Disaster Management Plan

Here is an example of how to compile a disaster management plan based on the provided guidelines. The information below is illustrative and would need to be adapted to a specific community and its unique risks.

Disaster Management Plan

• Conduct Vulnerability assessment

  • Disaster: (In order of frequency of occurrence)
    • 1. Flooding
    • 2. Wildfires
    • 3. Severe Storms (e.g., hailstorms, strong winds)
    • 4. Drought

• Risk reduction. What can be done to make the area safer?

  • Safety precautions
  • Disaster: Flooding
    • Regular cleaning of storm drains and rivers.
    • Construction of flood barriers or levees in high-risk areas.
    • Elevating homes or critical infrastructure in flood plains.
    • Establishing early warning systems for heavy rainfall.

• Provide a map of the area

  • Attach a map of the area to the plan.
  • Additional information:
    • Number of houses/shacks: 500 houses, 150 shacks
    • Number of people: 3,500 residents
    • Identify access routes: Main Road (R101), Secondary Road (S202), Emergency Access Lane (E303)

• Warning signal for possible disasters

  • Communication done through:
    • Loudhailers, whistles, telecommunication (SMS alerts, community WhatsApp groups)
    • Local radio broadcasts
    • Community siren system

• Communication

  • Disaster Manager at the local authorities.
    • Municipality/Tribunal offices.
    • Contact Person: Ms. Thandiwe Mkhize
    • Contact Number: 011 555 1234
  • Person in your local community/area to contact Disaster Manager at
    • Contact Person: Mr. Sipho Dlamini (Community Liaison Officer)
    • Contact Number: 072 123 4567
  • Person to liaise with Media to cover the Disaster
    • Contact Person: Ms. Lerato Ndlovu (Municipal Spokesperson)
    • Contact Number: 011 555 5678
  • Disaster Management Contact Persons Details
    • Position: Head of Disaster Management Unit
    • Contact Person: Mr. David Jones
    • Contact Number: 011 555 9876
    • Email: david.jones@municipality.gov.za

• Person in charge until disaster manager arrives. (in the community)

  • Contact Person: Mrs. Nomusa Khumalo (Ward Councillor)
  • Contact Number: 083 987 6543

• Department of Social Development

  • Person responsible for co-ordination of action
  • Contact numbers: Ms. Zanele Mthembu (Social Worker), 011 555 2222

• Rescue operations (Emergency services)

  • Contact Person: Mr. Peter van der Merwe (Emergency Services Coordinator)
  • Contact Number: 011 555 3333 (Emergency Hotline: 10177)

• Recording of victims (To avoid wrong people collecting food when they are not real victims in need of it)

  • Contact Person: Mr. Themba Sibisi (Community Volunteer Lead)
  • Contact Number: 071 234 5678