By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), Oct. 14, GNA-The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Volta Region has urged communities to adopt safety measures at home to minimise the impact of disasters, particularly flooding, storms, fires and the collapse of buildings.
The NADMO made the call during a presentation to mark the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) held at the Global Evangelical Church, Bethany Chapel, Dzelukope in Keta.
The day was held on the theme: “Resilience Starts at Home,” and the theme highlights the importance of household preparedness, community participation and collective responsibility in preventing disasters and protecting lives and property.
Mr Wonder Setsoafia Deynu, the NADMO Director at Keta, said in the presentation: “Homes are often the first places to experience the devastating effects of disasters; is necessary for individuals and families to take practical steps to improve safety and strengthen their ability to respond to emergencies.”
He explained that disasters could occur suddenly and disrupt daily activities, causing damage to human lives, property, infrastructure and the environment, while leaving affected communities unable to cope with the situation using their own resources.
Mr Deynu explained that disaster risks were influenced by hazards, exposure and vulnerability, and stressed the need for residents to understand the dangers within their communities and take appropriate measures to reduce their exposure.
He advised residents against the building of structures on waterways, wetlands and buffer zones, explaining that such practices could increase the risk of flooding and expose households to significant losses during heavy rains and other emergencies.
He also encouraged homeowners to reinforce their roofing structures, undertake regular maintenance, elevate buildings where necessary, and use quality construction materials and certified artisans to improve the safety and durability of their houses.
“We are urging prospective developers to obtain the necessary building permits before commencing construction, compliance with building requirements is essential to reducing the risk of building collapse and other structural failures,” he said.
Mr Deynu called on residents to regularly clear drains and gutters of rubbish and other obstructions to ensure the free flow of stormwater, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mr Deynu said households should also prepare for emergencies by identifying safe havens and higher grounds, familiarising themselves with evacuation routes and keeping emergency contact numbers readily available.
He outlined the three major phases of disaster management as the pre-disaster phase, which involved mitigation and preparedness; the emergency phase, which focused on response; and the post-disaster phase, which covered recovery, rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement.
He said the NADMO would continue to undertake hazard and vulnerability assessments, public education, community engagement, communal labour, preparedness activities and simulation exercises to strengthen disaster prevention and response in the municipality.
He added that collaboration among relevant agencies and communities was necessary to improve emergency preparedness, facilitate search and rescue operations and support the rehabilitation of affected communities.
The presentation also highlighted the shared responsibility of government, private contractors, households and communities in disaster risk reduction, warning that poor construction practices, disregard for building regulations and the improper disposal of waste into drains could contribute to flooding and other disasters.
Mr Deynu called for sustained efforts to improve drainage systems, clear storm drains, dredge natural ponds to increase water-storage capacity and work with the Forestry Commission to plant trees as part of long-term measures to reduce disaster risks.
He urged residents to make disaster preparedness a regular part of household life, stressing that building safer homes, maintaining the environment and working together as a community were essential to protecting lives, safeguarding property and creating disaster-resilient communities.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah