I found this interesting article on the Philippine Star that in certain countries where people have become reliant on rescue groups like "911". They are teaching people to what is called "bystander rescue".
Under this setup, laymen are being trained with the assumption that the supposed elite rescue teams are not always helpful in times of disaster.
Reigi Cruz, director of the non-government organization Emergency Resource Center Inc., said it was high time that people “learn to be self-reliant and protect themselves.”
"Within 72 to 98 hours from the time of impact of a disaster, you only have each other to depend on for help." Cruz told The STAR in an interview.
“There’s the mentality that it (disaster) will never happen to me,” Cruz stressed, explaining why the pro-active role of residents in preparing for worst-case scenario has not been so popular in the Philippines.
“Everything’s (information) on the Internet and available to the public,” Cruz said.
According to Cruz, there is a law stating this need to empower citizens in times of disaster, with school curricula supposed to include disaster preparedness.
“Even in scouting before, disaster preparedness was included,” he added.
Cruz is right, I wonder why they don't teach kids basic survival and first aid in school. I don't recall that being taught to us when I was in school. In a country where we are hit by typhoons and earthquakes every year. There should be a disaster preparedness course in all levels.
It doesn't have to be done ever week. Once to twice a semester should be good enough.
With this course, everyone will know what to do and how to help each other.
Learn To Rescue Yourselves
Friday, October 02, 2009 1:27 PM
Filed Under: disaster, emergency, philippine star, preparedness |1 comments
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I hope you will look over this important disaster preparedness/recovery information for your community.
When the dust settles, who will carry the mantle for disaster survivors?! This should help understanding:
What do you expect in case of an insured loss? Are You Disaster Ready? (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, etc.). US President Obama affirms government's laissez-faire policy with his telling response!
I do believe President Obama has good intentions when it comes to disaster preparedness/recovery. However, the insurance lobby may simply be too powerful for basic information to reach the public. That is my conclusion after writing him and ensuing dialogue at www.disasterprepared.net/whitehouse.html ...I do hope you have the time to examine that dialogue, it is revealing.
Perhaps what big government cannot accomplish, citizens can! They can make basic insurance rights and information available to their community and more importantly to disaster survivors in their time of need: www.disasterprepared.net/preparedness.html
Thank you for any consideration you may give!
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