Preparedness
is developing the specific knowledge, capacities and resources
necessary to effectively respond to and recover from the impacts of
likely, imminent or current hazards. In practice this essentially means
knowing what to do in the event of a disaster and how best to do it.
Preparedness ranges from the individual level up to government
institutions.
Operational
preparedness rests with emergency management agencies such as the
Police, Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, SAMU, Mauritius Red Cross
Society, NEOC and LEOC. Preparedness is achieved and maintained through a
continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping,
exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective actions. Ongoing
preparedness efforts among all those involved in emergency management
and incident response activities ensure effective coordination during
times of crisis. The NDRRMC leads, facilitates and hosts regular
training events and
simulation exercises involving a wide range of emergency management
stakeholders to support effective and efficient response to disaster
situations.
Individual
preparedness concerns the understanding of existing risks and ensuring
that suitable steps are taken so that families know what to do should
such an event take place. It is essentially as simple and being prepared
for the worst. It means to know what to do and be ready to deal with
the immediate effects of a disaster.
The
NDRRMC is supporting educational and community programmes to improve
understanding of the risks faced in the Republic of Mauritius as well as
what steps need to be taken in the event that a disaster occurs. Please
refer to our Emergency Advice pages for specific advice on identified
threats and recommended actions.
General
steps to prepare for disasters include identifying safe evacuation
route from your home to a place of safety; ensure all family members are
familiar with the route and place of safety; inform neighbours of your
plans; prepare a list of essential telephone numbers and information to
keep with you and all family members; prepare an emergency/evacuation
kit. Please refer to the page on how to prepare an emergency/evacuation
kit for your home for more details.
