the ISDR System

• The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) has become a system of global partnerships due to increasing disaster trends and demands.
• The ISDR system includes national authorities, regional and international organizations, the UN, financial institutions, and scientific bodies.
• ISDR system partners aim to implement the Hyogo Framework through coordinated action at various levels.
• Thematic partnerships within the ISDR system aim to link technical expertise with policymakers and practitioners.
• Activities include issue formulation, advocacy, networking, coordination, information exchange, guidance, capacity development, and joint programs.
• "Thematic platforms" exist within the ISDR system for topics like early warning, disaster recovery, climate change, and education.

Drought Networks

• The ISDR Drought Discussion Group's 2003 report recommended developing a global network to reduce societal vulnerability to drought.
• The network strengthens regional and sub-regional efforts and provides a forum for inter-regional exchange.
• The ISDR Inter-Agency Task Force endorsed the report and proposal.
• The aim is to foster an ISDR-related drought community to implement drought risk reduction practices and acquire necessary resources.

Towards a Global Network for Drought Risk Reduction

• Regional networks for drought risk reduction are in development but face challenges.
• The Secretary-General Report to CSD 16 notes that drought monitoring and early warning systems are often unavailable or ineffective.
• Challenges in regional network development include overlapping jurisdictions, varying participants, differing policy issues, and different timelines.
• These factors have led to dispersed regional networks, requiring further development and coordination.
• The Global Drought Risk Reduction Network (GDRRN) will identify priorities, coordinate support, develop guidance, and strengthen regional networks.
• It brings together scientists and practitioners to implement drought management.
• The network provides leadership for advocacy, coordination, networking, information, and reporting.
• It connects with existing partnerships and activities worldwide.

International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)

• A global framework within the UN to reduce social vulnerability and risks of natural hazards and technological disasters.
• Aims to integrate risk management into development policies in disaster-prone areas through inter-agency efforts.
• The long-term goal is to enable communities to become resilient, saving lives and assets.
• Works through a network of organizations, institutions, civil society, the private sector, and government officials.
• Aims to increase public awareness, motivate commitment from authorities, and stimulate interdisciplinary partnerships.
• Governments should establish national platforms with support from:
  • An Inter-Agency Secretariat in Geneva with outpost offices in Costa Rica and Kenya.
  • An Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction representing 25 agencies.

OSHA Focus Four

• The OSHA Focus Four, or Fatal Four, are hazard categories in the construction industry responsible for over half of construction site fatalities.
• Includes fall hazards, electrocution hazards, struck-by-object hazards, and caught-in or-between hazards.
• OSHA uses the concept to educate workers and employers about these dangers.

OSHA Focus Four Hazards Explained

• Fall Deaths: Occur when individuals fall from a height; safety equipment is required above six feet.
• Electrocution Deaths: Occur when exposed to a lethal amount of incident energy.
• Struck-By Deaths: Result from being struck by flying, falling, rolling, or swinging objects like tools.
• Caught-In or -Between Deaths: Occur when crushed by objects, machines, or environments, including trench collapses and machinery accidents.

OSHA Focus Four Program

• Primarily an awareness and education campaign to help understand the most dangerous hazards at work.
• Includes talks and certification courses for risk management.
• Violations of OSHA rules related to these hazards are common.

Site-Specific Risk Assessments

• Adapted to a specific project site
• Information is only relevant to those conditions and hazards.

Preparedness: Family Preparedness Plan

• Important to have a plan in place to protect home and family.
• Includes four steps:
  • Identify Hazards: Learn about likely disasters in your area and available warning systems.
    • Consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio.
    • Identify and contact local emergency management organizations.
    • Understand disaster plans in workplaces and schools.
  • Hold a Family Meeting: Discuss the importance of preparedness and review potential disasters.
    • Assign responsibilities and plan to work together.
    • Decide on meeting locations: outside home/neighborhood, outside the city.
    • Create a family evacuation plan.
    • Plan for family members who may be away during a disaster.
    • Document a family communications plan.
    • Adjust plans for family members' disabilities or special needs.
    • Include family pets in the plan.
  • Prepare: Assemble a disaster supply kit, locate safe places, and determine evacuation routes.
    • Become trained in first aid and CPR.
    • Show how to shut off utilities.
    • Make a home inventory.
    • Teach how to use a fire extinguisher.
    • Post emergency contacts on the refrigerator.
  • Practice Your Plan: Practice regularly (every six months) and check the disaster supply kit every three months.
    • Replace stored water and food every three months.
    • Update emergency contact information as changes occur.

General Preparedness: Fire Preparedness

• Key elements: assessments, early warning systems, adequate escape routes, familiarity with the emergency plan.
• Fire incidents lead to fatalities, often due to being overcome by gas, smoke, or toxic fumes.
  • In 2011-12, fire fatalities in the UK often resulted from smoke inhalation or severe burns.
  • Assess hazards, get the home assessed, fit smoke alarms, and get insured.
  • Remember car fire safety with a car safety kit and fire extinguisher.
• Prepare for a Fire Incident: install and know how to operate fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
  • Prepare an Emergency Plan and Go-Bag including burn first aid.
  • Practice the evacuation procedure and train for fire safety and first aid.
• Stay Safe During a Fire Incident: Call the fire station, get out, and stay out.
  • Get everyone out quickly, grab the Emergency Go-Bag, and close doors.
  • Before opening a door, check if it's warm; if so, don't open it.
  • Stay low where it's easier to breathe.
  • If you can't get out, go to a window for air and attention.
  • Apply first aid and seek help immediately.
• Recover After a Fire Incident: Only re-enter once declared safe.
  • Red Cross and local council can help with accommodation and insurers.

General Preparedness: Earthquake Preparedness

• Earthquakes are sudden ground shakings, which can cause damage.
• Identifying hazards and planning can reduce damage, injury, and loss of life.
• Before: Review your family preparedness plan and establish a communications plan.
  • Assemble an earthquake kit and prepare your home (store breakables, secure shelves, repair cracks).
  • Identify safe places indoors (under furniture, against inside walls) and outdoors (away from buildings, trees, and lines).
• During: Drop, cover, and hold on if indoors.
  • If in bed, cover your head and neck with a pillow.
  • If outdoors, move to an open area away from hazards.
  • If in a moving vehicle, stop and stay inside away from hazards
  • If in mountainous or coastal environments, be aware of landslides and tsunamis.
• After: Be prepared for aftershocks, listen for updates, and help injured people.
  • Inspect your home for damage and clean up spills.
  • Notify your insurance company and do not return home until officials declare it safe.

General Preparedness: Volcanic Eruption Preparedness

• Volcanoes release molten rock and gases, resulting in lava flows, poisonous gases, rocks, and ash.
• Eruptions can be accompanied by earthquakes, landslides, floods, and tsunamis.
• Before: Review your family preparedness plan, communications plan, and evacuation plan.
  • Assemble a disaster supply kit.
• During: Listen to NOAA weather radio and be prepared to evacuate.
  • Avoid downwind areas and river valleys.
  • Close windows and doors, bringing pets and livestock inside.
  • If outdoors, seek indoor shelter immediately and avoid low-lying areas.
  • Wear protective clothing, goggles, and a mask.
• After: Continue listening to NOAA weather radio and stay inside until declared safe.
  • Inspect your home for damage and notify the insurance company.
  • Avoid volcanic ash, covering skin, nose, eyes, and mouth.
  • Clear roofs of ash and avoid phone calls, except in emergencies.

General Preparedness: Floods

• Floods occur when land is submerged by large amounts of water.
• Caused by natural and human factors:
  • Anthropogenic causes: Clearing forests, urban development, improper farming, and enhanced greenhouse effect.
  • Natural causes: Excessive rainfall, storm surges, melting snow, global atmospheric processes (El Nino), earthquakes.
• Impact: Loss of life, damage to infrastructure, spread of diseases, and loss of natural habitat.
• Mitigation:
  • Structural methods: Dams, reservoirs, channel management, and embankments.
  • Water control methods: Increasing forest cover, watershed management, flood proofing, and catchment modifications.
  • Non-structural methods: Flood forecasting, warning systems, insurance, public information, and education.

General Preparedness: Landslides

• Landslides are earth movements including slope failure and debris flow.
• Occur when shear stresses exceed the shear strength of slope materials.
• Causes: Rainfall, snowmelt, rivers, seismic shaking, deforestation, geology, and developmental activities (excavation and road construction).
• Effects: Blocked streams, disrupted movement, damaged property, and accidents.
• Management and Mitigation:
  • Afforestation: Planting to stabilize the slope.
  • Wired stone blocks: Stone ridge with wire mesh for protection.
  • Retaining walls: Concrete walls to prevent slippage.
  • Hazard zonation mapping: Preventing settlements in hazard-prone areas and inventorying landslide incidences.
  • Surface drainage: Draining surface and subsurface rivers.
  • Warning techniques: Sensors for landslide warning and detection.
  • Managing catchments: Storing excess water to reduce flash floods.
    • Public awareness: Informing the community.

General Preparedness: Cyclones

• Cyclone: A spinning storm rotating around a low-pressure center.
• Known as typhoons, hurricanes, or cyclones.
• Formation: Warm, moist air rises over the ocean, causing low pressure, which is filled by cooler air.
  • The Coriolis effect causes winds to rotate, forming clouds and an eye in the center.
• When winds reach 39 mph, it's a tropical storm, and at 74 mph, it's a cyclone, hurricane, or typhoon.
• Cyclones weaken upon hitting land.
• Cyclones may last from days to weeks.
• The most cyclone affected states of India are West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Kerala.
• Effects: Storm surge, floods, strong winds, crop damage, decline in tourism, and psychological impact.
• Management and Mitigation:
  • Coastal plantation: Forests act as a buffer and water flow reduction.
• Weather Monitoring: Effective forecasts and warnings.
  • Land Use control: Minimum critical activities in vulnerable areas and water-resistant buildings.
  • Coastal Regulation Zone norms, insurance cover, and preparedness (wide roads, disaster-resilient buildings).
  • Awareness-building activities of storm surge, flooding, and rainfall.

Communication Plan: Morse Code

• Method for transmitting information using tones or clicks, understandable without special equipment.
• Encodes the Latin alphabet, numerals, punctuation, and procedural signals as sequences of dots and dashes.
• Dash duration is three times the dot duration.
• Letters are separated by spaces equal to three dots, and words by seven dots.
• Code length varies inversely to the frequency of occurrence in English.
• Save Our Soul (SOS) —"…–––…"—is a distress signal internationally recognized.

Communication Plan: Family Communication Plan

• Tells your family what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.
• Includes strategies for communication and meeting up.
• Include important contact information for family, work, schools, hospitals, doctors, and security companies.
• Includes needs for medical requirements, dietary needs, and pets.
• Additional tips:
  • Review and update the plan annually or when information changes.
  • Check with the Department of Health/IATF and update emergency plans appropriately during COVID.
  • Practice calling out-of-town contacts and sending group texts.
  • Ensure children know how and when to dial emergency services.
  • Program the security company's number into your phone.
  • Create plans for specific situations like shelter-in-place, fire safety, or natural disasters.