The project is about cooperation between civil protection and disaster management authorities in the Baltic Sea region. The focus will be on the needs of persons with disabilities.
In situations of disasters, people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. According to a UN survey from 2013, a dis-proportionate number of persons with disabilities suffer and die in disasters because their needs are ignored and neglected by the official planning process. They require individual assistance and tailored emergency solutions, such as early warning-systems, evacuation and temporary shelter. Therefore, the project suggests implementing so-called disability-inclusive disaster management.
The project will create a network of civil protection and disaster management authorities in the Baltic Sea region. It will involve national and regional disabled persons organizations, universities, academia and others. Through seminars and meetings, the participants will discuss best practices and consider how to promote disability-inclusive disaster management nationally. Moreover, the project will identify focus areas and start preparing an application for a larger project.