Disaster Resource Centre

Opportunity to become a Site Administrator and Author

2015-08-24T00:35:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

I was just reviewing this site and appreciating the consistent readership over the years. I very much enjoyed establishing this blog, and also posting content and updates. Recently - as you may have noticed - I haven't posted much. Currently I'm maintaining three other sites and have two part-time jobs and volunteer positions as well as writing commitments, so I just can't administer this site on my own any more.

Which means, there is an opportunity for someone to come on board to be lead administrator of this site! Ideally it will be someone who:

is interested in the topic of disaster preparedness and response
is technically proficient, and
has a strong connection with the Brahma Kumaris community

The time commitment should only be around an hour a week. That would be enough to maintain and strengthen this site that has quite a substantial readership and high number of unique visitors daily.

This site could potentially become an even stronger resource for the BK community as well as other NGOs, faith-based groups and community groups.

But it needs you to do it!

For those of you who are interested, please email me: tamasin.ramsay@gmail.com so we can discuss how to proceed. This is a creative and innovative opportunity for someone to take the lead, write content and keep the BK community abreast of current and relevant thinking around disaster preparedness. I will remain available to offer support at any time. Looking forward to your response!

Stay safe.
In peace,
Tamasin

Disaster Relief in Nepal

2015-04-30T03:02:00.000-04:00

From: Brahmakumaris News Desk <bknewsdesk@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 30, 2015 at 12:35 AM
Subject: Brahmakumaris Relief Material for Nepal Earthquake Victims
To:

Dear Divine Family
Greetings of Peace From Brahmakumaris

This is for your kind information that 'Brahmakumaris Disaster Management Services' (BKDMS)
is operating "Relief Camps" for Quake Affected People at Katmandu,Muzaffarpur,Birgunj & Raxaul
since 26th April 2015. A team of Ham Radio Operators, Telecommunication Experts, Doctors & Nurses from International H.Q Mount Abu have joined Local Brahmakumaris Volunteers in Nepal to speed up Relief Work along with Relief Material that includes food packets,water bottles, medicines, clothes, blankets, water proof tents, milk powder.

On 29th April 2015 "Jet Airways" has offered to carry Brahmakumaris Relief Material FREE of Charge from Delhi & Mumbai International Airports. Relief Material includes 3 types of items viz : 1) Biscuits 2) Tarpaulins 3) Blankets. Anyone willing to help can pack any of the above mentioned items in 3' x3' Box and inform the concerned persons : Brahmakumari Sister Harsha :+919987414422 / Brahmakumar Nitin :+919987410009.

Thank You. Om Shanti.

In Service of Humanity

Brahmakumaris Disaster Management Services

Are Spiritual Care Providers counsellors?

2013-12-05T03:22:00.000-05:00

At the recent Disaster Readiness retreat at the Wilton BK Centre for Spiritual Learning, we had some important (and fun!) conversations about being spiritual care providers.

After a series of both entertaining and sometimes challenging scenarios and role plays, some felt unprepared or untrained, leading us to consider what the boundaries of spiritual care are. As people who offer spiritual support we are not counsellors. It is also important though, to know the guidelines of good practice in the unique context of disaster. Our work is twofold: to be a caring, kind presence to people who have been through difficult times, while also being alert to signs of mental illness and psychological distress that may require professional care, so we can refer people if required. This is why we need to do retreats and train together.

Another important consideration as a spiritual care provider is to remember to hold an attitude of "being with" rather than "being there for". The first creates a feeling of equality and sister/ brotherhood. The second can make people feel disempowered and vulnerable.

On the resources page, there are some new 'tip sheets' about spiritual/ emotional/ psychological care. Also, here is a full length manual on spiritual care from New York disaster chaplain services. While some is specific to New York much of it is broadly applicable and quite comprehensive.

Humanitarian Disaster Response course

2013-11-29T16:21:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Deakin University is offering a free online course in Humanitarian Disaster Response, with an opportunity to articulate to a Graduate Certificate in the future. This is a great opportunity for those who want to work as a volunteer for NGOs or disaster relief operations. Here is the link where you can enrol, login, and begin the course:
http://www.deakinconnect.com/theme/pages/about.html

Disaster Readiness Retreat

2013-11-19T05:36:00.000-05:00

It's only recently that the bush fires that ravaged the east coast of Australia were brought under control. The people and land of the Philippines have just experienced one of the most severe environmental disasters of its history. We truly have to be well-prepared socially, environmentally, spiritually and physically to manage the increased vulnerability that we all live with daily.

This weekend there is a retreat at the Brahma Kumaris retreat centre "Inner Space" at Wilton, NSW (which was recently evacuated due to the bush fires). The course will cover the general phenomenon of disasters, physical preparedness and how to prepare your homes and centers for disasters.

The weekend will also include a special session on bush fires, their unique behavior and how to stay safe when bush fires are raging.

Also, there will be two sessions on resilience and being spiritual care providers in the context of being present for others during disasters.

It should be a great weekend!

On-Line Course in Disaster Response

2013-08-10T07:11:00.000-04:00

Deakin University is offering a free online course in Humanitarian Disaster Response, with an opportunity to articulate to a Graduate Certificate in the future. This is a great opportunity for those who want to work as a volunteer for NGOs or disaster relief operations. Here is the link where you can enrol, login, and begin the course:

http://www.deakinconnect.com/

2013-04-06T13:59:00.002-04:00

Some great guidelines for psychological, spiritual and emotional care for people who have experienced disaster, are available here. Compiled by teachers from the Centre for Spiritual Learning in Wilton (New South Wales, Australia) it is an excellent resource.

Image Source: www.indianlink.com.au

2013-03-27T15:15:00.000-04:00

Volunteer Disaster Chaplain Training Course

(Image: http://www.desertislandchurch.co.uk)

The Metropolitan College of New York, Emergency & Disaster Management Program, through a training partnership with the National Disaster Interfaiths Network invites religious leaders and spiritual caregivers of all faiths to take this two-day Disaster Chaplain Training from April 2-3, 2013. This training is being co-sponsored by NYDIS (New York Disaster Interfaith Services). New York City area participants who complete this certification can volunteer as disaster chaplains with NYDIS. NDIN can also assist unaffiliated volunteers in finding disaster spiritual care volunteer opportunities in local communities across the United States. Emergency managers and disaster mental health professionals may take this course to develop their knowledge of disaster spiritual care best practices. This two-day training prepares faith leaders or spiritual care providers to volunteer as disaster chaplains in mass care settings or to serve as disaster chaplains within their house of worship, religious community or professional institution. Click here for more details. (source: NYC Citizen Corps Council <citizencorps@oem.nyc.gov>)

Practical Suggestions for Disaster Preparedness From New Yorkers

2013-03-27T14:03:00.001-04:00

Practical Suggestions for Disaster Preparedness From New Yorkers

Resolve to Be Ready 2013

2013-01-09T12:54:00.001-05:00

Really good link here from the New York City Office of Emergency Management.

In 2013, resolve to prepare (or improve) a disaster plan for yourself, your loved ones, and your work place.

Download the Resolve To Be Ready NYC 2013 calendar. This calendar, filled with regular reminders, break emergency planning into small, quick steps that can help everyone work preparedness into his or her schedule.

As with all emergency support and disaster preparedness adapt the suggestions to your local situations and resources.

Response to Bush Fire - local ideas from Miriam in Tasmania

2013-01-07T10:53:00.001-05:00

Partially burnt leaves and a burnt fruit skin that fell into my yard on Friday 4th January 2013 from a bushfire about 50km (31miles) away (copyright Miriam McFarlane).

On the way home from errands this arvo I heard an announcement on ABC FM saying to get updates by going to www.abc.net.au/news/emergency and wow! You will be delighted when you get to the page and click on the tab saying Plan for an Emergency. On that page it has different types of emergencies to plan for (fire, flood, etc) and on the top of the list is "survival kit" and then lists what to have...and similar for the other types of emergency, but specific for each one. Lots of very useful information there. Some of you may already be aware of this resource, but I wasn't till today.

The announcement also said that emergency updates are made on ABC local radio stations. In our case it's 7ZR on 936 AM frequency.

To find your own local station (if you don't know what it is), go to www.abc.net.au/radio about half way down the page look to the far right and click on the blue icon with the words, "change location" and set it to your local postcode and suburb. Return to the main radio page and click on the tab called 'FREQUENCY FINDER' (near top of page) and find the station called "ABC local radio" and that will give you the frequency to tune your radio to in your area.

Miriam
Hobart
Australia

Hurricane Sandy Latest News

2012-10-30T02:49:00.001-04:00

Some news I heard about Hurricane Sandy. NYU Medical centre is having to evacuate more than 200 people because the generator isn't working. TriBeCa is flooded. The subways are flooded. There are fires in New Jersey but the fire brigade can't get to them because of the flooding. Trees are down and cars crushed. A 29 year old man in Flushing Queens was killed when a tree fell on his home.

Here is a picture that my flat-mate (Robert) took outside where I live in New York (Tudor City, Manhattan). The scaffolding collapsed. I'll post a better picture when I can. Meanwhile, I (Tamasin) am safe and well here in springtime Melbourne with all the gum trees blooming.

Robert said he couldn't imagine walking more than a couple of blocks. What was most daunting was the size of the trees that had been felled, and the power of the wind that had ripped them out of the ground.

All of this is a reminder of the secondary and tertiary disasters that happen after the primary. Inner resilience to manage these unexpected and traumatic events is really essential.

Hurricane Sandy - Please Be Prepared

2012-10-29T00:03:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends:

As you know, we expect Hurricane Sandy to arrive in our region tonight through tomorrow, bringing severe storm conditions for up to several days. Our City and State government agencies are planning for the storm's effects on power, transportation, and public services. Please remember, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will suspend subway, bus, and Metro-North Rail service at 7pm tonight.
The text below contains information, contact numbers, and resources to help everyone prepare for this severe storm. Please make sure you're prepared, andstay safe over the next several days.

-Liz

(Senator Liz Krueger)

The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recommends:

Establishing an evacuation plan;
Stocking up on supplies such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries;
Staying well informed of the latest conditions.

A guide for preparing a Go Bag can be found by visiting the OEM website for more information: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/home/home.shtml.

According to the NYC Hurricane Readiness Guide, here are the steps you should take to be prepared for a serious storm:Have a PlanMake sure your preparedness plan addresses how your special needs affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, and communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from friends, family, or neighbors if you will need assistance with evacuation. Allow additional time and consider your transportation needs.

If You Have Pets
Make sure your disaster plan addresses what you will do with your pet if a hurricane requires you to leave your home.If you cannot shelter your pet at a kennel or with friends or relatives outside the evacuation area, pets are allowed at all City shelters. Please bring supplies to care for your pet, including food, leashes, a cage, and medication.

If You Live In a Basement
Basement apartment residents may face additional risks from hurricanes even if they live outside evacuation zone boundaries. Many areas of the city can experience rainfall flooding. If you live in a basement apartment, be prepared to take shelter above ground.

If You Live in a High-Rise Building
If you live in a high-rise building located in an evacuation zone, follow evacuation orders. If you live in a high-rise building, especially on the 10th floor or above, stay away from windows in case they break or shatter. Or, move to a lower floor.

Prepare a Disaster Plan
Develop a plan with your household members that outlines what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate if a hurricane strikes New York.

Determine Whether You Live in an Evacuation Zone
Areas of the city subject to storm surge flooding are divided into three zones based on how storms of different strengths will affect them. Residents Zone A are currently under a mandatory evacuation order. Most East Side areas within the 26th District are not in Zone A, but parts of Downtown Manhattan and the West Side are. Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder at www.NYC.gov/hurricanezones, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115), or consult the map provided in this brochure to find out if your address is located in an evacuation zone.

If you find yourself in an emergency do not hesitate to call 911. If you need more information, please call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115).

During the storm, we urge people to stay out of parks and proceed with caution on tree-lined sidewalks in the event of falling trees or branches. To report downed trees or branches, please contact 311.

Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

2012-10-27T02:32:00.001-04:00

This is an abridged message from the office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
For the complete message, visit "www.governor.ny.go"

* * * * * * * * *

Dear Fellow New Yorker,

Hurricane Sandy is on course to hit the East Coast and New York State in the coming days.
In preparation for the storm’s potential impact, Governor Cuomo today declared a state of
emergency to help mobilize resources to local governments and rapid response efforts.

New Yorkers should make sure they have a storm emergency kit ready and include items such as
non-perishable food, water, cash, filled prescriptions, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit, supplies
for any pets, flashlights and extra batteries. The Governor also encourages New Yorkers to check in
with neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, who might need assistance to ensure that their
needs are met if emergency instructions are issued. Additional tips for New Yorkers include:

Know how to contact all family members at all times...
Designate a family meeting place...
Pay attention to relatives with special needs, small children and pets...
Prepare an emergency phone list (which may include schools, doctors, insurance agents)...
Find out your local emergency plans in your community...
Know the hurricane risks in your area...
Store important documents (identity cards, medical and insurnace records) in waterproof containers...
Have small cash bills on hand, a checkbook, and credit/ATM cards readily available...

Click here for more tips on preparing for the storm.

* * * * * * * * *

Earth, Fire and Rain

2012-10-16T01:03:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

See below for this upcoming conference in Brisbane. They are accepting abstracts for presentations now.

Tamasin

-------------

Dear colleague,

Call For Abstracts Now Open: The organising committee would like to invite
you to submit an abstract for the 2013 Australian & New Zealand Disaster
and Emergency Management Conference being held in Brisbane from the 29th to
the 31st May 2013.

A forum to examine the issues surrounding natural and man-made hazards: The
Conference is a joint initiative of three 'not-for-profit' organisations --
the Australian Institute of Emergency Services, the Australian & New
Zealand Mental Health Organisation Inc and the Association for
Sustainability in Business Inc.

The program will focus on Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery and
will include keynote addresses, concurrent sessions and workshops covering
human and social issues, economic and environmental challenges,
infrastructure, community and communication topics.

Conference themes include:
> Human Health and Social Issues
> Relief and Recovery
> Economy and Environment
> Risk Management
> Business Continuity
> Animals in Disasters
> Social Media
> Community Engagement
> Volunteer Involvement
> Crisis Management
> Policy and Governance

Confirmed and invited keynote speaker details are available on the website
along with the soft copy of the 2011 conference "Book of Proceedings".
You can also listen to some audio presentations from this year's program.
http://anzdmc.com.au

Kind regards

Cathryn

Cathryn Gertzos -- Conference Secretariat
Australian & New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference
EARTH: FIRE AND RAIN - Mercure Hotel Brisbane, 29 -- 31 May 2013
p: (61 7) 5502 2068 f: 07 5527 3298

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Australian Emergency Management Knowledge Hub

2012-10-13T03:27:00.001-04:00

UNCLASSIFIED

The Australian Emergency Management Library Blog includes information about journal articles, new titles and the Australian Emergency Management Knowledge Hub.

The Knowledge Hub gives you access to a research clearing house, disaster and event database, discussion forums, multimedia page and much more.

http://aem-library.blogspot.com.au/

Australian Emergency Management Library | Australian Emergency Management Institute (AEMI)
Attorney-General's Department | 601 Mt Macedon Road, Mt Macedon 3441

t. +61 3 54 21 5246 | e. em.library@ag.gov.au

Compassion in Times of Crisis

2012-09-26T03:43:00.000-04:00

In Australia the Victorian Council of Churches is contracted by the the Department of Human Services to provide outreach, psychological first aid, personal support and emotional spiritual care within the state of Victoria. They offer regular training throughout the state of Victoria. All trainings are offered free of charge, but attendees are encouraged to donate so they may continue providing the program.

A great way to find out about what other faith communities do to support people during disaster, and where you can fit it.

2012-09-24T07:50:00.001-04:00

Go-Bags!

Here are some more ideas for creating a Go-Bag. A Go-Bag is designed to help you during an emergency or disaster that disrupts your normal life and routine for a few days. There are a number of different ways to put one together. But they are all variations on a similar theme.

As a guide, think of the different things you use and need every day of your life

General Needs

Food (Go for high energy: energy bars, muesli bars, dried fruit and nuts. Pre-prepared)
Water (carry enough for your drinking needs. You can get by with 1 litre/ 1 gallon per person per day. Take colloidal silver with you to purify foreign sources of water that you may come across)
Shelter (this can mean appropriate clothing, just as much as housing. Proper shoes, protection from the elements)
Personal Hygiene (wet-wipes, plastic bags, tampons/ pads)
Energy (solar charger for mobile/ cell phones, batteries)
Light (windup or battery-operated torch)
Transport (good shoes if you're taking the "Number 11 Bus", public transport travel, cash)
Communications (windup/ solar/ battery-operated radio, laminated maps, whistle)
Identification (copies of important documents in a water-proof bag, keys)

Consider:

Medications and supplements (prescription/ non-prescription)

Here is a Go-Bag list prepared by Rebecca at Illawarra Retreat Centre for Brahma Kumaris Australia Disaster Preparedness. Your comments are welcome.

Nueva sección de documentos y recursos en español

2012-03-09T16:43:00.003-05:00

imagen tomada de: cbarros85.blogspot.com

Les informamos que ya pueden ingresar a nuestra sección de documentos y recursos en español.
Aquí encontraran desde manejo de las situaciones hasta información importante acerca de las diferentes reacciones y cómo tratarlas de la mejor manera.
Para ingresar solo vayan a Resources o hagan click aquí
Esperamos les sea de utilidad y no duden en comentar.

Gracias

2012-03-06T10:24:00.002-05:00

New Disaster - Madagascar - Tropical Storm Irina - Mar 2012 / 05 Mar 2012

Overview

Tropical Storm Irina killed at least 65 people, most of them residents of the Ifanadiana district in the southeast of the island, and affected more than 70,000. (AFP, 05 Mar 2012)

Subscribe to updates on this disaster

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Volunteer!

2012-02-04T09:31:00.001-05:00

A great way to learn more about the physical and social side of disasters is to volunteer in your local community. Many local councils and countries have volunteer organisations that train civilians in different areas of disaster preparedness and response. It is a good way to meet people and make connections - these connections are vital when a disaster does happen. These organisations also help to create a strong and more resilient populations. You then also become a good resource and of great help within your own community. Become involved, get trained, do good service.

Zi Gong asked, "Is there one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one's life?" The Master replied, "Is not reciprocity such a word?"
- Kong Zi (Confucious) Philosopher
(A quote from current exhibition on Volunteering in the UN Foyer, New York)

Get out there, connect with your community, do service and volunteer!

I've volunteered with the State Emergency Service (Australia) and the American Red Cross and the New York City Medical Reserve Corps (USA) and received free training in Shelter Management, Mass Disasters, Psychological First Aid, Basic and Advanced Disaster Life Support, CPR and Emergency First Aid and Logistics.

It's the 10th anniversary of the UN International Year of Volunteers, so there is an exhibition on Volunteering in the UN foyer. Here is a picture.

Ways of being in times of unrest

2012-02-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

Read some of Dadi Janki's ideas about ways of being, during times of chaos.

Your Go Bag!

2012-01-30T09:43:00.002-05:00

A few nights ago I went to the orientation night for the New York City Medical Reserve Corps. I've been volunteering for a couple of years, and participated in their trainings and exercises, but realised I'd never been to the orientation.

One of the things we did, which was both fun and useful, was talk about the disasters or emergency's we'd been in and what we wish we had had with us, at that time. So we got together in groups of around 5 to decide out what we would put in our Go Bags.

After a while it ended up being a Go Suitcase, rather than a Go Bag...! But nevertheless, the exercise was useful, and got us thinking about the different requirements that different people may have according to their lifestyle, age and health. And also the different needs according to the vulnerabilities inherent in where we live.

We should all have a Go Bag. Here's a picture of a very basic list. Get together with your friends and family, make a game out of it, and you'll have fun making a useful, practical kit that could come in really really handy at a surprising time of need.

Add caption

Emergency Guidelines for Retreat Centres

2012-01-29T12:27:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Sally, Greg and the BKs at the Centre for Spiritual Learning at Leura who have compiled guidelines for preparing and responding to emergencies in the context of remote communal living. These are comprehensive and can be adapted to different circumstances. Please send any feedback or questions to leura@au.bkwsu.org or post them on this blog.

Disaster Resource Centre Blog Update

2011-10-17T01:17:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to let you know that I am updating the site. I tried to edit the HTML a few weeks ago, with slightly disastrous consequences. As a result, I have to gradually put everything back on the site again, including the links many of which have guidelines for disaster preparedness and response in different languages.
While things are starting from (almost) scratch again, please comment with any ideas of things you would like on the site.
Thanks for your patience and input.
All the very best