Preparing for emergencies

In recent times, both local incidents in Sarawak and national events have shed light on a critical issue: our preparedness for emergencies and disasters.

The ancient Roman general Flavius Vegetius Renatus once wisely said, “Si vis pacem, parabellum,” which translates to “If you want peace, prepare for war.” This centuries-old adage remains incredibly relevant even today, emphasizing the importance of readiness and the courage to confront potential threats.

At its core, this saying stresses the vital need to anticipate any situation that may arise. In the present context, the concept of resilience emerges as paramount. The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) defines resilience as the ability of a system, community, or organization to endure, adapt to, and recover from hazards efficiently and swiftly.

Neglecting resilience can have dire consequences: economic instability, disruption of essential services, and a loss of trust among the population and investors. Small to medium disasters, as well as large-scale calamities, can severely disrupt community services like food distribution, water supply, healthcare, transportation, waste management, and communication networks. These disruptions isolate communities, intensifying the impact of disasters and impeding recovery efforts.

Most emergencies originate as minor incidents but can quickly escalate if not managed effectively, potentially leading to a crisis, disaster, or even a catastrophe. Acting promptly and efficiently within the first five critical minutes is the cornerstone of effective emergency management, significantly influencing the magnitude of damage and the speed of recovery.

Disaster preparedness encompasses actions taken by governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to respond to and cope with the immediate aftermath of incidents, whether triggered by human activities, industrial failures, or natural hazards. Effective preparedness not only saves lives but also expedites recovery, lowers costs, and conserves crucial time.

In Sarawak and across Malaysia, the duty of disaster preparedness surpasses official agencies like Bomba (the Fire and Rescue Department). Communities need to embrace their role in fire safety and disaster prevention. Educating the public about preparedness and swift response actions within the initial five minutes of an emergency is a key focus area for Bomba. By fostering a culture of resilience, Bomba aims to cultivate fire-resistant and disaster-resilient communities.

Despite the challenges posed by Malaysia’s diverse and dispersed population, widespread participation in fire safety programs and disaster mitigation efforts is essential. These initiatives should engage all age groups continuously to embed fire safety and disaster preparedness into community norms.

An informed individual with the ability to respond promptly and safely can significantly impact not only their safety but also that of others. Each citizen holds the potential to be a lifesaver. By nurturing a positive mindset and equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can empower people to handle emergencies confidently and contribute to community safety.

Changing perceptions about disaster preparedness requires a shift in mindset. It is crucial to dispel the notion that fire safety and disaster management solely fall under the purview of Bomba and government bodies. Analyses of statistics and forensic reports often reveal that communities themselves play a significant role in emergency outcomes. Hence, altering this perception is crucial for effective disaster management.

Communities must acknowledge their role in preventing unsafe conditions, attitudes, and behaviours to instil a sense of shared responsibility. Bomba Malaysia actively raises awareness and provides education to ensure that communities possess accurate and positive knowledge about disaster preparedness. This knowledge enables residents to identify high-risk areas, assess hazards, forge partnerships, bolster safety measures, and devise effective strategies.

Moreover, communities must guard against misinformation or false news that can jeopardize their security and stability. Armed with the right knowledge, communities can navigate incidents and disasters more effectively despite limited resources.

Bomba’s approach revolves around the “3E’s” model: Education, Engineering, and Enforcement. This holistic strategy aims to mitigate community risks through intentional, cost-effective, and sustainable planning. By promoting best practices and fostering a culture of preparedness, Bomba strives to create a community of lifesavers and risk evaluators.

Thus, preparing for the unforeseen is not merely about reacting to emergencies but also about proactively building resilience. Communities, organisations, and individuals must collaborate to embed disaster preparedness and fire safety into their daily routines. Through education, engagement, and a shared sense of responsibility, we can turn fear into proactive action and construct more robust, resilient communities capable of confronting any challenge that comes their way.

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.