PROJECT HANDBOOK

EARLY WARNINGS SYSTEMS

AND
COMMUNITY AWARENESS

Project Design by Pat Reid

PROJECT PROPOSAL COMPILED BY: PAT REID

STRATEGY FOR THE INTRODUCTION
OF
EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
AND
A COMMUNITY AWARENESS PROJECT
1. PREAMBLE
The value of early warning systems and the importance of an alert and aware
community in the risk elimination and risk reduction have been well recorded
and cannot be underestimated.
The recent spate of disasters which severely affected communities in a
number of Provinces in the country have once again highlighted the need for
urgent intervention by creating community awareness and introducing early
warning systems which will ultimately inculcate risk avoidance behaviour in
communities at risk to disaster.
2. INTRODUCTION
The White Paper on Disaster Management sets out very clearly governments
policy on Capacity Building, Training and Community Awareness.
The key policy proposals set out in the White Paper in this context, embrace
inter alia

the development of a strategy to reduce the vulnerability of South

Africans especially the poor and disadvantaged communities to
disasters

the establishment of a framework to enable communities to be

informed, alert, self reliant and capable of supporting and co operating
with government in disaster prevention and mitigation

the introduction of a funding system which builds sufficient capacity to

respond to disasters and provides for adequate post disaster recovery

The White Paper emphasises the need to develop community support for
disaster prevention and management. The policy suggests that municipalities
enlist the support of communities and local business in the establishment of
Disaster Management Plans. It further moots the establishment of volunteer
services similar to the system of Police Reservists to improve capacity and to
increase public awareness of Disaster Management.
In the section on Training and Community Awareness, special training
programmes for people interested in volunteering their services is listed as

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one of the key target groups. It is emphasised that these programmes should
address issues such as:

mitigation
prevention
vulnerability assessments
greater awareness of risks and hazards
as well as general preparedness and response

The Disaster Management Bill, 2002 on the other hand, makes repeated
reference to the dissemination of information, community awareness and
early warning systems and places responsibility at all three spheres of
government for these initiatives. An entire Chapter is devoted to the
establishment of volunteer units to participate in disaster management in
municipalities.
3. THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The introduction of a national strategy to address the needs identified will
ensure a common approach with readily accessible material.
The intention is to disseminate the best information, to the most with the
least by the fewest!
The strategy should be simple and focused. It was therefore decided that the
project focus on a two-pronged strategy which will eliminate the need to
produce material in 11 different languages and which will address the problem
of illiteracy. The two strategies however, should be co-ordinated in order to
compliment and reinforce each other.
3.1. Community Awareness Strategy
3.1.1. Target Group:
The essence of this strategy is to focus on school children and rural
communities particularly in those communities most at risk. The school
children would, in turn, be encouraged to take the information home to their
parents and families. This would ensure that even illiterate individuals could
be accessed.
3.1.2. Trainers
Training would be conducted by teachers, disaster management functionaries,
traditional leaders and community volunteers. The trainers would be required
to attend a short one-day Facilitators Training module, to enable them to
transfer the information to the target groups.

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3.1.3. Training Content and Material
3.1.3.1.

Topics

The information content consists of short, simple and easily remembered tips
on what to do and how to behave (what not to do) in hazardous conditions.
The following seven topics have been included for the initial thrust:
Heavy rain and flooding
Thunderstorms/Lightning
Gale force winds
Tornadoes
Veld fires
Domestic fires
Cholera
The fundamental intention is to develop a culture of risk avoidance behaviour
in individuals.
The Information focuses on mitigation, prevention and preparedness in
relation to the hazards identified and includes

information which will do away with the myths associated with

natural hazards e.g. tornadoes
how to recognise early warnings signs
the importance of heeding warnings
what to do on receipt of a warning
what to do once an incident has already occurred
how and where to obtain help
3.1.3.2.

Media

The media to be used expands on a product already introduced by the City of

Cape Towns Disaster Management Centre. The product consists of a
gimmick called the Eye Spy which is a rectangular box-like cube with two
round magnifying lenses which, when held up to the eye and peered through,
reveal an astonishing amount of information in a small space which is all
depicted in graphic form. The dimensions of each side of the cube are only
5cm square.

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The following example of the outside cover artwork and the two inside panels
of one of the cubes depicts the dos and donts to prevent domestic fires.

The Eye Spys which have been developed for this project consist of pictures
only, and therefore transcend all language barriers and illiteracy.
The target groups will be subjected to short but slightly more detailed
information/training sessions on hazards which are appropriate to their

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circumstances. The presentations will be supported by visual aids in the form
of Power Point Presentations and black and white reproductions of the
artwork which can be printed on A4 paper and distributed for colouring in. At
the end of the session each participant will be issued with a set of Eye Spys
to take home. They will be encouraged to further disseminate the information
to family and friends by showing them the Eye Spy and explaining the
content.
4. Dissemination of Early Warnings Strategy
It is also a commonly known fact that radio is the most accessible of all
communication media to the widest of populations. It too, transcends illiteracy
and is accessible to the various language groups in our country via the local
community radio stations.
In the state of Victoria in Australia the State Emergency Service (the
equivalent to our Disaster Management Centres) has linked up with the
Bureau of Meteorology and local community radio stations and introduced an
early warning mechanism. The system is called News Tag Alerts. It was
introduced as part of the United Nations International Decade for Natural
Disaster Reduction. The series of Alerts were designed to provide a valuable
community service and are used in cases of severe weather. They are
preceded by a unique warning signal followed by a recorded message and
are played immediately after weather broadcasts, after newscasts and on
receipt of weather warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. The severe
weather warnings are recorded on a CD and distributed free of charge to all
the local radio stations.
An example of the alert for a Severe Thunderstorm is as follows:
The current thunderstorm warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology,
indicates the strong probability of intense storm activity in the area.
In the interests of community safety the SES suggests some simple
precautions:

secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home, then:

stay indoors if possible
if you are outdoors avoid, sheltering under trees
listen to the radio station for storm updates
switch off computers and electrical appliances

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the SES.

A second CD contains the Standard Emergency Warning Signal which is
utilised to alert communities to disasters or threatening disasters. It is played
prior to the reading of a 15 and 30 second community service announcement
issued by the State Emergency Response Officer (equivalent of our Head of
Disaster Management Centre).

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It is proposed that a similar system be implemented in South Africa by
entering into a partnership with the local and national media as well as the SA
Weather Service and to:

prepare CDs duplicating the information contained in the Eye Spy

material for the seven topics referred to previously
introduce a standard emergency warning signal mechanism for disasters
and threatening disasters in South Africa and to prepare CDs for
distribution accordingly.

The introduction of a project of this nature will ensure that people become
familiar with the sound of the signal and immediately listen to the broadcast
and alter their behaviour pattern accordingly.
5. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, a concerted effort to implement this as a national community
awareness programme and a mechanism for the dissemination of early
warnings, is long overdue. The media are always eager to report extensively
on disasters and incidents once they have occurred, but we now need to join
hands, in a concerted effort to reduce risk and prevent both the day-to-day
tragedies as well as the major disasters by introducing this strategy.

Pat Reid

PROPOSED CONTENT OF EARLY WARNING MESSAGES AND BASIS

FOR EYE SPY CONTENT
1. THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING
The current thunderstorm warning issued by the SA Weather Service,
indicates the strong probability of intense storm activity accompanied by
lightning in the area.
In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management
Centre suggests some simple precautions:
Secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home, then:

Stay indoors if possible and avoid taking a shower or a bath

If you are outside, take shelter in a low lying place away from trees,
poles and metal objects
If you are out boating or swimming return to the shore and find
shelter immediately
Crouch low to the ground, place your head between you knees do
not lie flat
Switch off computers and electrical appliances and avoid using the
telephone
Listen to the radio station for weather bulletins and storm updates

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the

_________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal
Disaster Management Centre.
2. HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING
The SA Weather Services current flood warning for some river systems
indicates the possibility of flooding in the near future.
In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management
Centre suggests some simple precautions:

Do not attempt to cross low lying areas of swift moving water either
by foot or in a vehicle of any description
If you live close to a river in an informal settlement in a temporary
dwelling, head for higher ground
Do not drink flood water as it may be contaminated
If you live in formal housing on the banks of a river watch the level
of the river and be prepared to evacuate in the case of a flash flood
or the river bursting its banks

Where practical move furniture, appliances and valuables to the

highest level possible
Move vehicles, stock, garbage and poisons to a high place
Secure any objects that could float and cause damage
Prepare to turn off electricity and gas supplies
Prepare reserves of medical, clothing, food and water supplies
Listen to the radio station for weather updates
Watch out for snakes and scared animals who may seek shelter in
your home

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the

_________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal
Disaster Management Centre.
3. GALE FORCE WINDS
The current strong wind warning issued by the SA Weather Service, indicates
that strong and possible damaging winds are likely in our area over the next
few hours.
In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management
Centre suggests some simple precautions:

Secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home, then:

Stay indoors if possible and remain in the centre of the room away
from windows and glass doors, do not crouch in corners
If you are outdoors avoid sheltering under trees and beware of
fallen power lines
If you are boating return to shore as soon as possible
Listen to the radio station for weather updates

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the

_________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal
Disaster Management Centre.
4. TORNADOES
The current warning issued by the SA Weather Service, indicates the
possibility tornadoes in the area.
In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management
Centre suggests some simple precautions:
If you are outdoors:

If you are in a vehicle and can see the funnel at a distance stop
the vehicle immediately

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Try to establish the direction of the Tornados movement and

drive away in the opposite direction be aware, however, that
there could be more than one tornado in the area
If you are out in the open or if the tornado is too close to your
vehicle, abandon the vehicle immediately and seek shelter
under a causeway or ditch
Get as low as possible to avoid the debris and to try and get
some relief from the winds
Protect your head and neck with your arms
If you are caught in the vehicle, keep your safety belt on and
open the window and slip down as low as possible to avoid
flying debris
if it is an intense Tornado it will throw your car around but
provided you are buckled up and have a strong heart you should
survive the ordeal.

If you are indoors or in built up area:

Do not try and close windows or doors

If you are caught in a building, seek shelter in the following
places in order of preference:
An underground cellar, shelter, basement or vault.
Under a mattress underneath a sturdy table or bed
against an inner wall.
In an office environment get under a desk away from
the windows against an inner wall.
Try and find shelter in an area free of loose objects.
A vault or walk in safe is a good place provided it is
not electronically sealed during power cuts
If you are in a mobile home, caravan or informal
settlement home, get outside and seek shelter in an
underground storm cellar or ditch and protect your
head and neck with your arms

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by the

_________________ Branch of the SA Weather Service and your Municipal
Disaster Management Centre.
5. VELD AND FOREST FIRES
The SA Weather Services current warning of extremely hot dry and windy
weather conditions is conducive to runaway veld and forest fires in the area.
In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management
Centre suggests some simple precautions:

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if you are a landowner do not burn fire breaks or do controlled burning

under the present conditions
do not make open, uncontained fires
do not leave contained braai fires unattended and ensure that they are
properly extinguished when you have finished
only extinguish cigarette butts in an ashtray
do not throw cigarette butts out of moving or stationery vehicles or onto the
ground
if your home is surrounded by fire prone bush and vegetation always make
sure that your garden hose is connected and that you have a fire
extinguisher handy
do not allow children to play with matches
listen to the radio station for weather updates

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by your

Municipal Fire Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

6. DOMESTIC FIRES
The current cold weather increases the danger of domestic fires in informal
settlements. Many people die each year as a result of domestic fires.
In the interests of community safety your Municipal Disaster Management
Centre suggests some simple precautions:
If you use candles for lighting take the following precautions:

Always place the candle in a proper candle holder to prevent

it falling over
Never place a candle or any other open flame near a curtain
or open window
Never go to sleep with the candle still burning

If you use a paraffin stove or a gas cooker for cooking:

ensure that your stove or gas cooker is in good working order

with the correct connections
do not use the cooker or stove if there are any leakages
always place the stove on a clear, level surface
keep the stove away from any curtains or other material that
can burn
never place it on top of an electric stove

Never place a heater close to any material that can burn

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NEVER MAKE AN OPEN FIRE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE UNLESS YOU
MAKE SURE THAT THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN AND AIR CAN GET
INSIDE, OTHERWISE YOU WILL SUFFOCATE!
Do not allow your children to play with matches and teach them the
dangers of playing with them
This message is presented in the interests of community safety by your
Municipal Fire Service and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.
7. CHOLERA
Remember Cholera kills. This is a precautionary warning presented in the
interests of community safety by your Municipal Disaster Management Centre
and you local Health Service, which suggests some simple precautions
against cholera.
If you do not have access to piped Municipal tap water and sanitation
you must take the following precautions:
Drinking water:

Never drink water from a river or stream

All water which is not Municipal tap water must be purified
(cleaned) before you drink it by treating it as follows:
Add I teaspoon of Jik to 20 litres of water and mix it. Leave the
water in the container for at least two hours before you drink it.
or
Boil the water for at least 15 minutes in a pot with a tight fitting
lid or cover it with a clean cloth

Sanitation:

Make sure that your water supply is kept safe from human
waste, do not allow people in your area to use the streams
and rivers or the areas close by, as a toilet
Human waste infects the water and if you drink infected
water you can contract cholera and other diseases
Pit toilets must be properly erected so that they do not affect
the underground water
Refuse left open breeds flies. Flies spread disease. Make
sure that refuse is removed regularly and either buried or
burnt.

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Food preparation

Always wash raw fruit and vegetables in clean purified water

before use
Cook food in clean purified water and eat the food while it is
still hot
Store cooked food in sealed containers
Wash your hands with soap and clean water after going to
the toilet and before handling food

The signs of Cholera:

The first sign is a watery, runny stomach

This causes the person to lose a lot of water from their body very quickly
The person feels weak and complains of cramp in the arms and legs
Eventually the skin becomes cold and wrinkled

What to do if you develop a runny stomach:

REMEMBER:
A person can die from Cholera very quickly if the persons body fluid is
not replaced by means of a water, salt and sugar mixture or watery rice
or mealie meal porridge in large quantities

Take 1 litre clean (purified) water and add 8 level teaspoons of sugar
and half a teaspoon of salt mix together
or

For rice or mealie meal porridge, mix half a cup of rice or mealie meal
with one litre of clean (purified) water and boil for 6-7 minutes

Give one of these special mixtures to the person to drink as soon as

the persons stomach is runny the first time, and thereafter, after
each watery stool
If the person loses a lot of water, or feels or looks weak take the
person to the clinic or doctor straight away but remember to keep
on giving the person the special mixture

This message is presented in the interests of community safety by your local

Health Services and your Municipal Disaster Management Centre.

Pat Reid

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