While North American emergency and disaster preparedness often focuses on natural disasters, in many other parts of the world, war is also a consideration and concern. To that effect, Israel’s National Emergency Authority (NEA), a part of the nation’s Defense Ministry, will be conducting tests as part of Emergency Preparedness Week to determine the readiness of local and national response to a simulated rocket and missile attack by Hezbollah and Hamas.
The tests will include involvement and evaluation by government ministries, local councils, emergency services, water providers, and the Electric Corporation, and will focus around enabling a large urban area to continue operating while under attack over an extended period.
“We have much to do, like raising awareness, preparing plans for the provision of vital services… Whole systems, like welfare and health, are better prepared. We have gaps in stockpiling goods, particularly in fuels and refined petroleum,” said NEA head Betzalel Treiber in the Jerusalem Post.
Disruptions to continuity remain a concern, with NEA polling indicating the following in the event of a missile attack:
14 per cent of civilians would want to evacuate their homes;
67 per cent of civilians would not go to work;
25 per cent would feel safe;
9 per cent of parents would send their children to schools;
92 per cent of the public believe they would know what to do in such a situation.
Singapore also recently conducted an Emergency Preparedness Day, where the potential for a weapons attack was a consideration. While less extensive than the planned events for Israel, activities still involved a simulated bomb threat, training in First Aid and CPR skills, and the distribution of an emergency card, containing details on contacts and actions to take in the event of a firearms or weapons attack.
Sources:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/emergency-guide-launched/2825992.html
