International Day for Disaster Reduction is an international observance day that is observed on October 13th and encourages governments and citizens all over the world to build communities and nations that are more resilient to disasters.

Every couple of years, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR, works with experts, community leaders, thinkers, and innovators to investigate the risk status around the world. They highlight emerging trends, examine government and human behavior, and come up with plans that help mitigate risks.

Storms, climate change, and water shortages are going to have a bigger impact on communities around the world, and this holiday hopes to be a springboard that helps address those concerns.

The History of International Day for Disaster Reduction

This day was first created in 1989 after the United Nations General Assembly asked for a day to be created to promote risk awareness and disaster reduction around the world. The date for this holiday was set for October 13th.

In 2002, the UN General Assembly passed another resolution to keep the observance as a vehicle to promote the culture of prevention, preparedness, disaster reduction, and mitigation.

Preparing for Emergencies

In the spirit of this holiday, we’ve decided to list some of the things that the average person can do to prepare themselves and their families for any disaster that might occur. Below are tips that will help families handle adversity better in an emergency.

• Prepare a plan of action.
• Know where shelter locations are.
• Have at least 3 gallons of water per person in the household.
• Have at least a 3-day supply of food.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand.
• Have a crank-powered radio and a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Keep maps of the local area.
• Have sanitation supplies such as toilet paper, trash bags, soap, and moist towelettes.

Observing International Day for Disaster Reduction

On this day, people and governments are encouraged to create disaster preparedness plans for scenarios that are likely to affect them and put those plans into practice. For governments, that might mean hardening their infrastructure against threats or developing more of a social safety net to help citizens when disaster strikes.

Citizens are encouraged to develop emergency plans for their families and make sure that they have the basic supplies they need if a disaster strikes.