Identify recurring hazards: By mapping out the year, communities can pinpoint when certain hazards (e.g., monsoon floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones) are most likely to occur.
Understand seasonal vulnerabilities: It reveals how different seasons impact livelihoods, food security, health, and access to resources, highlighting periods of increased vulnerability for various groups within the community. For example, a planting season might bring increased workload and potential for agricultural loss, while a dry season could lead to water scarcity.
Plan preparedness activities: Knowing when specific risks are high allows for timely implementation of preparedness measures, such as strengthening homes before monsoon season or storing food and water before a drought period.
Inform early warning systems: Seasonal calendars contribute to developing effective early warning systems by highlighting critical periods where monitoring for specific hazards is crucial.
Integrate local knowledge: This process often incorporates traditional ecological knowledge and local wisdom about weather patterns, crop cycles, and historical disaster events, making the plan more contextually relevant and effective.