How to Build Prevention for the Elderly and Disabled before Natural Disasters? The Added Social Value of Voluntary Organizations in Europe

In disaster situations, such as floods or earthquakes, the elderly and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable and require additional attention. However, they are often neglected in existing municipal disaster emergency plans, particularly when such people live alone instead of in a care institution as their location is often undetermined in disaster situations or the information exists (e.g. if the people receive social services or if neighbours are aware of people in need in their vicinity) but is not structured in a way that is usable for civil protection emergencies. Up-to-date information for helpers and a community that is aware of this particular challenge for disaster relief can alleviate this problem. The paper presents the first results of the research action carried out by a joint partnership (universities/Italian, German and Danish voluntary organizations) highlighting: 1) which aspects are relevant for identifying the condition of vulnerability of the elderly and disabled; 2) how to develop a system for vulnerable people in integrated risk management mechanisms through local networks and volunteers; and 3) what is the added social value of volunteering in prevention and support for the elderly and disabled and the contribution to strengthening the resilience of local communities.