To mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13, the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) hosted a conference-debate at its headquarters centered on the theme "Resilience starts at home". An awareness-raising campaign was also conducted in several schools across the North-East Department.

This theme aligns with a conviction Civil Protection has championed for years: when facing hazards, the first response is local. It begins within families, is built within communities, and is strengthened through the coordinated action of institutions and disaster risk management stakeholders.

Through a thematic presentation by Mr. Paul Judex Édouarzin—Deputy Representative and Country Programme Manager for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and discussions with participants, a key message emerged: preparedness begins long before an emergency strikes ! Understanding the risks surrounding one's home, creating a family emergency plan, identifying evacuation routes, gathering essential supplies, and agreeing on family safety actions are all steps that can save lives. Because a prepared family is better equipped to handle emergencies, every household has a role to play. Resilience begins with concrete actions : identifying the hazards to which one’s environment is exposed, securing one’s home as much as possible, agreeing as a family on the proper course of action during an emergency, knowing evacuation routes and shelters designated by the authorities, preparing essential supplies, and monitoring alerts and official instructions. This preparation must also take into account the needs of children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and anyone requiring special assistance.

Resilience is a shared responsibility that requires ongoing engagement, long before, immediately before, during, and after emergency situations.

Furthermore, an awareness-raising campaign aimed at strengthening the culture of disaster prevention and preparedness has been conducted within school communities. It is essential to educate students, teachers, and school administrators on the appropriate actions to take before, during, and after a disaster.

Continuing such activities, accompanied by practical drills and the active engagement of relevant stakeholders, remains crucial for reducing the vulnerability of schools and fostering communities that are better prepared for disasters in the North-East Department.

The General Directorate of Civil Protection calls on Haitian families to make prevention a daily practice and encourages communities to continue their efforts regarding preparedness and solidarity. It reaffirms its commitment to strengthening—in collaboration with other SNGRD bodies and all relevant stakeholders—initiatives related to information, awareness, preparedness, and coordination across the entire country.

S/ HaitiLibre