Pre-positioned staff, goods and funds

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• Before disaster strikes-debunking common myths of disaster response (Blog)
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• How we respond to global disasters

In 2009, World Vision responded to some 95 disasters, assisting an estimated 11 million survivors, refugees and internally displaced people. With a thirteen-fold increase in the number of major disasters over the last 50 years, World Vision continues to provide immediate emergency response and disaster mitigation, and is committed to long-term rebuilding. A significant element in World Vision’s disaster response is emergency preparedness, which includes community training as well as pre-positioned staff, goods and funds.

Global Rapid Response Team

World Vision’s Global Rapid Response Team (GRRT) is a group of highly skilled professional relief workers who can be mobilized on short notice to respond to disasters anywhere in the world. The team’s members are based in numerous strategic locations around the globe, representing diverse nationalities and a broad range of skills. The GRRT sets up World Vision’s response programs in rapid-onset emergencies as well as slow-onset or chronic emergencies. The team also provides training to staff and communities in emergency response, disaster preparedness and mitigation. In 2009, the GRRT provided relief responses in countries such as Haiti, DRC, India, Darfur and Somalia.

Global Pre-positioning Resource Network

In order to provide relief within 72 hours of a disaster, World Vision’s Global Pre-positioning and Resource Network (GPRN) rapidly directs critical supplies and equipment from warehouses on three continents to disaster sites around the world. Supplies include medical kits, blankets, tents, water filters and communication equipment, all of which are packed, labeled and ready for deployment. The GPRN anticipates issues, addresses challenges of delivering supplies to dangerous areas and sets up initial on-site management.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund

World Vision’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund (EPRF) provides access to funds almost immediately following the onset of an emergency, enabling field relief managers to provide assistance quickly, without having to wait for funds to be raised. The $6 million annual revolving fund is a global mechanism that enables immediate, rapid response to emergencies and pre-positioning of staff and supplies.

Community Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction

Research demonstrates that every dollar spent in disaster mitigation will save society between $4 and $7 when an emergency strikes. Recognizing that more than 50 percent of World Vision’s program areas are affected by recurring disasters, World Vision is committed to building community resilience and reducing the risks of disaster. Without such capacity, communities can easily lose years of development gains when disasters strike. World Vision monitors existing and likely disasters, builds local capacity in disaster mitigation by teaching preparedness and response, and forms community rapid response teams to help implement emergency response in their communities.