Haiti: Johanniter starts disaster preparedness - early warning project

Johanniter International Assistance has started its project on disaster preparedness financed by the German Federal Foreign Office 1st July 2011. Two international trainers will train 20 Haitian trainers in disaster preparedness and first aid according to international standards. The recently trained Haitian trainers will then go to the communities of Léogâne and show around 30,000 people how they can best prepare for an emergency.

A special focus lies on women, children and people with disabilities. In addition to the training of the vulnerable population, 13 emergency collecting points will be identified and equipped with flashlights, ropes, shovels, stretchers etc.

During the training 13 committees (10 to 15 persons) will be appointed and trained in disaster management, crisis management and risk analysis. The committees are responsible for the maintenance of the 13 emergency collecting points. In two simulation exercises the committees and the population can practice the acquired knowledge.

Johanniter International Assistance will also set up an earthquake early warning system.