Governments around the world, including those in London, Brussels, Tokyo, and Washington, are shifting their emergency response approach by urging citizens to take personal responsibility for their immediate survival during disasters. Public campaigns such as the UK's 'Be Ready' initiative and the EU's Preparedness Strategy encourage households to build emergency stockpiles. This approach, known as 'all-hazards civil resilience,' acknowledges that modern society is fast, highly connected, and fragile, and that public services may be overwhelmed during major disruptions.
The change in government messaging is driven by the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of risks that can trigger widespread disruptions simultaneously. Emergency planners now prepare for a web of risks including extreme weather and climate reality, cyberattacks on essential services, fragile supply chains, and geopolitical uncertainties and power outages. These risks can cause power outages, food and water shortages, and disruptions to daily life. For instance, intense storms and flash floods can knock out power lines and disrupt food production, while cyberattacks can cause turmoil in financial networks and energy infrastructure.
To prepare for such disruptions, governments recommend that households create an emergency reserve that covers basic human needs across six core categories: drinking and hygiene water, non-perishable food, light and power sources, communication equipment, cash and essential documents, and medical supplies and sanitation. A practical emergency kit does not require significant spending or turning a home into a bunker. For example, households should plan for at least 3 liters of safe drinking water per person per day and store non-perishable food items such as canned meats, vegetables, and energy bars.
In Ethiopia, traditional cultural practices align with modern preparedness, such as seasonal grain storage and preserving non-perishable food items. Ethiopian households can leverage these strengths by maintaining steady household reserves of dried staples, legumes, oil, and traditional non-perishables. Additionally, urban Ethiopian families should adapt to vulnerabilities in Addis Ababa and regional cities by maintaining clean water storage and keeping solar-powered lighting or power banks charged.
The Ethiopian government and citizens can also learn from global best practices in disaster preparedness. For instance, households can practice gradual purchasing of staple food items in bulk during harvest periods when prices are lower, and rotating pantry items through everyday cooking. This approach can help mitigate the impact of sudden price increases due to inflation and foreign exchange shifts.
Community bonds and social ties are also crucial in Ethiopia's disaster preparedness. The country's powerful social tissue, exemplified by 'Iddir' and community bonds, can play a significant role in supporting households during disruptions. Strengthening these community networks can help ensure that households have access to essential resources and support during emergencies.
As governments worldwide continue to emphasize the importance of household preparedness, Ethiopians should thoughtfully and practically approach disaster preparedness, taking into account their unique cultural and economic contexts. By leveraging traditional strengths, adapting to urban vulnerabilities, and practicing financial prudence, Ethiopian households can build resilience and better navigate potential disruptions.
Key points
- Governments globally are urging citizens to build emergency stockpiles due to increased risks of extreme weather, cyberattacks, and supply chain disruptions.
- Ethiopian households can leverage traditional cultural practices, such as seasonal grain storage, to build emergency reserves.
- Urban Ethiopian families should maintain clean water storage and keep solar-powered lighting or power banks charged to adapt to vulnerabilities in Addis Ababa and regional cities.
