Key Essentials in Disaster Preparedness

When the world’s most powerful earthquake struck Japan, it was admirable to see the manner in which the Japanese handled the entire situation. People weren’t panicking or running on the streets causing commotion and chaos; rather they moved intuitively and in clockwork precision. Japan’s disaster preparedness is exemplary and unarguably one of the best in the world. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks and power outages always serve to highlight or level of ‘readiness’ of preparedness for disaster management. Here are a few essential factors in disaster preparedness: Maintaining an effective supply chain of disaster management essentials: The logistics of maintaining an efficient supply of disaster equipments, materials and supplies assumes great significance in any effective disaster preparedness plan. In a typical setting, the supply chain management department focuses on procuring, managing, and distributing products and services. There are several disaster equipment suppliers who can provide emergency supplies at the shortest possible notice. When it is not possible to store these products and materials (perishable products like food, water etc.), an association with these suppliers certainly helps in providing timely remedy. Drilling the basics into the minds of the people: Disaster preparedness is most vulnerable when people aren’t prepared. After images of the earthquake showed how people showed restraint and rationality even in the face of danger. Hundreds of people stood outside public phone booths; yet they stood in a queue and patiently awaited their turn. Thousands of people were stranded in subway stations; yet there was no uproar or chaos. Such a response can only be a result of a sustained effort where everybody is taught what to do and how to react. Everyone in Japan including schoolchildren know what to do when an earthquake strikes; they simply duck themselves below their tables or open the front door to make a quick exit through the floors. Adopting strict building codes: Videos of Japanese skyscrapers were disturbing to a casual observer, but it was a sign of strength and an indicator of the fact that these skyscrapers can withstand even the toughest of tremors. Disaster management often begins with building codes that focus on the construction of buildings that are resilient and can withstand the toughest of attacks. Implementing such policies goes to prove that organizations aren’t merely looking at cosmetic changes but are indeed committed to build safe and strong building. Developing warning systems: Installing sensors that report seismic activities, installing web cameras in and around public places, devising effective alert mechanisms are also a part of calamity preparedness.