23 September 2011
Natural disasters and vulnerable people: Dundee to host knowledge exchange event
The fate of vulnerable people in the event of natural disasters will be examined at a knowledge exchange event hosted by the University of Dundee next week.
As the frequency of floods, storms and severe winters increase, the needs of vulnerable older people, disabled people and those with chronic illness become ever more acute in these situations.
The University’s Centre for Environmental Change and Human Resilience (CECHR) and Social Dimensions of Health Institute (SDHI) will bring policy makers, practitioners and academic researchers together to pool information and ideas at West Park Conference Centre on Wednesday, 28th September.
Representatives from national and local government, the emergency services, NHS and social care, and disability and older people’s charities, will meet with academics to identify the people in Scotland most vulnerable in the event of natural disasters, and look at the impact of such events on them.
The event is being co-ordinated by Dr Ed Hall (Geography), Dr Thilo Kroll (Nursing) and Dr Sue Dawson (Geography) from the University.
Dr Hall said, 'Floods, storms and severe cold have serious impacts on the lives of older and disabled people. Policy makers, practitioners and academics must work together to tackle these significant and complex challenges.
'This event is a unique opportunity to share information and knowledge, identify problems, and work towards ways of developing responses and building resilience in our systems and communities.'
The day will provide an opportunity for exchanging information and strategies on how to locate vulnerable people, identify their needs, and support them during natural disasters and emergencies.
Just as importantly, the event will consider how to make longer term plans to ensure people and communities become more resilient to natural disasters. The event will feature a mix of presentations, interactive sessions, open discussions and networking, and the main issues to be discussed will be:
- Defining 'vulnerability' and identifying who and where is 'vulnerable'.
- The roles and responsibilities of the different agencies and organisations.
- The role of communities, families and individuals.
- Accessing and sharing information.
- Prioritising action in natural disaster events.
- After the event: managing recovery, building resilience and identifying best practice.
'Increasing the Resilience of Vulnerable Citizens to Natural Hazards and Disasters' takes place from 9.30am-4.30pm on Wednesday, 28th September, at the West Park Conference Centre.
More information about the event is available at www.dundee.ac.uk/centres/cechr/exchange.htm.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
