Importance of training first responders about religious norms and sensibilities to be considered during a disaster

In the case of interventions in religious communities (Muslims, Catholic) most of the participants of the Romanian Stakeholder Assembly consider that the institutions should give staff seminars/training which address cultural particularities, for example: “we won't give canned pork to those from Crucea”.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Customs/traditions/rituals

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Healthcare and emergency services

Recommendations:

• Develop guidelines for disaster practitioners that take into consideration the different needs of and approaches to different ethnical groups
• Develop culturally aware disaster preparedness and response training
• Training programmes for citizens of all ages should be developed. These are necessary to increase citizens’ knowledge of and preparedness in case of disasters. The training activities should be organized on the basis of a training strategy and should take various forms, ranging from emergency drill to workshops