By: Saidu Jalloh
Freetown, 19th February 2025 The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with Goal Sierra Leone, the National Fire Force (NFF), and the Sierra Leone Navy, has conducted a one-day training on Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness for stakeholders and volunteers in four coastal communities – Portee-Rokupa, Old Wharf, Tokeh, and Fogboh respectively.
The training aimed to strengthen community resilience by equipping local stakeholders and volunteers with critical disaster preparedness skills, including early warning systems, search and rescue techniques, first aid, and evacuation procedures. Given the high vulnerability of these coastal communities to flooding, rising sea levels, and fire outbreaks, this initiative sought to enhance their capacity for effective disaster risk reduction and emergency response.
Abraham Kpama Jusu from Goal Sierra Leone explained that the four targeted communities were chosen due to their exposure to the above-mentioned climate-related hazards and emergencies. He emphasized that building their disaster preparedness capacity would help mitigate the impact of potential disasters by ensuring they could take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
Gerald King, NDMA’s Western Area Regional Coordinator, pointed out the crucial role of early warning systems in disaster management, noting that timely alerts allow communities to anticipate hazards and take preventive action.
Also, Philomina Isatu Turay, NDMA’s Deputy Director of Communications, while presenting stressed the importance of clear and effective messaging in early warning dissemination to prevent panic and misinformation during emergencies.
Philomina further emphasized the role of local leaders and disaster response teams in ensuring effective communication during crises. She urged communities to prioritise accurate and timely information sharing to enhance preparedness and reduce disaster risks.
Public Relations Officer for the National Fire Force (NFF), Fatmata Bintu Kamara led a session on basic first aid, emphasising that the initial response in an emergency can determine a victim’s survival. Equipping community volunteers with first aid skills, she said, ensures that life-saving assistance is available before professional responders arrive.
Abdul Salaam Noah of the Sierra Leone Navy also presented and focused on strengthening community disaster preparedness through engagement, training exercises, and collaboration with government agencies. He emphasized the need for clear communication systems and robust early warning mechanisms to enable coordinated disaster response efforts.
The training was highly interactive, allowing participants to practice their newly acquired skills through real-life scenarios. At the conclusion, attendees were encouraged to share their knowledge within their communities and actively engage in local disaster preparedness initiatives.
This collaborative effort between NDMA and its partners reflects a shared commitment to building resilient communities capable of effectively responding to disasters.
