Question

Which segments of the community should receive particular attention for active involvement in DMEx, wherever feasible?

• A. Only healthy adults with prior emergency response experience.
• B. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and women.
• C. Exclusively government employees and professional responders.
• D. Just the organizers and facilitators of the exercise.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and women.

These groups often face unique challenges during disasters due to factors like mobility limitations, communication barriers, or specific care needs. By actively involving them in DMEx:

• Their specific needs and vulnerabilities can be understood firsthand. This helps in tailoring effective and inclusive response plans.

• They can provide valuable insights based on their lived experiences, which might be overlooked by general planning.

• Their participation builds their capacity and confidence to protect themselves and advocate for their needs during a real emergency.

• It ensures that preparedness plans are truly equitable and accessible to all segments of the community in Kochi, Kerala, India, or any other location, leading to a more comprehensive and compassionate disaster response.