Disaster Management Plan
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SARAH BAARTMAN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY DISASTER RISK MANANAGEMENT PLAN Contents Part 1 Introduction Foreword Authority for Planning Amendments Setting the scene Definitions The Municipal disaster management framework setting out Responsibilities and co-ordination Who will implement the plan and the custodian of the plan? Part 2 Description of Sarah Baartman District Part 3 Risk Management Process Section 1: Introduction Section 2: Risk Assessment Section 3: Assessing the Local Risk Section 4: Summarised Risk Metrics Section 5: Top Priority Risk Assessment Summaries Section 6: Impact of relevant global risk conditions Section 7: Recommended way forward Section 8: Generic Municipal Information Part 5 External Liaison and Stakeholders Participation Part 6 Operational Planning Part 7 Disaster Management SOPs (standard operating Protocols) PART ONE Foreword “Whilst hazards are inevitable, and the elimination of all risks impossible, there are many technical measures, traditional practices and public experiences that can reduce the extent or severity of economic, environmental and social disasters.” South Africa is susceptible to a range of hazards, both natural and technological, which have the capacity to impact significantly on national and municipal development strategies and initiatives. The sustainability of such initiatives will therefore depend very much on how successfully risks associated with these hazards can be managed. This Disaster Management Plan has been developed by Sarah Baartman District Municipality Disaster Management Centre, with significant input from the Sarah Baartman District Municipality Disaster Management Advisory Forum. The plan provides a framework through which a holistic and comprehensive risk management can be undertaken within the Sarah Baartman District. The focus, as required by the Disaster Management Act, 2002, and within the legislated disaster management framework, is on minimizing the effects of hazards on local communities by ensuring a co-ordinated effort in risk management within the Sarah Baartman District utilizing partnerships of Provincial Government, District and Local Municipalities, and non- governmental bodies with a responsibility or capacity in disaster risk management and emergency response. The Plan outlines the national disaster management framework. The plan further identifies the risk environment for Sarah Baartman District and outlines the key institutional and programming components relative to effective risk management and emergency response. The Plan is not designed to usurp the incident management responsibilities of the various emergency services or other organizations within the community that respond to events which fall within their normal daily activities. Instead the plan is designed to enhance the capacity of the emergency services to more effectively plan for and respond to emergency situations. This is achieved through the combined processes of hazard and risk analysis, which provides more realistic base information upon which to frame operational plans and procedures. The Plan is a dynamic document which may be extended in the future to incorporate any additional risk treatment options as they are identified following formal hazard and risk analysis. The Plan will also be amended in line with changes in the legislation and current best practice, and to reflect lessons learnt from the impact of hazards and other disaster situations that may rise. Disaster Risk Management Plan – Objective To strengthen the capacity of the Sarah Baartman disaster risk management system to reduce unacceptable risks and improve response and recovery activities. Strategic Focus Move disaster risk management programming efforts from a response and relief emphasis to comprehensive risk management culture. Authority for Planning and Authorisation of the Plan The Sarah Baartman District Municipality Disaster Management Plan has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, Section 52 & 53, the Sarah Baartman District Municipality Integrated Plan, within the framework for disaster management in the municipality, and is aimed at ensuring an integrated and uniform approach to comprehensive disaster management in the Municipality This Plan has been documented by the Disaster Management Center, Sarah Baartman District Municipality, with the support of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality Disaster Management Advisory Forum. Disaster Management Centre Sarah Baartman District Municipality Date: This Plan will be endorsed by the Executive Committee and recommended to Council for approval. Municipal Manager Date: This Plan is approved. Mayor Sarah Baartman District Municipality Date: Amendment Sheet Amendment Section(s) Date of Entered By Date No: Amended Amendment Setting the Scene South Africa is prone to a variety of natural and human-induced hazards, which occasionally lead to loss of property and lives. In the past decade, these hazard occurrences have become more frequent and severe. The National Government recognised a need to establish an institutional framework that allows for risk prevention and rapid action during an occurrence and has taken certain steps towards this end, such as: White Paper on Disaster Management: The White Paper introduced a new paradigm in the management of disasters, by placing an emphasis on risk reduction and preparedness. Disaster Management Act: The White Paper led to the promulgation of the Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002, which is the regulatory framework for disaster management in South Africa. The Department of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG), through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), administers the Act. National Disaster Management Framework: The NDMC is currently in the process of preparing a National Disaster Management Framework, which will aim to guide the development and implementation of disaster management in the country. National Disaster Management Centre Guidelines: The NDMC has developed guidelines for the establishment of disaster management centres (DMC’s). National Disaster Management Planning Guidelines: The NDMC has requested proposals to prepare “Guidelines for Preparing Disaster Management Plans” that will assist Municipalities in the drafting of their disaster management plans. The Disaster Management Act The Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002, requires that, inter alia, the three spheres of government prepare Disaster Management Plans (Sections 39 and 53 of the Act). Section 39 of the Disaster Management Act addresses the disaster management planning requirements for Provinces, namely: “(1) Each province must- (a) prepare a disaster management plan for the province as a whole: (b) co-ordinate and align the implementation of its plan with those of other organs of state and institutional role-players; and (c) regularly review and update its plan. (2) A disaster management plan for a province must- (a) form an integral part of development planning in the province; (b) anticipate the types of disaster that are likely to occur in the province and their possible effects; (c) guide the development of measures that reduce the vulnerability of disaster-prone areas, communities and households; (d) seek to develop a system of incentives that will promote disaster management in the province; (e) identify the areas or communities at risk; (f) take into account indigenous knowledge relating to disaster management: (g) promote disaster management research; h) identify and address weaknesses in capacity to deal with possible disasters: (i) provide for appropriate prevention and mitigation strategies; (j) facilitate maximum emergency preparedness; and (k) contain contingency plans and emergency procedures in the event of a disaster, providing for- (i) the allocation of responsibilities to the various role-players and (ii) prompt disaster response and relief; (iii) the procurement of essential goods and services: (iv) the establishment of strategic communication links; (v) the dissemination of information; and (vi) other matters that may be prescribed. (3) Municipal organs of state in the province, to the extent required by the province, may be requested to co-operate with the province in preparing a disaster management plan for the province. (4) A province must submit a copy of its disaster management plan and of any amendment to the plan to the National Centre and each municipal disaster management centre in the province.” Section 53 of the Disaster Management Act addresses the disaster management planning requirements for Municipal Entities, namely: “(1) Each municipality must, within the applicable municipal disaster management framework- (a) prepare a disaster management plan for its area according to the circumstances prevailing in the area; (b) co-ordinate and align the implementation of its plan with those of other organs of state and institutional role-players; (c) regularly review and update its plan; and (d) through appropriate mechanisms, processes and procedures established in terms of Chapter 4 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000), consult the local community on the preparation or amendment of its plan. (2) A disaster management plan for a municipal area must- (a) form an integral part of the municipality’s integrated development plan; (b) anticipate the types of disaster that are likely to occur in the municipal area and their possible effects; (c) place emphasis on measures that reduce the vulnerability of disaster-prone