The PREPARE El Salvador project takes a three-pronged approach to reduce the impact of earthquakes and strengthen the nation’s resilience:

Capacity Building and Training: Training Engineers and Architects for Swift Structural Assessments

A cornerstone of disaster risk reduction is the ability to assess structural vulnerabilities and damages swiftly. To achieve this, the project partnered with local universities to conduct expert-led training for engineers, architects, and structural specialists in conducting Rapid Damage Assessments (RDAs) and Detailed Damage Assessments (DDAs).

One notable example of this capacity-building effort is the Structural Pathology course, which equips urban search and rescue teams to identify construction-related building issues. This initiative, developed by the University of El Salvador’s School of Engineering and Architecture, is a pivotal element of their support for the PREPARE program. The goal is to fortify the search and rescue capabilities of the National System of Civil Protection, ensuring teams can identify structural faults early, contributing to safer and more efficient rescue operations.

Policy and Planning: Advancing Disaster Preparedness and Debris Management Strategies

Effective response protocols are essential during disasters. They ensure that when crises strike, we’re not just reacting but responding swiftly and effectively. In El Salvador, like many places, challenges have arisen due to the absence of detailed protocols and procedures for structural damage assessments during disasters. PREPARE El Salvador recognizes the urgency of rectifying this gap and has embarked on a mission to develop operational protocols for Rapid Damage Assessments (RDAs) and Detailed Damage Assessments (DDAs). This endeavor isn’t just about streamlining response efforts; it’s about instilling public trust and reducing operational inefficiencies.

The integration of the coordination protocol into the internal procedures of Civil Protection marked a significant milestone in PREPARE El Salvador’s journey. This achievement underscores the project’s commitment to enhancing disaster risk management (DRM) operating protocols and procedures, providing a structured response in the aftermath of earthquakes and other disasters, and ensuring a more resilient and responsive future.

Community Awareness and Mobilization: Empowering Communities for Safer Tomorrows

Awareness among vulnerable populations is key to mitigating disaster risks. PREPARE El Salvador works closely with local authorities to create and execute risk communications campaigns. These campaigns inform communities about seismic risks and educate them on simple yet impactful risk reduction measures.

The project encourages residents to proactively prepare anti-seismic kits containing non-perishable foods, bottled water, water purification supplies, and first aid materials. Families are also urged to craft emergency plans, complete with essential contacts and designated meeting spots for reuniting after a quake. Residents are educated on their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disaster and encouraged to seek support from municipal agencies and disaster management officials, empowering communities to be more resilient and ready when challenges arise.

PREPARE El Salvador is not just a project; it’s a lifeline for a nation at risk. By strengthening disaster resilience, raising awareness, and empowering vulnerable populations it’s paving the way for a safer, more secure El Salvador. In the face of seismic risk, PREPARE El Salvador stands as a beacon of hope, showing the world that disaster risk reduction is not just a policy but a promise to save lives and protect communities.