Return to site

Timely Preparation For Difficult Times

During the times of casualty the prime focus and objective is to help sustain life for as long as possible, and with as good quality as we can. The disaster is mostly unpredictable and can strike anytime, without prior intimation, and the best method to combat it is to stay prepared in advance. There are many different types of disasters that can strike at any given point of time and based on the type of catastrophe the protection and aid should be given. There are many organizations in the world that are working for the betterment of the refugees or affected individuals and the best United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as been considered good in this regard.

Core Relief Items

As per the UNHCR recommendations, the core relief items can be classified into the following types:

Shelter Items: it includes the following:

  1. Family Tent: It should be suitable for at least a family of 5 persons and should provide protection from temperature, heat and cold as per climate need. The general recommendation for the dimensions are: 16 m2 main floor + 3.5 m2 vestibules and should cover in total approximately 23m2 area.
  2. Tarpaulins sheets: It should be almost 4 x 5 meters sheets, which can withstand fluctuations in the temperature or climate and is primarily used for the humanitarian work as well as for providing temporary shelter for the individuals. The High-density black polyethylene fibers wrapped in Low-density polyethylene fibers are the type of choice.

Domestic Items: It includes the following:

  1. Mosquito Nets: The Long lasting insecticidal Nets (LLINs) are the nets of choice, which should be treated with WHOPES recommended insecticide so that it can protect the people against the insects and mosquitoes especially against malaria.
  2. Blanker synthetic: The fleece should be able to provide insulation and protection against the loss of core body temperature, so as to protect the person against climatic or temperature related injuries.
  3. Sleeping mats: These are primarily used for providing a place to sleep and should therefore be not only waterproof but also tear proof.
  4. Cloth for sanitary material: The material of choice is 100% cotton flannel, which is highly absorbent.
  5. Plastic Bucket: It should have the capacity of at least 10 liters and should have a lid to keep the water safe for drinking.  
  6. Semi-collapsible Jerry cane
  7. Kitchen set- Type A& B

These were some of the Core relief items used in times of emergency.