Community-based disaster preparedness involves engaging local communities in planning and managing disaster risks. It builds on local knowledge and capacities, ensuring that households and neighborhoods are active participants in assessing risks, creating evacuation plans, and setting up early warning systems. This approach helps communities take ownership of disaster risk reduction and strengthens their ability to respond quickly when hazards occur. By reducing vulnerability at the local level, it contributes directly to climate adaptation.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
This approach is highly feasible in the Caribbean because it can use existing community structures such as centro di barrio in Curaçao or neighborhood councils in Aruba and St. Martin. These platforms can host training sessions, store emergency supplies, and coordinate local response plans. However, success depends on strong collaboration between local authorities, NGOs, and residents. Digital tools for early warning and risk mapping can complement traditional methods, making preparedness more effective.
Co-benefits
Community-based preparedness does more than reduce disaster risk. It increases climate awareness and strengthens social cohesion by bringing people together to plan and act collectively. Preparedness activities can also be linked to ecosystem restoration, community agriculture, and water management, creating multiple benefits for resilience and sustainability.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Inclusive participation is critical. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income households must be identified and actively involved in planning. Information should be clear, culturally appropriate, and available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility. Tailoring actions to different needs helps prevent exclusion and ensures that no one is left behind during emergencies.
Costs
Low – Medium | Costs for community-based disaster preparedness are relatively low compared to large-scale infrastructure projects. Most expenses relate to training, communication materials, and basic equipment for early warning systems or emergency shelters. These investments are cost-effective because they reduce losses from disasters and improve recovery speed. Funding can come from local budgets, regional programs, and international climate adaptation funds.
Case-studies & Examples
Literature
- Anglade, B., Cucagna, E., de Hoop, J., & Paffhausen, A. L. (2024). Disaster risk preparedness of households in the Caribbean. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 115, 104956.
- Collodi, J., Pelling, M., Fraser, A., Borie, M., & Di Vicenz, S. (2021). How do you build back better so no one is left behind? Lessons from Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean, following Hurricane Irma. Disasters, 45(1), 202-223.
- Ministry of Health Environment and Nature. 2014. National Report of Curacao.