Whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake, tsunami, mudslide or flood, the threat of disaster lingers.
While there has been a focus on ensuring government systems, response agencies and infrastructure can withstand disasters, there is also the question of the resilience of individuals, families and communities.
At a workshop hosted by the Division of Health and Wellness and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) on Wednesday, entitled ‘Building Resilient Communities’, THA Secretary of Health and Wellness Dr Faith Brebnor stressed that disasters also test the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals and communities.
“It tests people. It tests our physical health. It tests our mental and emotional well-being. It tests our families. And ultimately, it tests the strength and the unity and the cohesion of our community.”
Dr Brebnor warned that while many people prepare for the physical effects of disasters, far less attention is given to psychological preparedness.
“We need strong minds. Can you really, really withstand the fear?”
She also raised questions about ensuring emergency medical supplies are readily available and planning to protect vulnerable members of families.
“What about the person who is elderly, your granny that you left home, probably by herself today, and you cannot get back home to take care of her?”
Dr Brebnor urged families to establish communication plans and support systems that can be activated if a disaster prevents loved ones from reaching each other.
She added that strong communities are often the deciding factor in recovery efforts once emergency responders have completed their initial work.
“When those people or those agencies do what they have to do, the success of whether we survive the disaster or not comes from us really having that community.”
These were among the issues discussed at the Building Resilient Communities Workshop, which aims to help Tobago better prepare for disasters from a mind, body and community standpoint.