Setting up a national disaster preparedness and response mechanism: Guidelines for National Societies

This publication presents a set of practical guidelines that are designed to support National Societies in developing the processes, systems, teams and individuals involved in preparing for and responding to disasters. The guidelines acknowledge that response is first and foremost local, but that it takes place within the global solidarity of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement).

By following these guidelines, National Societies will be better able to:
■ develop their capacity in disaster preparedness and response
■ ensure that their work meets a global set of disaster preparedness and response standards
■ coordinate their approaches with other National Societies and/or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).