Establishing Safe Havens: Identifying, constructing, or retrofitting community buildings (like schools, community halls, or purpose-built cyclone/flood shelters) to serve as safe evacuation centers during a disaster. These shelters are designed to withstand specific hazards prevalent in the area (e.g., wind-resistant for cyclones, elevated for floods).
Ensuring Functionality: This component also includes the regular maintenance of these shelters to ensure they are always in a ready state. This involves routine inspections, repairs, and ensuring the availability of basic amenities like water, sanitation, and lighting, especially if they are to be used for extended periods.
Community Ownership and Management: A key aspect of CBDM is that the community itself often plays a significant role in the planning, construction, and ongoing maintenance of these shelters, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring their suitability for local needs. This might involve community labor, traditional building techniques, and local management committees.
Beyond Construction: It's not just about building; it's about the entire lifecycle, including site selection (safe from hazards), design (culturally appropriate and accessible), and the development of management protocols for their use during emergencies.
