Disaster management handbook for Bangladesh

Distilling the experience of hundreds of disaster managers and residents of disaster-prone areas, this handbook presents a 4-part guide to disaster management, the first of its kind to be produced in Bangladesh. Part 1, The Pre-Disaster Stage, provides an overview of disasters in Bangladesh and of the country"s physical and health status, and discusses disaster management planning, disaster preparedness training, operational kits for first-in workers, stockpiling supplies, staffing and logistics, and information management. Part 2, Planning a Disaster Response, discusses collecting data on the affected area, reaching the area and assessing its needs, communications, planning an initial response, procuring relief materials, preparing relief workers, and transportation. Part 3, Operational Response for Up to the First 3 Weeks, covers entering the affected area and contacting the local people, security issues, rescue operations, first aid, disposal of corpses and carcasses, food distribution, ensuring safe drinking water, establishing medical posts, providing shelter and clothing, distributing rations, setting up camps, and environmental sanitation. A brief Part 4 treats issues related to communication between relief workers and concerned organizations, recordkeeping, and planning for the next stage of assistance. Throughout its four sections, the manual explicitly addresses the key questions of what should be done, who should do it, and who should be kept informed. Annexes contain reference materials, such as the addresses of pertinent organizations, weight for height standards for children, etc.