Risk Reduction Awareness Program in the Municipality of Amadora
The development of awareness-raising programs to reduce risk is essential for the mobilization and participation of citizens in prevention and mitigation strategies, in order to increase public awareness of the risks existing in the municipality.
Description
It is the State's responsibility to promote self-protection measures, but it is the citizen's duty to have an intervening role in society, promoting a culture of security, and becoming the first agent of civil protection. It can take effect in various settings, such as at home, at school, at work and in the community where you live. It is essential that citizens are informed and aware so that they can play an active role in reducing the number of incidents in the Municipality, and consequently in reducing the risks to which they are exposed. The “Awareness Program for Risk Reduction” is being implemented in partnership with various safety and security entities, which has been gaining expression both in the school community (kindergarten, 1st/2nd/3rd cycle and secondary), as well as in associations and institutions of a social nature.
Did the Sendai Framework change or contribute to changes in your activities/organization? If so, how?
The Sendai Framework was decisive for a broader work with the whole community in DRR. Regarding the Sendai priorities, Amadora made a lot of progress to ensure local authorities and the population a better understanding about risks and disasters in the city and how important sharing local information is on disaster losses, hazards and risks including who is exposed and who is vulnerable.
What led you to make this commitment/initiative?
What was your position before making this Voluntary Commitment / prior to the Sendai Framework?
The municipality of Amadora is working hard at local level to promote DRR issues among the most vulnerable groups. We want to do that with all the stakeholders in our community. Under the mayor´s leadership, it will be possible to improve our capacities to manage a natural hazard event. This commitment is proof that motivation and collaboration with the community can be decisive for the damages and losses reduction. Amadora will keep all the necessary efforts to make disaster risk reduction a priority in the municipality agenda.
