emergency relief plan

8/14/2019 Emergency Relief Plan

1/19

Latin America Emergency

Relief Committee (LAERCC)

Draft Concept PaperProvidence, RI

June 17, 2000


2/19

DRAFT

PROBLEM STATEMENT

In response to the unacceptable loss of life and property in Latin America from recentdisasters, and the prospect of even greater catastrophic loss in the future, The LatinAmerica Emergency Relief Strategy (LAERS) is being to provide a conceptual

framework to reduce these losses. Hazard Mitigation involves recognizing and adaptation

to natural forces and is defined as any sustained action taken to reduce and eliminatelong-term risk to human life and property.

During the past three years, we have witnessed an increased devastation caused bynatural forces across Latin America that has caused great stress and diligence from

members of the Latino community. In 1999 Hurricane George devastated the Caribbean

countries of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, destroying property and human

lives. Soon after George, Hurricane Mitch descended in the countries of Central Americawith winds of 150 MPH and thousands of deaths caused by the storm. These catastrophes

were soon followed by the earthquake in Colombia and land slides in Peru. Most recently

the country of Venezuela was confronted the pouring of torrential rains that destabilizedthe surrounding mountains and causing the shifting of land slides that produced large

devastation of the country.

The Strategy is intended to engender a fundamental change in the Latino community's

perception about having to react to these emergencies and to establish the process of

proactive mitigation that has been proven to be the most cost-effective, andenvironmentally sound, approach to reducing losses. The overall long-term goal of the

Strategy is to substantially increase public awareness of natural hazard risk and tosignificantly reduce the risk of loss of life, injuries, economic costs, and the disruption of

families and communities caused by natural hazards.

The foundation of the Strategy is the development of partnerships that empower all

Latino individuals and organizations to fulfill their responsibility to get involved in the proactive planning of emergency strategies. This strategy must be implemented in

partnership with State and local governments and private sector constituents, including,

and most especially, the general public. Mitigation is everyone's business, but it needs tobe focused on the attainment of a coordinated goal through the achievement of specific

objectives.

Preparedness is everyone's job. Not just government agencies but all sectors of society --

service providers, businesses, civic and volunteer groups, industry associations and

neighborhood associations, as well as every individual citizen -- should plan ahead for

disaster. During the first few hours or days a disaster, essential services and emergencysupplies are needed and should be available. The Latino community must be ready to act

on proactively their own.

Latin America Emergency Relief June 17, 20002


3/19

DRAFT

Latin America Emergency Relief Committee

(LAERCC)

Disasters can strike anywhere in Latin America, and often without warning. They can

take on many forms - Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Tornados, Floods, and even Acts ofTerrorism. Disasters can build gradually over days and weeks, or strike suddenly with no

time to prepare. Unfortunately every year, millions of Latin Americans will face

disasters, and the terrifying consequences that follow.

Because disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, loss of income, and property

loss and damage; and because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning ofgovernments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great

severity; special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected countries in

expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and emergency services, and the

reconstruction and rehabilitation of devastated areas, are necessary.

It is the intent of the LAERCC, by this document, to provide an orderly and continuing

means of assistance by the Emergency Relief Committee to affected Latin Americacountries in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which

result from such disasters by revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster relief

programs;

Encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance

plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by local community organizations;

achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief

programs;

Encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses from disasters, including

development of educational programs,

Providing Emergency Relief assistance programs for private losses sustained in disasters

The Latin America Emergency Relief Committee (LAERCC) is responsible for the planning and implementation of all hazard preparedness programs in the Latino

community, and providing appropriate support to community hazard response activity in

Latin America's The Agency's primary mission is to protect the state and its citizens in

time of natural disaster or similar major emergency. When needed, the Committeeimplements its comprehensive emergency plans and coordinates state, local and

Emergency Relief resources to meet the needs of the Latin American nation in need and

its citizens.

LAERCC 's primary mission is to relieve the loss of life and property and to help

stakeholders in all types of dangers through a program of mitigation, preparedness,response and recovery

http://auto.xoomcounter.com/auto/map1/20799


4/19


5/19

DRAFT

communications, food suppliers, and medical facilities) and those businesses that

would impact the local and state economy.

4. Promote and support enforcement of the latest version of the model building code

as adopted by the State of Rhode Island and implemented without local

amendments.

5. Address relevant hazards and the risks they pose in state-level land use decisions,

including plans for State-owned property development. The State will alsoencourage the adoption of local land use plans that incorporate hazards into

decision-making.

6. Maintain a rapid emergency response plan and develop a post-disaster recoveryplan. Provide technical assistance to affected countries for development of local

recovery plans.

7. Develop programs to increase public awareness of the importance of proactiveplanning of emergency response to damage caused by natural hazards, through a

coordinated effort with multiple stakeholders.

8. Coordinate the administration of relief, including activities of the State and local

governments, the American National Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the

Mennonite Disaster Service, and other relief or disaster assistance organizations.

Coordinating Officer

Coordinates the administration of relief, including activities of the State and local

governments, the American National Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Mennonite

Disaster Service, and other relief or disaster assistance organizations. For the purpose ofcoordinating State and local disaster assistance efforts with those of the other local and

national organizations.

Standing Committees

Emergency support Committee

The Committee shall form emergency support teams of Community individuals to be

deployed in an area affected by a major disaster or emergency. Such emergency supportteams shall assist the Emergency Relief coordinating officer in carrying out his

responsibilities pursuant to this chapter. Upon request of the Committee, the head of anyEmergency Relief agency is directed to detail to temporary duty with the emergency

support teams on non reimbursable basis, as is determined necessary by the Committee,

such personnel within the administrative jurisdiction of the head of the Emergency Reliefagency as the Committee may need or believe to be useful for carrying out the functions

of the emergency support teams.



6/19

DRAFT

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee ensures the financial viability of the. Responsibilities include:

developing the organization's budget; identification of potential sources of revenue,

including the planning and oversight of fund-raising activities.

Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee's job is not simply to raise money. Instead, the

Fundraising Committee is responsible for overseeing the organization's overallfundraising and, in particular, the fundraising done by the board. To accomplish

this, its responsibilities are:

Public relations CommitteeThe Public Relations Committee positions the organization appropriately relative to theHispanic and mainstream communities. Responsibilities Include: oversight of

organization publications; oversight of relations with the press and media; and, oversight

of the processes by which the organization seeks Input from the Membership andcommunity.

Transportation CommitteeThe transportation committee is charge with the responsibility of developing and

coordinating all strategic transportation infrastructure required to transport all collected

material to designated staging agencies.



7/19

DRAFT

Emergency Contacts

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Luisa Murillo

CHisPA421 Elmwood Ave.

Providence, RI 02907

Phone 401-467-0111Fax 401-467-2507

Patricia Martinez

Progreso Latino602 Broad St.

Central Falls, RI 028

401-728-5920401-728-

Elvyz Ruiz

Quisqueya In Action807 Broad Street


Alido Baldera

Proyecto Esperanza400 Dexter Street

Central Falls, RI 02863

728-0515

Lidia Perez

Puertoriqueos UnidosPOB 8168

Warwick, RI 02888

737-0751

The Rhode Island Central

America Education FundP.O. Box 23145

Providence, RI 02903.

St. Michael's Church

399 Hope St.Bristol, RI

Pastor Raymond Tetrault

St. Teresa Church18 Pope Street


831-7714

Bill Shuey

International Institute of RI645 Elmwood Avenue


Phone: 781-4238

Olga Noguera

Guatelmatecos Unidos

421 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02907

Centro Latino

1162 Acushnet Ave.

New Bedford, MA

Aida HidalgoCatholic Diocese

1 Cathedral Sq. Plaza

Providence, RI 02907278-4526

Northeast Volunteers ofOptometric Services to

Humanity (VOSH),

C/o Carl Sakovits,Bristol County Medical Ctr.

1180 Hope St.

Bristol, RI 02809.

The Sisters of MercyOffice of Community Services

and Advocacy of the Diocese of

Providence421-7833.

American Red Cross

Rhode Island Chapter

105 Gano StProvidence, RI 02906

Phone: 401-831-7700

Fax: 401-831-0502

MG. Reginald A. Centracchio,

Director

Albert A. Scappaticci,Executive Director

Rhode Island Emergency

Management Agency645 New London Avenue

Cranston, RI 02920

Phone: (401) 946 - 9996

United Way ofSouthern New England229 Waterman St

Providence, RI 02906-5212Phone: 401-444-0600



8/19

DRAFT

MEDIA OULETS

Victor Hugo CuencaProvidence En Espaol

1849 Smith StreetNorth providence, RI 02911Phone: 401-353-3023

Fax: 401-233-0541

[email protected]

Tony MendezPoder 1110

1226 Mineral Spring Ave.North Providence, RI 02904Phone: 401-726-8413

Studio: 401 726-2200

Fax: [email protected]

Gil Antonio MejiaPresencia Newspaper

198 Eight StreetProvidence, RI 02806Phone: 401-272-7468

[email protected]

Reynaldo Almonte

WEHS La nueva Romance1232 Cranston Street

Cranston, RI 02910

Phone: 401-943-2782

FAX: 401-944-7903

Tatiana Pina

The providence Journal75 Fountain Street


Phone: 401-277-7303

FAX: [email protected]

Marion Davis

The providence Journal75 Fountain Street


Phone: 401-277-7303

FAX: [email protected]

Hugo Adames

La Inconfundible

WRIB 1220 AM200 Water Street


Phone: 401-434-0406

Fax: 401-434-0409

Nuevos Horizontes American News

Government Officials

Norelys ConsuegraSenator Jack Reed

201 Hillside Rd. Ste. 200

Cranston, RI 02920Phone: (401) 943-3100

(800) 284-4200

[email protected]

v

United States Senate320 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

(202) 224-4642

Jackie DacostaCongressman Patrick Kennedy

249 Roosevelt Ave., Ste. 200

Pawtucket, RI 02860Phone: (401) 729-5600

FAX: (401) 729-5608

1-800-392-5772

[email protected].

gov312 Cannon House Office

BuildingU.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. 20515

(202) 225-4911FAX: (202) 225-3290

Leonor M. GuerreroSenator Chaffee's Office

10 Dorrance St., Suite 221

Providence, RI 02903Phone: (401) 453-5294

[email protected].

gov

[email protected]

ov

505 Dirksen Building


(202) 224-2921

Yvette G. Jaquez Gov. Lincoln Almond Paul Tavarez

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


9/19

DRAFT

The Summit East

300 Centerville Road, Suite 200Warwick, RI 02886

Phone: (401) 732-9400

Fax (401) 732-2982

[email protected]

215 Cannon House Office

Building

Washington DC, 20515

(202) 225-2735Fax (202) 225-5976

7 Hillside Avenue

Lincoln, RI, 02865Phone: (401) 222-2080

Fax: (401) 273-5729

Email [email protected]

General Treasurer

State House Room 102Providence, RI, 02903

Phone: (401) 222-2397

Fax: (401) 222-6140

[email protected]

Central Falls City Hall

580 Broad Street

Central Falls, RI 02863FAX: 727-7410

Cranston City Hall

869 Park Avenue

Cranston, RI 02910

Newport City Hall

43 Broadway

Newport, RI 02840FAX: 848-5750

Pawtucket City Hall

137 Roosevelt Avenue

Pawtucket, RI 02860

FAX: 728-8932

Providence City Hall

25 Dorrance Street


FAX: 274-8240

West Warwick Town Hall

1170 Main Street

West Warwick, RI 02893

FAX: 822-9212

Woonsocket City Hall

169 Main StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895

FAX: 765-4569

East Providence City Hall

145 Taunton AvenueEast Providence, RI 02914

FAX: 438-1719

CONSULATES & EMBASSIES

Argentina

Embajada Argentina1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW


Phone: (202) 238-6400

Fax: (202) 332-3171

Bolivia

Consulado de Bolivia

85 Devonshire St., Suite 1000,Boston 02109.

Phone: (617) 742-1500

Chile

Consulado de Chile79 Milk Street

Boston, MA 02109 (EE.UU.)

Tel: (+1-617) 426-1678Fax: (+1-617) 426-6925

Colombia

Consulado de Colombia

535 BoylstonBoston, MA 02116 (EE.UU.)

Tel.: (+1-617) 536-6222

Fax: (+1-617) 536-9372

Costa Rica

Embassy of Costa Rica

2114 S Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20008

(202) 234-2945

(202) 234-2946

Ecuador

Consulado General del Ecuador

30 Montgomery Street,Suite 1020

Jersey City, New Jersey, 07302

Phone: (201) 985-1700

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


10/19

DRAFT

(202) 234-2947 VM : (201) 985-1300

Fax: (201) 985-2959

El Salvador

Consulado de El Salvador222 3rd St., Suite 1221,

Cambridge, 02139.Ms. Lorena SOL DE POOL,Consul

Guatemala

Guatemala Consulate General57 Park Avenue

New York, New York, 10016Phone: (001-212) 686-3837Fax: (001-212) 447-6947

Telex: (023) 236235

Honduras

Honduras Consulate General80 Wall St., Suite 915,

New York, NY10005Tel: (212) 269-3611).

Mxico

Consulado de Mxico

20 Park Plaza, Suite 506

Boston, MA 02116 (EE.UU.)Tel.: (+1-617) 426-4942

Fax: (+1-617) 695-1957

Nicaragua

Embassy of Nicaragua

New Hampshire Avenue, NW,

Washington DC 20009Telephone: (202) 939-6570

Panama

Consulate General Of Panama

1212 Avenue of the

Americas 10th Floor New York,NY 10036

Phone: (212)-840-2450

Fax - (212)-840-2469

ParaguayParaguay Consulate General675 3rd Avenue Suite 1604

New York, NY 10017

212-682-9441

PerConsulado de Per745 Atlantic Avenue Suite 810


Tel.: (+1-617) 338-1144

Fax: (+1-617) 880-4401

Repblica DominicanaConsulado de la RepblicaDominicana

20 Park Plaza, Suite 601


Tel: (+1-617) 482-8121Fax: (+1-617) 482-8133

Uruguay

Embassy of Uruguay

2715 M St. N.W, 3rd Floor,

Washington D.C. 20007

Telephone: (202) 331-1313FAX: (202) 331-8142

Venezuela

Consulado de Venezuela

545 Boylston St., Suite 603


Tel.: (+1-617) 266-9368Fax: (+1-617) 266-2350

Alberto

Beryl

ChrisDebby

Ernesto

Florence

GordonHelene

IsaacJoyce

Keith

Leslie

Michael

NadineOscar

Patty

Rafael

SandyTony

ValerieWilliam


2000 North Atlantic

Hurricane Storm Names

10


11/19

DRAFT

Necessary Disaster Supplies:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 days

Food - at least enough for 3 days

non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

foods for infants or the elderlysnack foods

Non-electric can opener

Cooking tools / fuel

Paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries - hygiene items

Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash

Keys

Important documents - in a waterproof container - insurance, medical records,

bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc

Document all valuables with videotape if possible

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

Proper identification / immunization records



12/19

DRAFT

Ample supply of food and water

A Pet carrier or cage if needed

Medications

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that requireno refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat

food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

*Include a selection of the following foods in yourDisaster Supplies Kit:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables

Canned juices

Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)

High energy foods

Vitamins

Food for infants

Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should

include:Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizesAssorted sizes of safety pinsCleansing agent/soapLatex gloves (2 pairs)Sunscreen2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)Triangular bandages (3)Non-prescription drugs2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

ScissorsTweezersNeedleMoistened towelettesAntisepticThermometerTongue blades (2)Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

http://www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/supplies.htmlhttp://www.redcross.org/disaster/safety/supplies.html


13/19

DRAFT

Non-Prescription Drugs

Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever

Anti-diarrhea medication

Antacid (for stomach upset)

Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Laxative

Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*Emergency preparedness manual*Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*

Flashlight and extra batteries*Cash or traveler's checks, change*Non-electric can opener, utility knife*Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC typeTube tentPliersTapeCompassMatches in a waterproof containerAluminum foilPlastic storage containers

Signal flarePaper, pencilNeedles, threadMedicine dropperShut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and waterWhistlePlastic sheetingMap of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes*

Soap, liquid detergent*Feminine supplies*Personal hygiene items*Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)Plastic bucket with tight lidDisinfectantHousehold chlorine bleach

http://198.79.220.3/aapcc/aapcc.htmhttp://198.79.220.3/aapcc/aapcc.htm


14/19

DRAFT

Clothing and Bedding

*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.Sturdy shoes or work boots*Rain gear*Blankets or sleeping bags*

Hat and glovesThermal underwearSunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderlyor disabled persons

For Baby*

FormulaDiapersBottlesPowdered milkMedications

For Adults*

Heart and high blood pressure medicationInsulinPrescription drugsDenture needsContact lenses and supplies



15/19

DRAFT

Extra

eyeglasses

Requerimie

nto de

alime

ntos

para

atend

er

damn

ificad

os y

perso

nas

en

albergues Alimento para bebes y biberones

Leche de larga duracin

Alimentos enlatados (carnes, sardinas, vegetales, sopas e.t.c)

Harinas y galletas

Granos bsicos

Otros alimentos

Material de evacuacin y rescate

Lanchas de base plana para 8 a 10 personas motor de 25 hp

Herramientas para reconstruccin (palas, piochas e.t.c)

Repelentes de insectos

Laminas de Zinc

Estufas y utensilios de cocina



16/19

DRAFT

Radios de comunicacin portatil

Ropas, botas, frasadas, colchonetas

Otros requerimientos urgentes

Puentes Bailey o estructuras de puentes similares

Equipo para mantenimiento de carreteras (tractores, Payloaders, camiones)

Plantas elctricas

Hospitales de campaa

Requerimientos de Medicamentos

Requerimientos de Medicamentos Requeridos Ofrecidos Faltantes

Amoxicilina Fc. 250 mg/5ml. 120,000

Amoxicilina Cp 500 mg. 320,000Ampicilina Fc. 1g. ( Polvo para inyeccin ) 60,000

Penicilina Procanica 4,000,000 U.I. 40,000

Penicilina Benzatnica 1,200,000 U.I 60,000

Penicilina Cristalina FC. 5,000,000 U.I. 40,000

Tetraciclina Cp 500 mg 320,000

Eritromicina Tb. 500 mg ( No estolato ) 160,000

Eritromicina Suspencin 200 mg./ 5 ml. ( No estolato ) 40,000

Trimetoprim Sulfametoxazol 40/200 mg/5ml.Suspencin

320,000

Trimetoprim Sulfametoxazol Tb. 80/400 mg 320,000

Aspirina Tab 500 mg 250,000

Paracetamol Jarabe 125 mg/5ml 300,000

Paracetamol Tableta 500 mg 300,000

Naproxeno 250 mg. 500mg 350,000

Lidocana Fc. 2% 400

Lidocana Fc. 10% 1000

Lidocana + Hidrocortisona 2% / 1% 500

Sales de Rehidratacin Oral 400,000

Clotrimazol Unguento tubo 1% 120,000

Agua Destilada para inyeccin 10 ml 60,000

Oxitetraciclina + Polimixina. unguento Oftalmico 120,000Cloranfenicol. unguento 40,000

Cloranfenicol Gotas Oftlmologicas 40,000

Clorhexidina + Cetrinide ( Solucin Jabonosa )

Galones

20,000

Tinidazol Tb. 500 mg 640,000

Mebendazol Tb. 100 mg 600,000

Albendazol Tb. 200 mg 600,000



17/19

DRAFT

Yodopovidona fc 10% Galones 40

Salbutamol fc aerosol 10 mg/disparo 20,000

Beclometazona fc aerosol 500 mg / disparo 20,000

Hexacloruro de gamma benceno 120,000

Dextrosa en agua ( 500 ml ) 2,000

Dextrosa en agua 5% ( 500 ml ) 2,000Dextrosa al 50% 2,000

Lactato de Sodio + Electrolitos mixto 1000 ml( Solucin Hartman )

40,000

Polimixina B - neomicina + crema dermatolgica 80,000

Aminofilina 250 mg /10ml Ampolla 40,000

Dextrosa 5% + cloruro de sodio 0.3% bolsas de 250,

500 y 1000 ml ( 60,000 de cada presentacin )

180,000

Dextrosa 5% + Cloruro de Sodio 0.45% bolsas de 250,

bolsas de 1000 ml. ( 60,000 de cada presentacin )

180,000

Dextrosa 5% + Cloruro de sodio 0.9% bolsas de 250 ml

y 500 ml ( 60,000 de cada presentacin )

120,000

Cloruro de Sodio 0.9% 250, 500 y 100 ml( 60,000 de cada presentacin )

120,000

Suero antiofidico polivalente anticrotalido 2,000

Suero antifidio polivalente anticoral 2,000

Inmuno globulina humano antitetnica 250 U.I 2,000

Cloroquina TB 150 mg / base 10,720,00

0

Primaquina TB 5 mg / base 5,800,000

Primaquina TB 15 mg / base 7,500,000

Glibenclamida Tabletas 5 mg 50,000

Salbutamol Jarabe 2 mg / 5 ml 80,000

Insulina Isofanica humana ( NPH) 100 U.I./ ml 30,000

Enalapril tb 20 mg 50,000

Furosemida tb 40 mg 50,000

Alfa metildopa tb 500 mg 50,000

Atenolol tb 100 mg 50,000

Hidralazina tb 25 mg 50,000

Difenhidramina fco 2.5 mg / ml 100,000



18/19

DRAFT

Dear Sir/Madam;

Hurricane ________ devastated the _________ countries and left their people struggling

to survive. So much is needed by so many and with this in mind the ________ ReliefEffort, a coalition of civic organizations and churches, has been formed to help relieve

this suffering. Our goal is to raise funds as quickly as possible to aid these devastated

countries.

With this in mind a Telethon has been planned for this ____________, from 2:00 5:00

PM at _______________. The telethon has been organized by _____________ and the

_____________________.

CAN WE COUNT ON YOUR HELP? All donations are greatly needed and will be

appreciated. Checks should be made to _____________ Relief Fund. For additionalinformation please call _________________________________.

Sincerely

Juan Doe

Coordinator

JD/bi



19/19

DRAFT

APENDIX A

What Is Mitigation?

Mitigation is the cornerstone of emergency management. It's the ongoing effort to lessen

the impact disasters have on people and property. Mitigation involves keeping homesaway from floodplains, engineering bridges to withstand earthquakes, creating andenforcing effective building codes to protect property from hurricanes -- and more.

Mitigation is defined as "sustained action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk topeople and property from natural hazards and their effects." It describes the ongoing

effort at the Emergency Relief, State, local, and individual levels to lessen the impact of

disasters upon our families, homes, communities and economy.

Through the application of mitigation technologies and practices, our society can ensure

that fewer Americans and their communities become victims of natural disasters. Forexample, mitigation measures can be applied to strengthen your home, so that your

family and belongings are better protected from floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, andother natural hazards. They can be utilized to help business and industry avoid damages

to their facilities and remain operational in the face of catastrophe. Mitigationtechnologies can be used to strengthen hospitals, fire stations, and other critical service

facilities so that they can remain operational or reopen more quickly after an event. In

addition, mitigation measures can help reduce disaster losses and suffering so that there isless demand for money and resources in the aftermath.

REFERENCE

American Red CrossEmergency Relief Emergency Management Agency FEMA

Ernesto Figueroa

National Hurricane CenterUnited Way

United States Code Title 42. The Public Health And Welfare Chapter 68--Disaster Relief

L ti A i E R li f J 17 200019

emergency relief plan

Documents