Preparing for emergencies first requires our citizens to be aware about potential risks and how to respond. However, exposure to shocks risks like flooding, extreme heat and civil unrest is not evenly distributed across the city. Unevenly distributed chronic stresses, such as poverty or health risks, can also affect the capacity of citizens to adapt. In addition, variations in demographic and social characteristics – like age, languages, culture and social cohesion – can affect how risk information is shared and processed. These local differences limit the effectiveness of a general city-wide approach. This initiative is aimed at tailoring risk communication to specific areas and target groups. RTH and the Red Cross will bring together residents and experts with experience and knowledge of key risks in their community. Through an open dialogue, the residents will be given an opportunity to reflect on past experiences to inform future decisions on their risks and vulnerabilities. The platform will in turn enable the experts a chance to hear residents’ ideas and collectively agree on possible approaches to boost risk awareness and emergency preparedness. In the first half of 2019, a pilot round table session will be held in the Schilderswijk/ Transvaal. If successful, this initiative will be implemented across the city at neighbourhood level.
Lead: The Red Cross, City of The Hague: DPS, DPZ and RTH
Potential Experts: Community builders, Police, Fire Department, health services, HHD, Institute for Safety, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
