Empowerment emerging from relationships in particular places and organisations

Empowerment “emerg[es] from relationships in particular places and organisations”, such as in families, churches or neighbourhoods. Culture is also manifested in these and other places and spaces. Scaling this principle up, beyond the citizen and the community, empowerment is also determined, shaped and controlled by institutions, law and policy and national government. The empowerment of citizens and communities in disaster situations is dependent on the socio-cultural context of all entities involved in disaster management, as well as being dependent on personal strengths and capacities.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Customs/traditions/rituals, Rule of law

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, All disaster phases

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

Recommendations:

• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action