Produced by Give2Asia and the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), this 2018 guidebook serves as a practical manual for community-based organizations (CBOs) and local nonprofits across Asia to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience. Rooted in the recognition that Asia-Pacific is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, the guide emphasizes that community-driven preparedness is essential to reducing risks and safeguarding development gains.
The guidebook translates global frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, into actionable steps that local organizations can adapt. It begins with foundational concepts—hazards, vulnerability, risk, and capacity—and outlines the role of CBOs in organizing communities, facilitating partnerships, and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable populations in disaster planning.
Practical tools are provided for participatory risk assessments, community hazard mapping, vulnerability and capacity assessments, and contingency planning. The manual also details how to design and implement early warning systems, conduct community drills and simulations, and establish Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). Each section offers step-by-step instructions, participatory methods, and sample templates that local groups can replicate.
In addition, the guidebook covers post-disaster assessments, offering communities a structured way to evaluate damage and needs, ensuring that emergency aid is both timely and effective. Throughout, the emphasis is on participatory approaches that empower communities to identify their own risks and capacities, while fostering collaboration between local organizations, governments, and external donors.
Ultimately, the guidebook is designed to be a hands-on reference that demystifies disaster preparedness for grassroots groups. By equipping CBOs with knowledge and tools, Give2Asia and IIRR aim to build safer, more resilient communities capable of withstanding and recovering from disasters.