Annex 4. Example of Dusaster Preparedness and Prevention Preparedness of Dusaster Annex 4.Example 23 Action Plan ...... Annex 3. Team equipment...... 22 21 Annex 2.CVT structure...... 20 Annex 1...... 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. CONTENTS 10.3 10.2 10.1 8.1 SupportoftheRegional RescueServiceand integration ofCVTs into its System ...... 7.8 7.7 7.6 Community Volunteer Teams ...... 7.5 7.4 7.3 7.2 7.1 Annexes ...... 20 General Recommendations...... 18 and Learned...... 18 Best StoriesLessons Continuity Ensuring DRR and Sustainability ...... 17 Main DRR Activities onCommunityLevel...... 9 The State Authorized BodyanditsStructure 7 Funding ...... DRR Sources/Budget Significance of DRR on Local and Level its Link toand Development Stability4 ...... 4 Importance ofDRRand The itsDevelopments...... Foreword ...... 3 List of Abbreviations...... 2 To Community-basedImplementers...... DRRProject To Community Volunteer Teams ...... To Communities...... Prevention Projects...... Awareness Raising...... Development ofDisasterPreparednessandPrevention Action Plan...... Establishment ofDisasterPreparednessandresponse Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment ...... Selection ofCommunities Establishment of Cooperation and Coordination ...... Selection ofmarzes ...... 8 16 10 14 19 19 18 17 15 12 10 9 9 1

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION 1. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

RA REPUBLIC OF MTA MINISTRY OF TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION LSB LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODY MES MINISTRY OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS RS RESCUE SERVICE CP CIVIL PROTECTION ES EMERGENCY SITUATION CMC CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTRE FRB FIRE RESCUE TEAM RRD REGIONAL RESCUE DEPARTMENT CVT COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER TEAM SNCO STATE NON-COMMERCIAL ORGANISATION CJSC CLOSED JOINT STOCK COMPANY DRR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION IFRC INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT DPP DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND PREVENTION VCA VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT CC CLIMATE CHANGE FEP FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN UNDP UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME NPDRR NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

2 2 FOREWORD

The current guideline was developed within the second phase of the “Building Safer Local Communities in South Caucasus” programme based on many years’ experience of the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) in Disaster Risk Management (DRM). The project is implemented with the co-funding of the European Commission, Department of Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection and Red Cross Societies of Denmark, Iceland and Austria and with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Shirak Marz with a population of 285,867 was selected as the target region for the project implementation. From Shirak Marz, , , Arapi, Anoushavan, , Nor Kyank, , , , Keti, Shirak, , Panik, communities and 65 schools were selected as targets for project implementation. Thus, the project beneficiaries include about 22,000 school children and their relatives – 90,000 people in total and –30,000 residents from 14 communities. The guideline is intended for local self-government bodies, non-governmental organisations working in disaster risk reduction and other stakeholders. It is aimed at increasing DRR knowledge and understanding at local level and to encourage integration of DRR activities at all development levels. Based on statistical data on disasters, it is apparent that special attention must be paid to DRR and building a DRR culture. The aim of the guideline is to provide detailed information on various DRR activities and promote practical application of the “Local Level Risk Management” Manual developed by the UN Extended Disaster Management Team. The National Platform For Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) Foundation, “Lore” Rescue Team NGO, UNDP and UN OCHA provided their advisory support to the development of the guideline.

The responsibility of the content of the document lies upon the author and it may not reflect the view of the European Commission Department of Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection. PRACTICAL GUIDELINE

Yerevan 2013

3 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

including governments, regional and international 3. organisations, etc. In their risk reduction activities, all stakeholders must implement the HFA five THE IMPORTANCE priorities presented below within their capacities: • Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a OF DRR AND ITS national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation. DEVELOPMENTS • Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning. • Use knowledge, innovation and education to Disaster risk reduction is globally considered as a build a culture of safety and resilience at all coordinated approach to disaster risk identification, levels. assessment, preparedness and reduction. It is • Reduce the underlying risk factors. aimed at reducing hazard vulnerability of the • Strengthen disaster preparedness for population and building relevant disaster response effective response at all levels. capacities. Ever since the 1970’s, when people started to In our time, indiscriminate use of natural resources, analyse the development pace of various sectors unplanned urbanisation, climate change and of society more thoroughly, it became clear that other similar issues undermine development of each of them – social, economic, educational, countries and communities globally. etc. – were interlinked with disasters and suffered However, taking into account the fact that DRR from the latter on a regular basis. covers a wider spectrum than vulnerability Over time and in paralel with human development, reduction and capacity building and that DRR is the types, frequency and coverage of disasters connected with efficient use of natural resources, increased and became a global challenge for sustainable development, maintenance and humanity. Governments of various countries improvement of the environment, mitigation and non-governmental organisations launched of climate change, building responsible and important activities in DRR targeting the conscious society and other important issues, it protection of the population and the provision of must be applied in planning processes, integrated sustainable development. However, experience into development plans and sufficient resources has shown that it is impossible to achieve tangible must be allocated for DRR development in results in DRR through management and/or communities. strengthening of response preparedness during major disasters without the implementation of three DRR components at all development levels. 4. As disasters have become more frequent and disastrous in the recent decade, DRR activities SIGNIFICANCE OF and meetings on risk reduction have started to attract more attention and became the subject of DRR ON LOCAL LEVEL discussion among stakeholders. It is noteworthy that the “Hyogo Framework for Action 2005- AND ITS LINK TO 2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters” adopted on 18-22 DEVELOPMENT AND January, 2005 in Japan played a major role in further development of DRR. Among participants STABILITY of the conference were high level representatives of the governments of about 160 countries and Each existing issue related to disasters is due to representatives of national non-governmental bad planning of the past in various countries and organisations of about 40 countries. communities. Substantial changes were noted after adoption DRR process at local level is more important as of the Hyogo Framework for Action as the it is easier to combat small disasters and reduce priorities of the Action Plan relate to everyone risks, which when minimised, the countrys’ disaster risks will be reduced as a whole.

4 PRACTICAL GUIDELINE

5 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

In 2013, only the vineyard in Aygehovit community survived the hailstorm because of 6000m anti- hail nets were installed within the joint project of UNDP and World Vision Armenia.

The source of income of about 50% of the world channel them into development of other sectors population is agriculture which is more exposed to and provision of their stability. disasters than other sectors. Thus, contributions in the DRR sector made by communities may Another example: 14 community volunteer reduce agricultural losses which will improve teams (CVT) with special clothing and rescue social and economic condition of the society. equipment were established in Shirak Marz within There are cases when families lose most of their the DRR project implemented by the ARCS. living after a disaster and have to overcome long Disaster response capacities were strengthened lasting and extreme difficulties to regain their in the Marz and beneficiary communities. One means of living. Nevertheless, many countries’ of the teams participated in suppression of two experience proves that with the application of big fires in one year; both took place in summer three DRR components- during the harvest season. Witnessing fire for • Disaster risk assessment and analysis, the first time, members of the community teams • Disaster preparedness, quickly mobilised all team members, started • Disaster risk prevention and reduction, fire suppression, contacted the fire station and it is possible to capitalise upon the effort and obtained specialist advice and were able to save ensure stability and development. Stability of the wheat fields from burning on their own. The the economy ensures economic growth and second fire was more dangerous and could have improvement of the living and welfare. caused more damage if the CVT didn’t respond One of the best examples of DRR connection rapidly. with development is the installation of anti-hail CVT members managed to prevent spread of the nets in Aygehovit community of Tavoush Marz. fire before the fire brigade arrived. In this case, The project was implemented by the United only with their help was it possible to suppress Nations Development Programme (UNDP) the fire. Due to proper community response, it aimed at protection of grape harvest from hail. was possible to avoid damages of 7 million AMD Anti-hail nets enabled protection of the harvest during the first fire and 250 million AMD during during hails which proved the case for and the second fire. These examples show that DRR promoted establishment of profitable agricultural activities and relevant bodies facilitate prevention environment in communities. This project enabled and/or reduction of financial and other loss that the community to increase profit and to continue can be later used for development purposes. its regular activity. Only in this case local self- government bodies are able to collect taxes and Disasters result in major damages mainly when

6 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. follows: self-governmentlocal bodies bylaw. They areas assigned to the implementation ofpowers for In terms ofexpenditure–current area, fees,official grantsandotherrevenues. tax revenuesthecommunityadministrative from In ofrevenue terms –communitybudget includes includes: The administrative budget of communities • • bodies: and relevantfundingself-government of local the followingcomponentsbasedonpowers The structureofcommunitybudgetsisdivided into security payments,official grants,etc. include tax income,state fees, mandatory social budget (LSB). of thestate The sourcesbudget is composedof the State Budget and community The budgetary system ofthe Republic of Armenia SOURCES/BUDGET DRR FUNDING efficiency andnecessityofDRR. Study willprovethe of severalDRRexamples increased investments. risky sectorsresultingin reduced lossesand more justified as contributions are madeinless consideration and of potentiallossesdamagesis Meanwhile, risk based planning with due disasters intheirregionand their consequences. of naturalandtechnological into accounttherisks do nottake governing bodiesand/orthepublic 5. Agriculture, forestry, waterandfishing Fuel andenergyengineering, Culture, sportsandreligion, Housing andpublicutilities, Social security, Healthcare, Education andscience, Public orderandsafety, Protection, General stateservices, Fund budget. Administrative budget; expenses forpreventionofand/orresponse unplanned andunforeseencoststhatinclude for exercisingtheirpowers,whereasother in therelevantlinesofcurrentexpenses Communities includetheirbudgetexpenditure 14. 13. 12. 11. contribute todevelopment aswell. be concluded that the allocation correct offunds of thesize regardless of the input. it may Thus, investments in DRRwere justified and beneficial experience demonstrates thatplanned all properly living conditions will starttogetworse.World exceed theincome,developmentand regresses will that annualdisasterlosses it ispossible investments more intheDRRsector,otherwise to make intensity itisnecessary of disasters, Taking intoaccountthe increasedfrequencyand Ministry ofFinancetheRA: visit topics, theofficialother similar website of the detailed For moreinformation on budgetsand disasters andrisks. frequent which facilitatesdamagereductionfrom funds are allocated from the state budget to DRR reduction. In some developed countries significant they are spenton disaster recoveryand not risk their annualbudgets,thesearenotsufficient as communities allocatesomefunds for DRRin studiesshow thatvarious Although some culture anddevelopment. has adirectimpactonthepaceofbuildingDRR RA, therearenostateallocationsforDRRwhich expenditure”. Therefore, inbothbudgetsofthe to emergenciesaresetundertheline“other other sectors. will impactmaintenance and development of alised thatonDRRprevention costs projects tions from the line “other costs”as they re funds forpreventivemadededuc measures, ARCS, communitiesthat lacked relevant Within implementedbythe the DRRproject the governmentbylaw. Other areasofexercisingpowersvestedto Transport andcommunication,roadindustry, environmental protection, Recycling industry, constructionand Mining industryandminerals(exceptfuel), industry, www.mfe.am - - 7

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

6. THE STATE AUTHORIZED BODY AND ITS STRUCTURE

The structure of the Government consists of 18 ministries, one of which is the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) that is authorized by law and other legal acts to implement and coordinate civil protection (CP) during emergency situations (ES). MES coordinates DRR activities. The separate divisions of the MES of the RA are as follows: • Rescue Service (RS), Picture 1. Locations and contacts of RS • “National Survey for Seismic Protection” Fire and Rescue Teams of Shirak marz Agency, Source: http://mes.am/images/Qartez/Shira- • Accreditation and Licensing Agency, kHpj.png • State Fire and Technical Safety Inspection, • State Reserves Agency, • Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Service, sectoral mechanism for disaster risk reduction. • Service on Active Impact on Atmospheric The main participants of the NPDRR are the Phenomena, and other state bodies, state authorities of the RA, the Ministry of Emergency non-commercial organisations (SNCO) and Situations, international and donor organisations closed joint stock companies (CJSC). of DRR sector, the UN, Armenian Red Cross Society, NGOs, as well as scientific institutions Civil protection during disasters and/or emergency and individual experts. situations in marzes is implemented by the RS. The Regional RS within its powers is considered The aim of NPDRR is to establish a multi sectoral the main structure for assisting DRR activities. mechanism for disaster risk reduction with the involvement of all stakeholders. NPDRR has The Rescue Service has the important role of established a common discussion platform for protecting and saving the population. The Rescue DRR stakeholders of the RA and is the main player Service of the MES has Fire Rescue Brigades in extending cooperation among them. (FRB) in all marzes that carry out fire rescue work both during ES and in times of peace by Within its remit, NPDRR organises exchange responding to all kinds of emergency situations in of best practice, lessons learned and findings marzes. For instance, there are 6 FRBs in Shirak of various programmes on local, regional and Marz (see Picture 1) (No. 1 and 2 FRBs in national levels. are combined now) of which 1 is in Gyumri and one in , , , Amasia and More detailed information on the structure and communities each. separate divisions of the MES may be found at the official website of the Ministry of Emergency All regional FRBs can obtain information on Situations of the RA www.mes.am emergency cases from the Crisis Management Centre (CMC) located in the Head of Office of the MES in by calling 911. NPDRR Foundation was founded in Armenia in 2010 by a Government Decree aimed at forming a multi

8 implementation. of theproject to ensurefuture success project each to assignarelevantstakeholderfor new project toolsandItisimportant best practice. Cooperation with NPDRR also enables sharing of projectactivities. which enables programmes, reducedduplication they presenttheirongoingand andfutureplans meetings organisedbyNPDRRwhere regular in take part DRR stakeholders important asall Cooperation between MES and NPDRR is in meetingswithatnational partners level. be involved also Donor organisationsmay considered astargets. not allcommunitiesmaybe resources, scarce by analysingexistinginformation,as,dueto selected incooperationwith regional authorities the selection ofmarzes,communitiesmustbe mutually efficient DRR However,projects. after it ispossibletoaccuratelyselectand implement National Statistical Service and other partners, of Ministry Territorial Administration (MTA),MES, cooperation with national authorities such asthe Led bythe above mentioned criteria and in • • • • taking into suchas: account severalmaincriteria, It implementation isdone of DRRprogrammes. by in Selection ofmarzesisanimportantstep COMMUNITY LEVEL ACTIVITIES ON MAIN DRR 7. Availability ofothersimilarprojects,etc. of governingbodiesthegivenarea, Integration activities into projectandwillingness implementation, Necessary capacities available for project damage, to hazards,frequencyandsizeof Exposure 7.1 SELECTIONOFMARZ and make agreements with all stakeholders. and makeagreementswithallstakeholders. planned programmesandactivities andtodiscuss in 2-3 months)tobeacquaintedwithongoingand sectors tomeetonaregularbasis(usuallyonce working groupswithrepresentatives fromvarious establish coordinationcommittees, teams and/or For theabove mentionedpurpose,itisdesirableto economic system,environmental protection,etc. as education,healthcare,civil protection,socialand activities areconnectedwithvarious sectorssuch DRR as implementation in DRRproject important of projectimplementationprocess,anditismost Coordination playsanimportantroleinanykind integration into the project activities. integration intotheproject activities. and/or representatives onallprojectissuesand awareness raisingofbeneficiarycommunityleaders implementation duringthesemeetingsenable Discussions andpresentationonproject assist inprojectimplementation. representative ofeachsectorcouldbeinvolved and During themeetings,itshouldbedecidedhow the Head oftheShirakRegional Administration ARCS presidentMr. M.Mnatsakanyan and was programme established between the cooperation within Basis forthe ARCS DRR ed areas/marz beforelaunching projects. meet the high level officials of the select it isrecommendedto Based onexperience, 14 communities,regionalRSand the ARCS. tration. Among participantswereleadersof meeting washeldattheRegional Adminis tion of DRR activities in the marz. The first coordina a focalpointwasassignedfor implementation. Later the project support and the latter expressedhis willingness to to theHead of theRegional Administration and details of the project were presented at that time Mr. A. Giziryan when the goal OFCOOPERATION AND 7.2 ESTABLISHMENT COORDINATION - - -

9

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

disasters and damages are considered. • Final selection is done through visits to preliminary selected communities, meetings with community authorities, clarification of initial information and relevant agreements. Visits facilitate obtaining more illustrative and detailed information on communities through direct observations, interviews and meetings with community residents. The opinion and position of the Regional Administration and the RS must be considered during the final selection as the process of effective selection of communities is based on multilateral discussions (Regional Administration, MTA, RS, etc.). The following criteria must be considered during ARCS president M. Mnatsakanyan met with the selection of communities: the Head of Shirak Regional Administration A. • Willingness of the given community to be Giziryan involved in the project, • Exposure to hazards and possible damages, • Location of the community and availability of resources, • Capacities of the community, • Economic status of the community, • Necessity of project implementation in the community, • Population, • Other important factors for efficient project implementation (for instance, involvement and willingness of the community leader), etc.

It is important that the above mentioned information be obtained during the community selection as it may be applied in future planning processes. It is not always possible to make a selection with full compliance of the mentioned criteria. However, if they are taken into account, the possibility of Coordination committee meeting organised future global issues in project implementation will within the ARCS DRR programme in Gyumri be very low. regional branch 7.4 VULNERABILITY AND CAPACITY ASSESSMENT 7.3 SELECTION OF COMMUNITY Vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) is a Selection of communities is mainly done in two tool used to identify hazards threatening a given stages: community, existing vulnerability and disaster • Primary selection when a preliminary selection response capacities. In DRR programmes, VCA and brief study of information is conducted is the first step to enter communities that enables based upon project relevant criteria. During collecting accurate information at the beginning of primary selection, information available at the programme implementation. VCA must be based Regional Administration, regional RS and other on a participatory method and carried out through DRR organisations, as well as information on at least the following 8 steps:

10 • favourable weatherconditions. the visit maybe for a several days until there are In such cases,it is recommended to postpone • and otherDRRactivitiesinclude: Possible factorsundermining the ofVCAprocess rapid andqualifiedformationofCVTs. Volunteer Teams,of which facilitatestheprocess activities andof Community becomemembers residents aresuggestedtobeinvolved in DRR identify active residents. At a later stage,active The VCA isausefultooltoinformabout DRR and 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. Mapping; 2. 1. tion ofDRRbystateagencies. awareness, aswellnon-prioritisa public building designandconstruction,lowlevelof such asthe ronmental factors,low quality of various physical, social,economicand envi many vulnerability tendencies conditioned by of hazards. to disastrousimpacts are There increases thepossibilityoftheirexposure asset that istics ofacommunitysystemor Vulnerability is the conditions and character relations, leadershipand management. and skills collectiveabilities such associal as knowledge, ability toadapt,aswell ety’s tures andtechnicalmeans,institutions, soci and risks. Capacity may include infrastruc tance, reduction of disaster consequences disaster resis For example, goals. common or a society that may be used for achieving knowledgees, andstrengthsofacommunity existing resourc of all Capacity isacomplex nobody has turnedup. arranged meetingbutonly fewparticipantsor When you visit the community toholdthe during heavyprecipitations. observation may not be possible toconduct Weather conditions - complete direct Questionnaire survey. Institutional chart; Seasonal andhistoriccalendar; Focus groupdiscussion; Semi-structural interviews; Direct observation; Collection ofsecondarydata; ------• again andagreeonpostponing themeeting. the situation community leaderand discuss once understand the reasonof theissueand meet the into despair and to postpone the meeting. Try to In such cases,it is recommendednot to fall cipitations. bridge makingtheroadimpassableduringpre river inShirak communityhas overflown the Problem revealedduringVCA process. The ing community. community MetsSepasarwith the neighbour beneficiary ruined bridgeconnectingproject Problem revealed during VCAHalf process. When ameeting wasorganised with - - 11

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

community residents but they do not wish to demonstrated its effectiveness in many countries participate, have sceptical attitude towards when volunteer teams joined the local rescuers the importance of the issue. during major disasters and provided sufficient In this case, it is necessary to try and understand assistance to state agencies. the residents in the first place and demonstrate the link between the meeting topic and their issues of concern. It is recommended to hold the meeting For the provision of continuity of the CRTs es- through exchange of views and discussions. tablished within the ARCS DRR programme, the ARCS encouraged communities to re- Application of VCA: quest Shirak RS to register CRTs’ property • Allows accurate situation analysis, and other information in their RS database. • Helps accurate planning of successive Currently, apart from the fact that team lists actions, and are posted in the RS relevant department, • Helps identify realistic methods for problem CRTs are being involved in annual simulation solution. exercises and events organized by the RS. Very often communities suffer many losses For example, CRT of Mets Sepasar took part from minor disasters due to their high level of in the simulation exercise organized by the vulnerability and lack of relevant capacities. RS in 2013. Teams must be involved in vari- Therefore, VCA must be applied to obtain more ous relevant events to ensure their activity detailed information on preparedness, prevention and effectiveness. and development actions for better decision making. In accordance with international statistics, rescuers More detailed information on VCA may be found are able to save the minority of the injured during at www.arnap.am web page. major disasters and the majority help themselves through correct actions. The more time passes 7.5 ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNITY by after a disaster the less probable becomes for VOLUNTEER TEAMS rescuers to save lives. Therefore, CVTs may play a unique role in rescue activities, especially in cases when the number and resources of rescuers are very limited. Establishment of such teams is an Establishment of Community Volunteer Teams important capacity for the community and/or the (CVT) for disaster response has been globally country. Based on the best practice, such teams spread in the last decade, which was justified and were established in 14 rural communities of

Participation of the Mets Sepasar CVT in the simulation exercise organized in 2013 in Shirak marz by the regional RS.

12 13

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

• First aid (theoretical and practical), • Basic rescue (theoretical and practical), • Climate change, • IFRC disaster response tools, • Communication and connection.

However, training sessions are not sufficient for establishment of comprehensive teams: it is recommended to organise simulation exercises to enable team members apply their knowledge in practice and obtain some experience.

CVTs may be divided into groups to ensure diversity and speed of rescue work. For instance, teams established by the ARCS are divided into groups of rescue and first aid, providing living conditions, assessment, preparedness and prevention and technical (see Annex 2).

And for the effectiveness of response actions, CVTs must be equipped with special rescue equipment (see Annex 3) and individual outfit. Competitions and other similar practical events may be organised to encourage CVTs.

A competition organized in Arapi community within the ARCS DRR programme with the par- 7.6 DEVELOPMENT OF DISASTER ticipation of all 14 CVTs. PREPAREDNESS AND PREVENTION ACTION PLAN

Shirak Marz within the DRR regional programme Timely and proper planning is the key to implemented by the ARCS. effective implementation of any programme. In Team members must be selected based on the consideration of the diversity of DRR activities, VCA results. For the purpose of establishment the planning process becomes more important of an active team, it is recommended to involve and compulsive. Plans may be classified by individuals who were active during the VCA implemented functions, i.e. development, ES process and are willing to become members of response, evacuation, etc., and territories, i.e. community teams. regional, community, etc. In all cases, plans help Selection of team members must be done based ensure coordinated and sequential implementation on previously developed criteria (see Annex 1) of actions during emergency situations. trying to involve people from different structures Understanding the usefulness and necessity of of the community (community hall, school, planning, the ARCS provided support to CVTs of kindergarten, medical institution, etc.). 14 beneficiary communities to prepare disaster For the CVTs to become resistant and capable in preparedness and prevention (DPP) action plans implementing various rescue and risk reduction (Action Plan) for their communities (see Annex actions, special training sessions were conducted 4) based on views, ideas, comments and other on: information collected during the VCA. DPP Action • Disaster risk management, Plan is important both for organizing CVTs’ work • Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, more professionally and in a coordinated way • Psycho social support, and strengthening cooperation. The Action Plan • Protection of living conditions, consists of the following three parts:

14 Formaltraining(topicsapprovedin • Informaltraining, • Educationalparticipatorymethod, • Educationalcampaigns, ]• 4 mainapproaches: public awareness that can beclassifiedbased on Many ofthe DRR activities are aimed at raising of thecommunity. and indispensable role forthedisasterprotection major and important actions that play a permanent Recommendations from the ARCS include such international partnerorganisations. and local encouraged toattractthemfrom might nothave sufficientbut are resources extensive implementation of which communities Recommendations must includeactionsfor the RA. engineering intervention from the Government of own capabilities and do not require high-tech and communities areablewithin to accomplishtheir must includerecommendationsthat action plans Takingof disasters, intoaccountvariousforms into variouslevelsofcommunityactivity. result ofimplementation proper and integration sustainable development ofthecommunityasa The Action Plan willbe a considerableinput for 3. 2. 1. And thefollowingcolumnson- 3. 2. 1. programmes). the actionplan. efficiency andsuccessfulimplementationof implementation oftheactivitiestoensure Attraction ofpossiblepartnersfor Focal pointsforimplementationofactivities, Suggested actiontimeline, Preventive actions, Preparedness, Risk assessmentandanalysis, 7.7 AWARENESSRAISING competitions, presentations,films,manuals,etc. published materials, educational games and including used intheawarenessraisingprocess, through particularly schools.Various tools are implementation through educational institutions, Awarenessfor raisingactivitiesrecommended are DRR, resultsareachieved without special efforts. contrary, when realize theimportanceof people changing thethinkingofsociety, Results aredifficult to achieve in DRR without parents usingtheFEP guideline. to developtheirfamilyplanwithof the help Plan” competitionschoolchildrenhad Emergency Plan” (FEP).Duringthe Emergency “Family p within One ofthetoolsapplied ARCS DRR ing parentsoftheschoolchildren. by mobiliz mudflow channelnexttotheschool children ofNo.2schoolin Artik cleanedthe frame) hanging above their beds. Teachers and some removedheavywith items (pictureheavy beds from under the window to the bearing wall, ample, manyof the school childrenmoved their moved some furnitureintheirhomes.Forex organised within the ARCS DRRprogramme Many ofthe participants ofthe DFP competition implemented. new knowledge is used and any DRR activity Awarenesswhen are successful raisingprojects rogramme was thecompetitionon“Family rogramme and onthe - - 15

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Awareness raising actions may relate to: • Modes of behaviour for protection from disasters, • Fundamentals of DRR, • Evacuation, • Fire safety and other topics.

Taking into account awareness raising and proper evacuation related issues in schools, evacuation plans in 80 schools of Shirak Marz were revised within the ARCS DRR programme and the number of evacuation signs necessary for each school was identified. Relevant number of evacuation signs was provided to schools by the ARCS, which were posted accordingly. Evacuation exercises Prevention project being implemented in Pem- were held on 13 October in all schools dedicated zashen community (garbage disposal). to the international day for DRR.

7.8 PREVENTION PROJECTS

Generally, preventive measures in DRR projects are considered as processes implemented at the latest stage. Prevention projects may be implemented after assessment and preparedness activities. Preventive measures are aimed at prediction and reduction and/or elimination of factors that give rise to emergency situations. There are relevant disaster risk reduction activities that may be analysed and selected using the information collected during the VCA.

Preventive measures may include: Prevention project being implemented in Nor • Cleaning and deepening riverbeds, Kyank community (garbage disposal). construction of river bank protection gabions and dams to prevent floods, • Application of anti-hail stations and/or anti- • Epidemics, hail nets to reduce hailstorm damages, etc. • Perennial huge expenses on garbage disposal, An example may be the DRR project implemented in • Mudflow channel cleaning costs, 14 communities of Shirak Marz where vulnerability • Pollution of the environment, etc. and capacity assessment was conducted to reveal exposure of beneficiary communities to the main Despite LSB efforts and annual expenses spent hazards and their negative consequences. Lack on cleaning the issue remained unsolved. of garbage disposal system was pointed out as Therefore, within DRR activities and through heaps of garbage were accumulated in different assessment, situation analysis, planning, locations of the community, particularly in mudflow agreements, clarification of resources and other channels, riverbeds, combes, under bridges, etc. actions it was decided to solve the problem in the that create: following way: • Unhygienic and anti sanitarian environment, • Firstly, the ARCS supported community halls • Mudflows due to garbage accumulation in to organise garbage disposal and cleaning rivers and mudflow channels, activities that were implemented with

16 for effective implementation ofprevention projects. In all cases,joint and collective efforts arerequired • • • • • • • include: Participants ofpreventionprojectsmay problems. approach mustbe applied to resolve community collective andspecialised a more community halls; not possible toimplementonlywith the efforts of should berealisedthat preventive measures are intervention. Based on the above-mentioned, it require hugeinvestments and high technical preventive In manycases,measures measures. ensure bestefficiencyand norms ofpreventive safety rules applied supervision ofspecialists, International participationand best practice, be moreobviousovertime. importance and efficiency outcomes ofwhich will on othersectors. Analysis demonstratestheDRR solutions tovariousissueswith positive impact enable providinglong-term projects Similar other developmentofthe sectors community. and environment protection maybedirectedto for garbagecleaning disposal, mudflowchannels and theannualallocations service costs, disposal amounts from eachfamilytocovergarbage the small community hallmaybeablecollect of theabovea resultmentioned As activity, • • And lastly, thecommunitysignedan garbage bins, Then, the ARCS providedsufficient amountof community involvement, garbage. of theclosesttownforfrequentdisposal agreement withthegarbagedisposalservice Community residents,etc. CVT, Organisations implementingDRRprojects, Community hall, Regional RS, Regional Administration, Government oftheRA, development plans. try tointegrateDRRinto allpossiblecommunity the very beginning. it isnecessaryto Therefore, and thewillhave risks processtobestartedfrom Failure to ensureitmayresultinnew issues and Continuity of actions in DRR sector iscrucial. SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUITY AND ENSURING DRR continuity of CVTs; thus,RSrepresentatives have Regional RS has an important rolein ensuring the over time. role in RS activities will become moreapparent however,be obvious term, will inthe short their maybe theeffectiveness and importance ofCVTs integration activities have their positive impact; It isnoteworthythatwork. theabove mentioned involve and/orotherrelevant them inurgentrescue and contact teamleadersand/ormembers division of ShirakregionalRS,andtheRSmay all 14CVTs areposted in the operative response and rescuers rescueequipment. Currently, listsof members getacquainted with the work ofthe organised visits to firestations so that the team the injured andactivities. otherrescue The ARCS initial screening ofthe location, identification of expectationsall weremet. Teams conducted took part in the annual simulation exercise where plans. in ESresponse The CVT ofMetsSepasar technical equipment in the RS database and later The firststepwas registration of CVT structureand their systemenabling continuity of theiractivity. undertaken several activities to integrate CVTs into RSs have and DRRfocalpointsinmarzes, rescue RS coordinatesallteamsinmajordisasters. As is capabletocoordinate actions. The Regional rescue workin emergencies, and the team leader Each CVT memberistrained and able to do always been presentinprojectimplementation. 8.1 SUPPORT OF THE REGIONALRESCUE 8. SERVICES AND INTEGRATION OFCVT INTO THEIR SYSTEM INTOTHEIR s

17

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

support to 6 passengers. In this case, CVTs 9. acted professionally and applied their knowledge and experience obtained during the simulation BEST STORIES AND exercise. This proves that the involvement of CVTs in response activities in emergency situations was LESSONS LEARNED the right decision.

There are many examples that could be considered as the project’s best practice. Firstly, 10. participation of Mets Sepasar CVT in the regional RS simulation exercise of Shirak marz, where, GENERAL based on the scenario, the team was the first to arrive in the disaster zone, conducted screening RECOMMENDATIONS of the location, identified the injured and provided first aid and continued rescue activities after arrival of the rescuers. Besides, it is noteworthy 10.1 COMMUNITIES that 17 new schools expressed their willingness to participate in the event organised for the target Active implementation of DRR and reduction schools. This underlines the importance and of disaster damages have an important role in effectiveness of the project. There were several sustainable development of communities. For cases when school children put their knowledge active implementation of community based DRR, into practice. A similar case was registered in the the following recommendations are presented secondary school of Artik where teachers and to communities based on the results of various children with their parents cleaned the mudflow studies and the VCAs carried out by the ARCS: channel next to their school. The channel had not been cleaned for many years and endangered the • Activate cooperation with all structures of DRR adjacent area of the school during heavy rainfall. sector, such as the Regional Administration, Two cases of fire were registered in Panik MES Regional RS, “Armstatehydromet” SNCO community of Shirak marz where CVTs were of the MES, regional CVTS, NGOs, etc. present. Both cases are considered as best • Organise regular meetings with community practice for the project. Firstly, the team was residents, CVTs and other possible partners to able to mobilise its capacities and respond to discuss existing problems, find solutions and the emergency situation and save the time and prioritise. resources of the FRB. Secondly, communication • Integrate DRR into various community was set up between the CVT and FRB their plans and take into account during budget cooperation and network was extended and preparation and approval. regional authorities acknowledged teams as ES • DRR forms the basis of programmes and/or response resources. Thirdly, the project had a initiatives of educational, healthcare, urban tangible impact on protection of living conditions development, social and economic and other in communities as damages were avoided due to sectors. proper actions. • At the stage of disaster risk assessment, the In many cases, it is difficult to imagine that the components of capacities and vulnerability unplanned coincide. Let us recall the incident with must be completed in the most realistic way. the CVT of Mets Sepasar that happened on their Often they are either over or underestimated. way back to the community after the competition This undermines accurate assessment and of 14 CVTs of Shirak marz. They witnessed therefore, the whole DRR process becomes an accident of two vehicles-a minibus and a unrealistic. passenger car one which had overturned. CVT • DRR recommendations should meet members began rescue activities immediately- community capacities. they switched off electricity of cars to avoid fire and stopped gas supply to avoid explosion, provided first aid and social and psychological

18 Armen Petoyan, member of Panik CVT Ara Sukiasyan, head of Nor Kyanq CVT At the beginning of the project, I thought that Serious and responsible approach of ARCS the knowledge obtained during the training representatives to any issue arising during sessions would never be useful; however, af- the project implementation made us have a ter the fires of 2013 in our community, when common attitude towards the project our team could save the wheat fields from burning, I understood the importance of the project and requested the ARCS members to • Teams must try to be involved in various equip our team with fire suppression equip- community programmes and support their ment and conduct new training sessions and efficient implementation. Teams must closely exercises. cooperate with regional RS and fire stations both on DRR issues and ES response. • Teams must strengthen their cooperation with LSBs, CVTs, NGOs and other structures. PRACTICAL GUIDELINE 10.2 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER TEAMS 10.3 COMMUNITY-BASED DRR PROJECT IMPLEMENTERS

• Community volunteer teams are able to • Community-based DRR project implementers provide considerable support in rescue must assume a high responsibility as future at- activities during disasters; however they may titude and approach of beneficiaries is based also be helpful in daily development and safety on them in the first place. • Community-based DRR project implementers of communities. must take into account the views of commu- • Teams must be involved in decision making nity residents and community halls. processes and support community authorities • Organisations implementing community-based in implementation of DRR activities. DRR projects are advised to take into account • Team members must share their knowledge the experience of other NGOs in similar proj- with each other and support in building DRR ects. culture in communities. • At least 8 VCA tools mentioned in point 7.4 • Team members must continue obtaining DRR have to be used in identification of risks in knowledge and information and applying in communities. • Ensure at least 8% participation of the resi- simulation exercises. dents in identification and resolving commu- • Teams must always engage new members. nity issues. • Ensure participation of regional DRR teams or regional RSs of the MES in the process.

19 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION 11. ANNEXES Annex 1. CVT member selection criteria

The following criteria have been developed by the ARCS Disaster Management and Population Movement Department for the selection of CVT members and have proven to be effective in practice:

1. Age – 18 and above, 2. Sex (preferably at least 40% women in the team), 3. Health (ability to be involved in rescue work), 4. Willingness to do volunteer work, 5. Punctuality (participation in various activities), 6. Professional experience, 7. Work experience (organisation, position, responsibilities), 8. Current occupation (preferably teacher of military studies, fireman, medical worker, teacher, etc.), 9. Experience of participation in disaster management courses and exercises, 10. Experience of involvement in disaster response activities, 11. Communication and cooperation skills, 12. Team work experience, 13. Social work experience, 14. Community based and non-personal thinking, 15. Enjoy respect and trust of the public.

Volunteer teams established based on the above mentioned criteria will be more community-based, efficient and permanent, and meantime, will reduce cases of personalised approach to decision making through team work.

20 Annex 2. CVT structure

Leader of the Aregnadem Community Volunteer Team Aghunik Hazryan

NAME OF THE CVT GROUP FOCAL GROUP MEMBERS TEL GROUP POINT

1. Narine Mkrtchyan 077-42-88-89 077-00-99-91 Narine Mkrtchyan 2. Edik Manoukyan Rescue and first aid 3. Anzhela Simonyan 094-86-31-43 1 group 4. Lusine Simonyan 094-86-31-43 077-42-88-89 5. Andranik Tsarukyan 093-66-88-38 6. Harutyun Minasyan 077-64-67-69 1. Varduhi Mkrtchyan 094-92-59-16 Protection of living condi- Varduhi Mkrtchyan 2 2. Tsoghik Khachatryan 098-79-53-22 tions group 094-92-59-16 3. Hripsik Tsarukyan 094-32-15-36 1. Aghunik Hazryan 077-58-83-55 Aghunik Hazryan 3 Assessment group 2. Victor Movsisyan 098-55-21-03 077-58-83-55 3. Aharon Yeremyan 077-33-26-55 1. Samvel Tonoyan 094-91-63-07 2. Lousik Vardanyan 094-86-31-43 Preparedness and pre- Samvel Tonoyan 3. Hrayr Tsarukyan 4 098-79-55-20 vention group 094-91-63-07 4. Kristine Sargsyan 077-34-72-20 5. Arpine Tsarukyan 098-79-55-20

1. Ashot Poghosyan 094-69-66-26 Ashot Poghosyan 5 Technical group 2. Edgar Arakelyan 098-78-07-12 094-69-66-26

3. Samvel Tsarukyan 094-32-15-36 PRACTICAL GUIDELINE

Groups in teams are necessary to ensure rapid and efficient response during an ES. DRR components and priorities and importance of rescue activities must be considered in forming groups. CVT is a team made of rescue and DRR groups that may implement: • Rescue activities during an emergency situation, and • DRR activities in daily life. New members may join and replace others over time. Teams established within the ARCS programme consist of 20 members, but the number may increase with the approval of the team leader. CVT leader and members must share their knowledge with new comers and instruct on the use of the equipment.

21 COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Annex 3. Team equipment

Below is the list of technical equipment provided to each CVT for disaster response activities. The equipment enables implementation of activities of the above mentioned groups and ensures safety of the team members. Information on the property has been sent to the regional RS of Shirak marz and included in their database. Teams are encouraged to complete the property with new tools and equipment to raise the effectiveness of their work. Rooms have been allocated in each community hall to store the equipment.

ITEM MODEL MU QUANTITY

1 Helmet “Elios, Petzl” piece 12 2 Carabiner “Locher Screw-Lock, Petzl” piece 12 3 Gloves “From solid fabric” pair 20 4 Descender, 8 shape “Classic ANOD-KONG” piece 1 5 Descender, 8 shape “928.01 standard – Camp” piece 4 6 Rope “Static 10mm, 50m – Kolomna” band 4 7 Mask “Three-layered protective mask” piece 80 8 Crowbar “Iron, 1.3 metres” piece 2 9 Axe “Iron 0.8 metres long, 2.3 kg” piece 2 10 Spade “With a sharp edge” piece 5 11 Loudspeaker “ER66-Series, 12V” piece 2 12 Lantern “Medium sized, with batteries” piece 10 13 Jumar “8-13mm, Ptezl” piece 4 14 Roller clamp “ProTraxion P51, Ptezl” piece 1 15 Roller “FIXE P05 SO, Petzl” piece 2 16 Rolle-block “Tandem, Petzl” piece 2 17 Security system “CORAX C51, Petzl” piece 4 18 Tent “Fox Comfort 4 V2- for 4 people” piece 5 19 Blanket “Wool, 1.5*2m” piece 10 20 Waistcoat piece 20 21 Pants piece 20 22 Vest piece 20 23 Jacket piece 20 24 Backpack piece 20 25 First aid kits piece 2

22 Annex 4.ExampleofDisasterPreparednessandPrevention Action Plan structures relatingtoES issues involvement ofcommunity main and eventsfortheCVTs withthe Organisation oftrainingcourses ment ofareservesfund and otherresources,establish Stocking necessarytechnical nity-based earlywarningsystem ment andillustrationofcommu Development and/orimprove tioned plans cises basedontheabovemen Organisation ofsimulationexer evacuation plans update ofdisasterresponseand Development and/orregular munity organisations the reportwithheadofcom Presentation anddiscussionof nity other structuresinthecommu regional authorities,RRDand Presentation ofthereportto cal data ing resultsandcollectedtechni the disasterprone-areamonitor Preparation ofareportbasedon data areas andcollectionoftechnical Monitoring ofdisaster-prone areas andmapping Identification ofdisaster-prone munities risk studiesconductedincom Collection ofdataondisaster PREPAREDNESSACTIVITIES RISK ASSESSMENTRISK AND ANALYSISACTIVITIES ------a year) (Not lessthantwice Regularly Regularly Permanent Twice ayear Every year Regularly and/oras Twice ayear Twice ayear Twice ayear spring andautumn) Twice ayear(in year) (updated oncea Once on4years required TIMELINE TIMELINE Community leader CVT leader Community leader, CVT leader Community leader, CVT leader Community leader, CVT leader Community leader, CVT leader CVT leader Community leader, CVT leader Community leader, principal CVT leader, school Community leader, CVT leader community hall, Community leader, CVT leader Community leader, FOCAL POINT FOCAL POINT RRD, NGOs RRD, NGOs tration, RRD,NGOs Regional Adminis tration, RRD Regional Adminis “Geocom” LLC, tration, RRD,NGOs Regional Adminis Teams Fire andRescue tration, NGOs,RRD, Regional Adminis tration, RRD Regional Adminis tration, RRD Regional Adminis school, NGOs RRD, tration, RRD Regional Adminis RRD, NGOs PARTNER PARTNER ------23

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES TIMELINE FOCAL POINT PARTNER

Organisation of awareness rais- Community leader, RRD, NGOs, (Not less than twice ing and training activities for the CVT leader, school Fire and Rescue a year) population and children principal Teams Identification of stakeholders and Community leader, Regional Adminis- involvement into the DRR activi- Once a year CVT leader tration, RRD, NGOs ties

PREVENTION AND REDUC- TIMELINE FOCAL POINT PARTNER TION ACTIVITIES

Regulation of the waste water Community leader, Regional Adminis- Regularly disposal system CVT leader tration, RRD Regulation of the irrigation sys- Community leader, Regional Adminis- Permanent tem CVT leader tration, RRD Construction of dams in danger- Community leader, Regional Adminis- If possible ous areas of the riverbed CVT leader tration, RRD Cleaning dangerous areas of the Permanent before Community leader, Regional Adminis- riverbed floodings CVT leader tration, RRD, Reconstruction of dams or con- struction of gabions in danger- Community leader, Regional Adminis- If possible ous areas of the riverbed CVT leader tration, RRD

Organisation of reconstruction Government of of damaged parts of the water the RA, Regional Community leader, channel in the residential area If possible Administration, CVT leader international donor organisations Permanent Cleaning mudflow channels in Community leader, Regional Adminis- At the beginning of the community CVT leader tration RRD spring and autumn

Implementation of regulated Community leader, Regional Adminis- Permanent construction CVT leader tration

Regional Adminis- Ministry of Trans- Installation of road warning signs Permanent tration, Community port and Communi- leader cation

24 plan arealsomentioned. Possible partnersthat may have an investment in theimplementationofvarious points oftheaction enable residents to understand the importance ofdisasterriskreduction and promote itsdevelopment. levels willcertainlystrengthen community capacities. Awareness raising and educational events will DRR actionssuchasestablishment of teamsand their involvementatall in communityprojects the above to followuponallmentioned It isnecessaryrecommendationstoensureitsefficiency. DPPand prevention. activities/stepsdisaster preparedness of necessaryfor actionplanisacomplex budgets tion andrecoveryincommunity Allocations fordisasterpreven tenance ofanti-hailstations Purchase, installationandmain PREVENTION AND REDUC AND PREVENTION TION ACTIVITIES TION - - - Every year TIMELINE community hall Community leader, leader tration, Community Regional Adminis FOCAL POINT - tration, RRD Regional Adminis organisations, RRD international donor Administration, the RA,Regional Government of PARTNER - 25

PRACTICAL GUIDELINE COMMUNITY BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Sources used for the preparation of the guideline

Web pages: www.mes.am, www.gov.am, www.yerevan.am, www.wikipedia.org, www.armstat.am, www.mfe.am, www.ifrc.org

Books and manuals Local Level Risk Management (UNDP), IFRC DRR on Local Level Guideline, DRR on Local Level Guideline, RC Philippines

26