Appropriate knowledge and local resources

APPROPRIATE KNOWLEDGE AND LOCAL RESOURCES IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Appropriate Knowledge in disaster management

The word 'appropriate' refers to apt or  suitable. and therefore, the phrase 'appropriate knowledge' refers to knowledge that is regarding any particular subject. In the context of disaster management, 'appropriate knowledge' refers to knowledge of importance that will help in understanding the causes of the event, techniques to prevent recurrence of such disastrous events and most importantly knowledge to save lives of the people needing help. Appropriate knowledge in the context of disaster management encompasses  knowledge regarding the local conditions, history of disastrous events in the past and the techniques employed to survive them. Appropriate knowledge can vary depending on the disaster. In case of earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides the expertise of a geologist will prove invaluable.The knowledge of a meteorologist is extermly valuable to predict storms and cyclones. Knowledge of a hydrologist, agricultural scientist and a meteorologist can help predict the occurrence of a drought or famine. Hence, different types of disasters require the expertise of different specialists. For a field as broad and unpredictable as disaster management, there might be a requirement of an expert from any field. This emphasizes the need for appropriate knowledge in order to tackle any disaster

Local resources in disaster management

Disasters always occur at the local level. The local government maintains control over all assets used in response and recovery efforts.

• People from the local community for the local resources when a disaster strikes
• Local people from the community act as the first primary provider of emergency response service
• Local people activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and comprehensive emergency management plan
• Local resources coordinate the response with public and private organizations and agencies
• The local resources notify the state emergency management agency of the situation by regularly submitting situation reports
• The local resources activate necessary local governments and organizations that are signatories to mutual aid contracts
• The local resources can request the state to provide assistance