Local communities as the first line of response in a disaster

During the discussions in this third Citizen Summit, the first reaction of participants in most groups was to refer to their neighbours or their local communities, and to personal characteristics such as selflessness, self-confidence, charisma, the ability to keep calm, and an “instinct” to help. Regarding specific groups of people, they referred to “ex-professionals”, e.g. retired soldiers, nurses or teachers, the latter being mentioned most often as they were seen as trained leaders.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Social networks

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

Disaster Phases: Response

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Non-active citizens, Active citizens, Government, Military

Recommendations:

• Empower vulnerable groups (i.e. children, elderly, and people with disabilities) by including them in disaster management decision-making and actions