1. Session V: Integration of Risk Information and Early Warnings in Emergency, Preparedness, Planning and Response Symposium on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems For Integrated Disaster Risk Management Geneva, 24 May 2006 World Meteorological Organisation Horst Letz

2. What constitutes effective community-based early warning systems? Partnership with all stakeholders; formal and informal education systems, civil defence, UN, public/private sector, RCRC and others. Strong and effective training for volunteers, reaching all those capable of helping with each of the population groups at risk. Participation of all population groups across age, gender, culture, religion in particular with people living in risk zones. Ongoing development and refinement of relevant plans and programmes.

3. Participatory process to ensure that needs are covered and information flow is in place Identify and document natural hazards to which the country is most susceptible. Identification of communities and their needs, risks, patterns of vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA). Setup of a system for effective dissemination of disaster warnings translated into the local language understood by diverse populations within each community with different backgrounds and livelihoods. Identification of trusted communicators for warning issuance including community based organizations such as RCRC and others.

4. Awareness raising and a multi-risk approach is most important. Awareness, education and life saving skills must be built into the structure of communities through different channels: school, RCRC training for volunteers, civil defence, fire brigade. Warning - react process including evacuation plans and emergency coping mechanisms, known by everyone through frequent drills and exercises involving all in high risk zones. Establishment of local level vulnerability reduction funds and other resources for immediate use during emergencies. Creation of local capacity mobilisation plans. Support local community, ensure that preparedness mechanisms set with legitimate multi-risk approach

5. Effective programming around the rhetoric People need to see and appreciate the existence of programmes in essential areas like water and sanitation, the implementation of housing standards, integrity in governance etc. Finally, the Federation hopes that people focused approaches to preparedness and mitigation will remain on the agenda of governments in affected countries and in the donor community. Strengthening community networking between official agencies, local organizations and volunteer groups should not only be viewed as an efficient way to establish self-conscioussness but perhaps as a viable way to ensure that new technologies have their potential and intended impact.