Community Engagement and Accountability includes risk communication, behavior change, according to IFRC guidelines.
Across the United States, the American Red Cross is working to reduce disaster risks and strengthen the long-term resilience of the most vulnerable communities through its Community Adaptation Program (CAP). With teams embedded in communities across 19 locations, the program focuses on addressing the root causes of vulnerability — specifically in the areas of health, […]
This perspective critically examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing people-centered multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) in the Global South. Despite global initiatives, such as the Early Warnings for All initiative, operational realities lag behind. By exploring the needs of the most vulnerable and how core concepts of multi-hazard thinking (e.g., hazard interrelationships and vulnerability
Extreme weather events pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, especially those who are isolated or have underlying health conditions. In response to this challenge, Telecross Redi, a free life-saving service, was developed to support individuals during such critical times. Activated when extreme heat is declared, Telecross Redi ensures that at-risk individuals receive the necessary support
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Background Every child has the right to an education and should be allowed to learn in a safe environment. Worldwide, disasters, emergencies, shocks and stresses brought on by hazards, climate change, conflict and violence have devastating impacts on children’s education and jeopardize their safety and learning. According to a recent UNICEF analysis, “at least 242
This tool provides structured guidance for conducting focus group discussions (FGDs) with communities and local authorities to assess the effectiveness, inclusivity, and trustworthiness of Early Warning Systems (EWS). Part of the IFRC’s Enhanced Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (eVCA) toolbox, it supports participatory assessments of local risk knowledge, communication channels, and preparedness capacities. The guide can
About this Paper This study explores the challenges that people living with non-communicable diseases (PLWNCDs) face in accessing early warning messages (EWMs) during disasters in Nepal, focusing on flood-prone districts of Kanchanpur and Kailali. Findings reveal delayed and inaccessible warnings, language barriers, and low trust in message accuracy, leading to limited preparedness. Many PLWNCDs struggle
About this Paper This study explores the factors hindering the comprehension, accessibility, and inclusivity of early warning messages (EWM) in Kolwa East Ward, Kisumu County, Kenya. Despite the vital role of early warning systems (EWS) in reducing flood-related risks, gaps in message dissemination, institutional coordination, and community engagement limit their effectiveness. Using qualitative research methods—including
About this Paper This study examines the utilization of early warning information and the factors influencing its actionability among last-mile farming communities in Eswatini’s drought-prone regions. With a focus on the Lubombo and Shiselweni regions, the research explores barriers to accessing, interpreting, and acting on early warning messages, particularly in marginalized and remote areas. Key
About this Paper This research investigates the barriers preventing rural communities in Lezha, Albania, from effectively accessing, understanding, and acting on early warning information for natural disasters. Using a mixed-method approach, the study highlights critical challenges, such as limited access to timely warnings (only 11% of respondents found information easily accessible), poor comprehension of messages
About this Paper: This study investigates barriers to accessing and acting on Early Warning Systems (EWS) among traditional coastal communities in southeastern Brazil, focusing on Quilombola and Caiçara groups. These communities face unique challenges, including delayed information, unreliable communication technologies, and misinformation, exacerbated by socio-economic and geographic vulnerabilities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research engaged