Chapter 26, Disaster cards: 20 types in quick reference¶

How to use. Each card fits on two pages. Print the ones that correspond to the risks of your territory. In a crisis situation, open the card, follow the actions in order. Do not read, execute.

Index of the 20 cards¶

The cards are sorted into six families. Each code (A1, B2, etc.) refers to the matching card in the following pages.

Family A, Geological

Code	Type	Warning speed
A1	Earthquake	Instantaneous, no warning
A2	Tsunami	Minutes to hours
A3	Volcanic eruption	Hours to days
A4	Landslide	A few hours, sometimes no warning

Family B, Meteorological

Code	Type	Warning speed
B1	Cyclone / hurricane / typhoon	3 to 7 days
B2	Flood	Hours to days
B3	Cold wave / snowstorm	1 to 3 days
B4	Heat wave	2 to 7 days

Family C, Climate / environmental

Code	Type	Warning speed
C1	Drought	Weeks to months
C2	Wildfire	Hours, sometimes minutes

Family D, Industrial / technological

Code	Type	Warning speed
D1	HAZMAT explosion / industrial accident	Instantaneous, no warning
D2	Nuclear / radiological accident	Minutes to hours
D3	Major blackout	Instantaneous, no warning
D4	Mass transport accident	Instantaneous, no warning
D5	Building collapse (technological cause: defect, decay, overload)	Instantaneous, no warning

Family E, Health

Code	Type	Warning speed
E1	Epidemic / pandemic	Days to weeks

Family F, Human / societal

Code	Type	Warning speed
F1	War / armed conflict	Variable, often predictable
F2	Refugees / mass displacement	Days to weeks
F3	Famine / food crisis	Weeks to months
F4	Complex multi-hazard crisis	Variable

Tip. Do not print all 20 cards. Print only the 4 to 6 cards that match the risks mapped in chapter 3 for your territory, and slip them into the club's emergency kit.

A1, EARTHQUAKE¶


Code	A1, Family A: Geological
Speed	Instantaneous, no warning
Lead time	None
Duration	Seconds (impact) + days to weeks (aftershocks)
Affected area	Local to regional, major structural damage, broken networks

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Identify club buildings predating earthquake codes
Drinking water stock: 3 L/person/day × 72 h, minimum vital (full Sphere standard is 15 L/day all uses, see chapter 4) + non-perishable food
Train 2 members in first aid in unstable environments (CERT)
Gathering points in open space, far from buildings
Pre-identify structural engineers in the member network

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Call-down list from a secure open space
DO NOT enter cracked buildings, aftershocks without warning
Reach the gathering point, count members present/missing
Assess damage from outside only (collapses, gas leaks, fires)
Cut gas and electricity if accessible and safe
Alert President + Disaster Coordinator by SMS (voice network saturated)
Contact the District: escalate to DCA-2 or DCA-1 depending on scale, DRG prepared

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Aftershocks: A standing building can collapse during an aftershock. Never enter without structural inspection, even to retrieve belongings.
Rush to the rubble: Untrained volunteers hinder USAR teams. Wait for instructions from authorities.
Tap water: Cracked pipes = contaminated water. Distribute only bottled or treated water until sanitary certification.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (3-14 days)	Recovery (2 weeks, 6 months)
Area assessment in pairs, open spaces	Collective kitchens for victims + rescuers	Light reconstruction (roofs, non-structural repairs)
Map collapses, cut-off routes	Waiting lists for structural assessment (volunteer engineers)	Support families toward government aid
Emergency drinking water distribution (pipes frequently broken)	Volunteer rotations (physical and psychological fatigue)	Global Grant reconstruction of schools/clinics to seismic standards
Outdoor shelters (ShelterBox, tarps), no reintegration without inspection	Debris removal support if area is safe, otherwise logistics only	Photo and financial documentation for TRF stewardship
Launch DRG (25,000 USD) with rapid assessment report	Psychological support: people in shock
Contact ShelterBox (shelter kits) + WASH-RAG (latrines)	Interim District report to adjust DRG or Global Grant

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Water, shelters, emergency food	48-72 h
ShelterBox	Tents and family survival kits	From D+1
WASH-RAG	Drinking water, emergency latrines	From D+1
DNA-RAG	Coordination and technical expertise	Immediate
Global Grant	Reconstruction of schools/clinics	3-6 months

A2, TSUNAMI¶


Code	A2, Family A: Geological
Speed	Extreme (wave: 500 to 800 km/h in open sea, slowing to 30-50 km/h near the coast, NOAA)
Lead time	15-30 min (distant) to zero (local)
Duration	2-8 hours (series of 3 to 7 waves)
Affected area	Coastal, total destruction of low-lying areas, saline contamination of fresh water

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Know the tsunami inundation zones (official maps)
Evacuation routes to high ground from each meeting location
Train members on the local tsunami warning signal (sirens, apps)
Pre-position bottled fresh water stocks at high altitude

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Upon alert or felt marine earthquake: immediate evacuation to high ground, without waiting for official confirmation
DO NOT go to watch the sea, water receding announces the wave
Gathering point at altitude: at least 30 m elevation or at least 1.5 to 3 km from the coast depending on local topography (NOAA, UNESCO IOC)
DO NOT return to low-lying areas before the official alert is lifted by authorities (often several hours, sometimes more than a day; wave series spans 2-8 h)
Call-down list from high ground
Alert the District: potentially catastrophic situation, DRG anticipated

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Deadly curiosity: Observing the sea receding from the beach kills. Height and distance are the only protections.
Returning too early: Secondary waves (less visible) have killed rescuers who returned after the first wave.
Well water: Even when clear, coastal water is contaminated by salt and pathogens for weeks.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (3-14 days)	Recovery (2 weeks, 6 months)
Damage assessment after water retreat confirmed by authorities	Food distribution for displaced persons	DO NOT rebuild in low-lying coastal area without official study
Bottled fresh water, absolute priority (coastal wells salted)	Debris removal support in secure/dried areas	Global Grant reconstruction of infrastructure on high ground
Distribution points on high ground outside flooded areas	Recovery of lost official documents	Rebuilding of boats/equipment for fishermen
Reception of coastal displaced on high ground	Semi-permanent water purification (WASH-RAG)	Tsunami education with local schools
WASH-RAG: urgent fresh water solutions	Epidemiological surveillance (leptospirosis, cholera)
ShelterBox for homeless families

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Fresh water, shelters, food	48-72 h
WASH-RAG	Fresh water, purification	From D+1
ShelterBox	Shelters for displaced families	From D+2
Global Grant	Reconstruction outside risk zone	3-6 months

A3, VOLCANIC ERUPTION¶


Code	A3, Family A: Geological
Speed	Variable (slow to explosive)
Lead time	Hours to weeks (precursor signs: tremors, degassing)
Duration	Days to several years
Affected area	Local to regional, lava, lahars, ash, toxic gases (SO₂, CO₂)

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Know the official evacuation plan and exclusion zones
Stock of FFP2/N95 masks (ash → silicosis)
Identify crops and livestock of member farmers
Bottled water reserve (ash makes rainwater acidic)

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Follow the evacuation orders of the volcanological authorities without discussion
Help vulnerable persons evacuate the exclusion zone
Distribute FFP2/N95 masks before evacuation
Close shutters, doors, ventilation (slows ash penetration)
Take animals with you or release them, do not stay for them
Call-down list from a secure area outside the perimeter
Alert District: potentially long duration, DRG from D+1

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Returning too early: Exclusion zones are scientific. Pyroclastic flows: 200 to 1,000 °C, average speed ~100 km/h, up to 700 km/h in extreme cases (USGS); no chance of surviving them.
Insufficient masks: A surgical mask does not block fine ash. Only FFP2 / N95 filter at least 94% of 0.3 µm particles, making them effective against fine volcanic ash (PM2.5 included).
Underestimating duration: Accommodation "for a few days" while evacuation lasts months. Build Global Grant from week 2.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (3 days, months)	Recovery (post-eruption)
Shelter centers for evacuees (plan for weeks, not days)	Volunteer team rotation (eruption = months)	Decontamination/cleaning of buildings
Respiratory masks for all + populations downwind	Ash cleaning on roofs (collapse if > 10 cm)	Global Grant water/irrigation systems
Bottled water (ash contaminates open reservoirs)	Continuous drinking water (recontamination at each rainfall)	Diversification of farmer livelihoods
Tarp water containers and cisterns	Psychological support: ongoing uncertainty	Gradual and secure return
Care for evacuated livestock	Support for farmers (remaining crops, losses)
ShelterBox: evacuees for several weeks	District report for Global Grant

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Masks, water, shelters for evacuees	48-72 h
ShelterBox	Long-term housing for evacuees	From D+2
Global Grant	Post-eruption water infrastructure	3-6 months
ESRAG	Soil rehabilitation	Medium term

A4, LANDSLIDE¶


Code	A4, Family A: Geological
Speed	Instantaneous
Lead time	None (possible precursor signs: ground cracking, tilting trees, cloudy water)
Duration	Seconds (impact) + 24-72 h secondary risk
Affected area	Local, slopes, exposed rural and urban areas

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Identify members living/working on risk slopes
Know the precursor signs: ground cracking, tilting trees, cloudy water
Rapid evacuation plan for identified risk areas

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Alert official rescue services first (GPS location)
Safety perimeter: stay away from destabilized embankments and muddy areas
Call-down list to identify potentially affected members
DO NOT enter the mud zone without specialized equipment, risk of sinking
Coordinate with the authorities to locate buried persons
Alert the District: DCA depending on scale, DRG prepared

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Mud as a trap: Dense as fresh concrete. A volunteer sinks into it in seconds. Never alone, never without a safety rope.
Secondary slides: 24-72 h after the main event, the slope remains unstable. New rain = new slides.
Hasty reconstruction: Never rebuild on the initial site without an official geotechnical study.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (3-14 days)	Recovery
Emergency shelter in secure areas off the slope	Clearing road axes under authority supervision	DO NOT rebuild without geotechnical study
Drinking water (local sources turbid/contaminated)	Assessment of residual terrain stability	Global Grant family relocation to stable ground
Communication of missing persons lists	Psychological support: grief, loss of housing	Reforestation/slope stabilization (ESRAG)
Logistical support to official search teams	DRG documentation: photos, families, losses	Advocacy for building standards in risk areas
Weather monitoring: rains = increased risk

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Shelter, water, logistics	48-72 h
Global Grant	Relocation, reforestation	3-6 months
ESRAG	Slope stabilization, reforestation	Medium term

B1, CYCLONE/HURRICANE/TYPHOON¶


Code	B1, Family B: Meteorological
Speed	Progressive (approach) then brutal (impact)
Lead time	3-7 days
Duration	12-48 h (passage) + days to weeks (consequences)
Affected area	Regional, winds > 120 km/h, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding

BEFORE, Preparation (from alert, D-3 to D-7)¶

Activate the club's emergency plan as soon as the cyclone alert is issued
Contact the District immediately: DRG can be submitted BEFORE impact (only case)
Alert DNA-RAG and ShelterBox (pre-positioning of stocks)
Secure club premises, pre-position supplies (water, tarps, chainsaws, generators)
Identify and contact members in flood-prone coastal areas

FIRST 6 HOURS, During the storm + post-impact¶

Stay inside until the official end of the alert, DO NOT go out during the eye
Maintain contact with the Disaster Coordinator by SMS, listen to radio
As soon as the alert is lifted: damage assessment in pairs with PPE
Tarping is an absolute priority: cover damaged roofs before the next rains
Clearing circulation axes (trees, debris)
Distribution of water, food, tarps to the most affected households
Report to the District for DRG activation

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

The eye of the hurricane: Lull of 15-60 min. The storm resumes in the opposite direction. Many casualties from going out during this calm.
Roofs first: Tarping is more urgent than almost anything else. Every hour of delay irreversibly worsens interior damage.
Power lines: Fallen poles and cables on the ground remain energized. Never approach them.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (3-14 days)	Recovery (2 weeks, 6 months)
Needs inventory by neighborhood: roofs, water, electricity	Collective kitchens (no more gas or electricity)	Support for insurance/government aid
Generator fuel (refrigerated items, oxygen therapy)	Muck & gut with DAUSA if available	Global Grant infrastructure reconstruction
Distribution of tarps/water/food	Generators for vulnerable families	Training in hurricane-resistant construction
	Provisional repairs (windows, doors, roofs)	Complete stewardship with before/after photos
	Volunteer rotation every 48-72 h

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Before and after impact	Pre-impact possible
ShelterBox	Tarps, tents, survival kits	From D+1
DAUSA	Muck & gut, debris removal	From D+3
DNA-RAG	Technical coordination	Immediate
Global Grant	Infrastructure reconstruction	3-6 months

B2, FLOOD¶


Code	B2, Family B: Meteorological
Speed	Rapid (flash flood: minutes) or slow (plain flood: days)
Lead time	Minutes to days depending on type
Duration	Hours to weeks
Affected area	Local to regional, groundwater contamination, epidemiological risks

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Identify members living in flood-prone areas (local risk map)
Stocks of water purification tablets (chlorine), portable filters
Waders and gloves for intervention teams
Identify residents on ground floors/basements for preventive evacuation

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Preventive evacuation of identified flood-prone areas, before water rises
NEVER cross on foot: 15 cm of flowing water knocks down an adult
NEVER cross by car: 60 cm of water sweeps away a vehicle
Cut electricity to homes being flooded
Help vulnerable persons (elderly, people with reduced mobility, infants) reach upper floors/high ground
Call-down list from a safe high area
Alert the District: DCA depending on scale

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Flood water = toxic: Sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, pathogens. Contact = full protection (boots, gloves, no open wounds).
Premature returns: Structures weakened by saturation, short circuits, toxic molds developed.
Leptospirosis: Rodent urine in flood waters, fatal. Symptoms 2-30 days after exposure.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (3-14 days)	Recovery
Emergency drinking water: bottled or treated	Pumping/drying of buildings	Full disinfection of homes before reoccupation
High-ground gathering points + registration of families	Water filters and purification tablets on a large scale	Support for damage assessment (insurance)
Boats if available, evacuation of isolated persons	Cleaning/disinfection of dwellings (mud, mold)	Global Grant water/sanitation systems
Epidemiological surveillance with health authorities	Leptospirosis surveillance (fever + pain)	Reforestation, community dikes (ESRAG)
Hygiene kits (soap, gel, chlorine tablets)	Disinfection of wells/water points (WASH-RAG)
DRG for water, hygiene, shelters

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Drinking water, hygiene, shelters	48-72 h
WASH-RAG	Water purification, sanitation	From D+1
Global Grant	Water/sanitation infrastructure	3-6 months

B3, COLD WAVE / SNOWSTORM¶


Code	B3, Family B: Meteorological
Speed	Progressive
Lead time	24-72 hours
Duration	Days to weeks
Affected area	Regional, hypothermia, frostbite, CO poisoning, network outages

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Stock of survival blankets, fleeces, warm clothing (various sizes)
Map isolated elderly persons in the club's area
Identify heated premises as warming centers (hall, gym, member's business)
"Cold" kits: hot drink thermoses, hot water bottles, blankets, gloves, hats
Raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO)

FIRST 6 HOURS, Cold's arrival¶

Open warming centers as soon as the local danger threshold is reached
Neighborhood network: each member calls 5 elderly/isolated neighbors
Distribute warm kits to the homeless and vulnerable persons
Transport isolated persons to warming centers
Systematic CO alert: never a generator indoors, nor a barbecue as heating

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Silent CO: Odorless, colorless, deadly. Absolute ban on any combustion device in enclosed space (generator, barbecue, brazier).
Elderly persons: Thermoregulation degrades with age. An elderly person may be hypothermic without shivering or complaining.
Frozen pipes: Bursting causes water damage upon thawing. Anticipate repairs.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (during the wave)	After the wave
Warming center 24/7 coverage on rotation	Continued daily check on vulnerable persons	Safe return of hosted persons
Distribution of hot meals (soup, drinks)	Coordination with fire services/EMS for hypothermia	Water damage repairs (burst pipes)
Daily check on vulnerable persons (morning + evening visit)	Help for families without heating: alternative accommodation	Psychological assessment of exposed elderly persons
Help with emergency repairs to frozen pipes

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Warming material, housing	48-72 h
Member network	Heated premises, transport	Immediate

B4, HEAT WAVE¶


Code	B4, Family B: Meteorological
Speed	Progressive
Lead time	24-72 hours
Duration	Days to weeks
Affected area	Regional, silent deaths of elderly persons, infants, chronically ill

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Map isolated elderly persons and housing without air conditioning
Identify air-conditioned premises as cooling centers
Stock of water bottles, misters, portable fans
Know the signs of heat stroke: confusion, dry/hot skin, loss of consciousness

FIRST 6 HOURS, Upon exceeding the alert threshold¶

Open cooling centers (air-conditioned premises of the club/members)
Neighborhood network: call or visit isolated elderly persons (morning AND evening)
Distribute drinking water to immobile vulnerable persons
Reminder of guidelines: drink without waiting for thirst, stay in the shade, avoid effort during hot hours
Identify persons on at-risk medications

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Silent death: Death from heat stroke at night, poorly ventilated housing. Victims do not ask for help. Physical visit is essential.
Aggravating medications: Diuretics, antihypertensives, antidepressants, antiparkinson drugs alter thermoregulation. Persons on treatment = very high risk.
Night without cooling: Nighttime temperature is the most decisive mortality factor.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

Heat peak	Stabilization	After the wave
Cooling center coverage + volunteer rotation	Continued monitoring of vulnerable persons	Hospitalized/deceased assessment, report to District
Cold/light meals (avoid cooking efforts)	Coordination with health authorities/EMS	Support for bereaved families
Transport of vulnerable persons to centers	Increased nighttime surveillance	Advocacy for insulation, ventilation, greening

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Water, fans, transport	48-72 h
Member network	Air-conditioned premises, volunteers	Immediate

D5, BUILDING COLLAPSE¶


Code	D5, Family D: Technological (origin: defect, decay, overload, sabotage)
Speed	Instantaneous
Lead time	None
Duration	Seconds (impact), survival window under rubble: 72 h
Affected area	Localized, trapped victims, USAR expertise required

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Know local USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) and specialized rescue contacts
Identify dilapidated buildings in the club's area
Train members in logistical support for rescue teams

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Immediately alert official rescue services with precise location (specialized rescue, USAR)
Strict safety perimeter: rubble may collapse further
DO NOT attempt rescue without USAR training
Logistical support to rescuers: lighting, water for rescuers, witness registration
Lists of potentially trapped persons (help families identify occupants)
Call-down list to identify members potentially present

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Improvised rescues: Pulling a survivor without assessing stability can trigger a secondary collapse, killing both survivor and rescuer.
Secondary victims: Distress of families waiting. Provide volunteers dedicated exclusively to family support, separate from logistics teams.
Cascade collapse: Adjacent buildings may be weakened. Extended perimeter.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization	Recovery
Psychological support for families awaiting news	Emergency housing for displaced occupants	DRG emergency rehousing of families
Rest/refreshment area for rescue teams	Help with administrative procedures (housing, insurance)	Global Grant if collective infrastructure
Coordination of funeral services in case of deaths	Official communication single information point

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Emergency rehousing	48-72 h
Member network	Logistics, housing	Immediate

C1, DROUGHT¶


Code	C1, Family C: Progressive climatic
Speed	Very slow (weeks to months)
Lead time	Progressive indicators (vegetation indices, groundwater)
Duration	Months to years
Affected area	Regional, food, water, livestock, rural economy, child nutrition

BEFORE, Early warning indicators¶

Track vegetation indices and groundwater levels (official indicators)
Identify vulnerable farming communities in the club's area
Local veterinary service contacts (first signal: livestock deaths)

FIRST SIGNS, Immediate actions¶

Assessment of households in food and water insecurity (field visit)
Distribution of drinking water to villages in shortage (tanker trucks, coordination with city halls)
Targeted food distribution: children < 5 years, pregnant/breastfeeding women, elderly
Support farmers with drought-adapted seeds
Alert District for DRG if > 100 families affected
Contact WASH-RAG for sustainable water solutions

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Waiting too long: Chronic child malnutrition causes irreversible effects on cognitive development. Act at the first signs.
Distributing without targeting: Untargeted distributions rarely benefit the most vulnerable. Identify priority households with the communities.
Neglecting livestock: Often the entire economy of a rural household. Livestock death precipitates famine.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

Progressive phase	Aggravated phase	Recovery
Emergency drinking water for villages	Food for Work (FFW): paying in food	Rainwater harvesting (cisterns, small dikes)
Targeted food (children, pregnant women)	Emergency veterinary support for livestock	Water-efficient agriculture training (drip irrigation)
Drought-adapted seeds	Monitor migration to cities (signal of worsening)	Reforestation of degraded areas (ESRAG)
DRG if > 100 families	Global Grant boreholes/cisterns	Database of vulnerable areas
WASH-RAG water solutions

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Emergency water and food	48-72 h
Global Grant	Boreholes, cisterns, irrigation	3-6 months
WASH-RAG	Sustainable water solutions	Medium term
ESRAG	Reforestation, climate resilience	Medium term

C2, WILDFIRE¶


Code	C2, Family C: Environmental
Speed	Very fast (hundreds of hectares in hours)
Lead time	Minutes to hours
Duration	Hours to weeks + 24-48 h resurgence
Affected area	Local to regional, total loss of property, long-distance toxic smoke

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Stock of FFP2/N95 masks (smoke = fine particles + toxic compounds)
Identify members in wildland-urban interface zones
Know secondary evacuation routes (main ones often blocked)

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Immediate evacuation at the first official alert, do not wait to see the fire
DO NOT take time to gather belongings, leave immediately
Close windows and doors (slows smoke and embers)
Shut off gas supply to vacated buildings
Wear FFP2 mask as soon as smoke is visible
Call-down list from a secure area outside the perimeter
Alert the District

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Burned buildings: Heat weakens concrete and metal. Possible collapse hours after extinction. Never enter without structural assessment.
Toxic materials: Fires release asbestos, heavy metals, toxins. Ash dangerous to handle without protection.
Resurgence: A fire declared extinguished can resume 24-48 h later due to wind. Do not announce the end of the crisis prematurely.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization	Recovery
Emergency housing centers for evacuees (duration: weeks)	DO NOT return to burned buildings without structural assessment	Global Grant reconstruction of collective facilities
Respiratory masks (smoke persists days after extinction)	Help with respiratory disease care	Adapted reforestation (less flammable species, ESRAG)
Drinking water (networks melted/contaminated by ash)	Coordination with authorities on zone-by-zone return permits	Training in preventive brush clearing
Recovery of lost documents (civil status, insurance)	Administrative support: claims, government aid
Psychological support: total loss of property = major shock

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Shelters, masks, water	48-72 h
ShelterBox	Housing for evacuees	From D+2
ESRAG	Adapted reforestation	Medium term
Global Grant	Collective reconstruction	3-6 months

D1, HAZMAT EXPLOSION¶


Code	D1, Family D: Technological
Speed	Instantaneous (explosion) + cloud spread (hours)
Lead time	None
Duration	Hours to days (residual contamination: weeks)
Affected area	Local, invisible chemical/biological/radiological contamination zone

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Identify at-risk industrial sites (SEVESO, fuel depots, chemical plants)
Know the local emergency plan (ORSEC-TMD, PPI)
Identify members: doctors, nurses, volunteer firefighters, chemical engineers

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Move away from the area, the toxic cloud follows prevailing winds
DO NOT approach to "help": without specialized PPE, each rescuer = additional victim
Shelter in place if cloud approaches: windows closed, ventilation off
Follow exclusively the instructions of the authorities (specialized firefighters, EMS)
Call-down list to locate members in the danger zone
Alert the District

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Rescue reflex: The instinct to rush to help kills in HAZMAT. Wait for specialized authorities.
Secondary contamination: Persons coming out of the zone must be decontaminated before being approached. Risk to helpers.
Invisible cloud: Some chemicals are odorless and colorless. Rely solely on official measurements, not the senses.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization	Recovery
Reception/housing for evacuees outside the perimeter	Coordination of return to safe areas	Long-term psychological support
Distribution of water, food, hygiene	Support for economically affected families	Advocacy for industrial safety
Psychological support for victims' families	Medical follow-up of exposed persons
Only verified official information relayed
Member doctors: medical support for evacuees

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Housing, food for evacuees	48-72 h
Member network	Doctors, logistics	Immediate

D2, NUCLEAR ACCIDENT / RADIOLOGICAL¶


Code	D2, Family D: Technological
Speed	Progressive (release can last days)
Lead time	Variable (minutes to hours depending on type of accident)
Duration	Days (accident), years (contamination, displacement)
Affected area	Regional, invisible contamination, prolonged displacement (e.g., Fukushima: > 15 years)

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Know the nuclear power plants and radioactive sites within 20 km (FR PPI evacuation zone) to 80 km (extended ingestion zone, equivalent to US NRC EPZ)
Know the stable iodine tablet distribution plan (city halls)
Know the procedure: shelter in place (confinement) vs. evacuation by zone

FIRST 6 HOURS, Upon official announcement¶

Immediate shelter in place if recommended: close openings, cut ventilation, stay inside
Take stable iodine tablets if distributed by authorities (protects thyroid)
DO NOT go out to assess, radiological contamination is imperceptible
Evacuation if ordered: official routes only
Call-down list by SMS from the shelter

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Stable iodine vs. radioactive iodine: Iodine tablets must be taken before or just after exposure. They protect only the thyroid, not against other radionuclides.
Premature normalization: Political/economic pressure for a rapid return to still-contaminated areas. Follow only official dosimetric data.
Local food: DO NOT consume local water, vegetables, milk not certified safe by the authorities.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization	Long term (months-years)
Help evacuees to declared safe zones only	Verified information only (misinformation = danger)	Ongoing psychological support (grief for living place)
DO NOT distribute uncertified local food	Support for families with administrative procedures	Global Grant medical follow-up for exposed populations
Psychological support: fear of invisible contamination		Educational health projects for displaced communities
		Compensation support

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Help for evacuees in safe zones	48-72 h
Global Grant	Long-term medical follow-up	3-6 months

D3, BLACKOUT¶


Code	D3, Family D: Technological
Speed	Instantaneous
Lead time	None (storm, cyberattack, cascading failure)
Duration	Hours to days
Affected area	Local to regional, all systems affected: water, heating/AC, care, communication, cold chain

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Identify members/relatives dependent on electrical medical devices (dialysis, respirator, insulin)
Inventory generators available from members
Identify a community center equippable with a generator
Stock of lamps, batteries, candles

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Vital priority: contact persons dependent on medical devices (dialysis, respirator, refrigerated insulin)
Direct medical needs to hospitals with generators
Inventory and lend generators to vulnerable persons
Open a lit community center as a gathering point
Systematic CO alert: never a generator indoors

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

CO kills silently: Generators indoors = death. Only outside, > 6 m (20 feet) from any opening (CDC, CPSC).
Insulin and thermosensitive medications: Insulin is normally stable for 28 days at ambient temperature below 30 °C (FDA, ADA), but degradation is accelerated in heat waves or non-air-conditioned rooms. In a summer blackout, organize cold access within 48 h for diabetics.
Water: Water network pumps no longer work. Water may stop flowing or lose its treatment pressure.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

24 hours	Beyond 24 h	Return of electricity
Priority contact with persons with medical devices	Cold chain: distribute/store refrigerated medicines/food	Verification of electrical equipment damage
Generators to vulnerable persons	Lamps, candles, backup batteries	Assessment of affected persons
Lit community center	CO risk information	District report
	Coordination of priority fuel deliveries

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Generators, fuel, water	48-72 h
Member network	Generators, premises, transport	Immediate

D4, TRANSPORT ACCIDENT (MASS)¶


Code	D4, Family D: Technological
Speed	Instantaneous
Lead time	None
Duration	Hours (impact), days (victim and family management)
Affected area	Localized, numerous simultaneous victims, complex identification, media

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Know the mass casualty protocols (ORSEC Novi or equivalent)
Identify premises available for family reception
Identify members speaking foreign languages (frequent international victims)

FIRST 6 HOURS, Immediate actions¶

Trigger official rescue services and stay outside the safety perimeter
Support to rescuers: lighting, water, supplies for medical teams
Family reception point for victims' families: available premises, dedicated volunteers
DO NOT photograph/film victims (dignity, disruption of rescue)
Emergency psychological support for uninjured survivors in shock

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Spontaneous volunteer surge: Spectacular accident = hundreds of volunteers. Without coordination, they hinder rescue. The club organizes and channels, does not join anarchically.
Media: Single spokesperson. No statement on causes or responsibilities. Never comment on the official casualty toll.
Non-local families: Often coming from far away, without local resources. Housing, transport, food must be planned.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization	Recovery
Coordination of psychological support teams	Support for families with administrative procedures	Long-term psychological support
Logistics for families from afar: housing, transport	Help with victim identification (translation)	Memorial ceremony if appropriate
District communication

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
Member network	Logistics, premises, translation	Immediate
DRG (25,000 USD)	If exceptional scale	48-72 h

E1, EPIDEMIC/PANDEMIC¶


Code	E1, Family E: Health
Speed	Exponential without barrier measures
Lead time	Days to weeks (first cases detected)
Duration	Weeks to years
Affected area	Local to global, overflow of health systems, secondary crises

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Rotating PPE stocks: FFP2 masks, nitrile gloves, gowns, gel (renew before expiration)
Club continuity plan (function if 30% of members are sick)
Contacts with local public health officials
Identify members who are health professionals

FIRST 6 HOURS, Upon local detection¶

Preventive PPE distribution to health workers running out of stock
Logistical support to health centers (transport, supplies, communication)
Awareness campaign on barrier measures with health authorities (validated messages)
Actively fight misinformation in the club network
Alert District if scale exceeds local capacities

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Misinformation: Rumors spread as fast as the pathogen. Only relay information verified by health authorities. Sourced or silent.
Sick volunteers: Sending symptomatic volunteers "for lack of staff" is counterproductive and dangerous. Quarantine without exception.
Misused PPE: A poorly fitted FFP2 does not protect. Practical training on PPE wearing before any intervention.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

Confirmed spread	Stabilization / End of crisis	Recovery
Adapt club activities to official health measures	Vaccination campaigns with authorities (PolioPlus experience)	Post-epidemic psychological support
Food aid for isolated/confined persons	Help with economic recovery	Lessons learned report
Support for caregivers: food, materials, psychological
Support for families of hospitalized patients
No unauthorized gatherings

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	PPE, food, health support	48-72 h
WASH-RAG	Drinking water, emergency sanitation	From D+1
PolioPlus (experience)	Vaccination, awareness	Immediate
Global Grant	Long-term health infrastructure	3-6 months

F1, WAR / ARMED CONFLICT¶


Code	F1, Family F: Human
Speed	Variable (progressive or sudden escalation)
Lead time	Variable
Duration	Months to years
Affected area	Regional, direct danger, destroyed civilian systems, massive displacement

BEFORE, Club positioning¶

Written policy of political neutrality communicated to all members
Identify specialized humanitarian partners (ICRC, UNHCR, MSF, NRC)
Update contact information for all members (their safety comes first)

DURING THE CONFLICT, Immediate actions¶

Check the safety of ALL members via call-down list
Support members evacuating dangerous areas
NO direct intervention in combat zones, direct toward specialized humanitarian actors
NEVER display support for a side (risk of targeting the club)
Discreet communications with the District
Help displaced populations only in declared safe areas

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Perception of bias: Helping in an area controlled by one side = interpreted as support. Operate with official authorization and transparency.
Fake humanitarian corridors: Some are not secure. Never enter a conflict zone without coordination with ICRC or experienced humanitarians.
Member safety: The safety of Rotarians comes before any humanitarian action.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

Active phase (safe zones)	Relative stabilization	Post-conflict
Aid for displaced persons in safe zones: food, shelter, hygiene	Needs documentation for Global Grants	Global Grant civilian reconstruction (water, education, health)
Unaccompanied children → UNICEF, Save the Children	Basic medical aid via Rotarian health professionals (secured zone)	Long-term psychological support (war trauma)
		Reconciliation with RAGFP and Peace Fellows
		Vocational training for former combatants/displaced persons

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Aid for displaced persons in safe zones	48-72 h
RAGFP	Coordination of refugees, reconciliation, mediation	Medium term to post-conflict
Global Grant	Civilian reconstruction	Post-conflict

F2, REFUGEES / MASS DISPLACEMENT¶


Code	F2, Family F: Human
Speed	Variable (sudden or progressive flow)
Lead time	Variable (days if conflict known, zero if sudden)
Duration	Months to years
Affected area	Local to regional, complex needs: emergency + sustainable integration

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Prior contact with refugee reception services (authorities, UNHCR, Red Cross)
Identify members speaking foreign languages (critical asset)
Identify spaces for temporary reception centers

FIRST 6 HOURS, Arrival of displaced persons¶

Organized reception: registration point with simplified civil status
Immediate needs: drinking water, food, temporary shelters, sanitation
Safe separation for single women and unaccompanied minors (report to authorities)
Medical triage call: medical emergencies, pregnant women, elderly
Distribution of hygiene kits (towels, soap, toothbrush, blanket)
Contact District for DRG and RAGFP coordination

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Human trafficking: Camps/centers = hunting grounds for trafficking networks. Report any suspicious behavior. Never an unknown adult alone with minors.
Helper fatigue: Displacement lasts for months. Strict rotations and psychological support for teams.
Assistance without dignity: Always involve displaced persons in decisions. They are not objects of charity.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

First 2 weeks	Stabilization	Long term
School enrollment for children: immediate contact with local schools	WASH: sanitation in housing centers	Vocational training (Global Grant)
Administrative regularization: referral to competent services	Psychological support (displacement trauma, grief)	Local integration or voluntary return
Language classes for adults (volunteer member teachers)		Coordination with RAGFP + RAGCED expertise/funding
		Advocacy for dignified reception conditions

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Reception, water, food, shelters	48-72 h
RAGFP	Refugee expertise and coordination	From D+1
WASH-RAG	Water and sanitation in camps	From D+3
Global Grant	Training, integration, income	3-6 months

F3, FAMINE / FOOD CRISIS¶


Code	F3, Family F: Human
Speed	Progressive (weeks to months)
Lead time	IPC indicators available
Duration	Months to years
Affected area	Regional, more than 730 million people in chronic global undernourishment of whom approximately 280 million in acute food crisis IPC phase 3+ (FAO SOFI 2024, WFP GRFC 2024), children most vulnerable

BEFORE, Specific preparation¶

Track IPC indicators (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification)
Contacts with WFP (World Food Programme) and specialized NGOs
Identify the most vulnerable areas and populations in the club's area

FIRST SIGNS, Immediate actions¶

Validate the crisis through official IPC indicators
Field assessment with local partners: households, areas, vulnerable groups
Nutritionally adapted targeted food distribution (children < 5 years, pregnant women)
RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food) for severely malnourished children
Coordination with WFP and specialized NGOs
Immediate DRG for local food purchases (prefer local markets to imports)

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Adults at the expense of children: Uncontrolled distributions = weaker children eat less. Separate distributions for children < 5 years.
Too rapid refeeding: Severely malnourished persons do not digest sudden normal nutrition. Refeeding syndrome = fatal. Work with health professionals.
Social tensions: Food shortage generates conflicts over resources. Monitor and report.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

Progressive phase	Acute phase (declared famine)	Recovery
Targeted food distribution	DRG local food purchases	Global Grant agricultural projects
RUTF for severely malnourished children	Coordination with District + Global Grants	Rehabilitation of livelihoods
Coordination with WFP + NGOs	Monitor social tensions (conflict risk)	Training in resilient agricultural techniques
Continuous household assessment

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Local food purchases	48-72 h
Global Grant	Agricultural projects, livelihoods	3-6 months
WASH-RAG	Water (drought often associated)	Medium term
ESRAG	Climate resilience, agriculture	Medium term

F4, COMPLEX MULTI-HAZARD CRISIS¶

Definition: superposition of two or three major stressors on the same population within a short time window. Documented examples: earthquake + epidemic (Turkey 2023), armed conflict + drought + famine (Sudan 2023-2024), floods + displacement + epidemic (Pakistan 2022), cyclone + pandemic (Philippines 2020). This is the typology that has been progressing the fastest since 2020.

CHARACTERISTICS¶

Parameter	Specificity
Trigger	Cascade, a primary hazard (earthquake, conflict, drought) creates the conditions for the second (epidemic, displacement, famine)
Scale	Multiplied by 3 to 10 compared to a single hazard
Duration	6 months to several years
Actors	Mandatory coordination among several OCHA clusters
Main pitfall	Treating each crisis separately, interactions get forgotten

BEFORE¶

Identify cascade scenarios plausible for your territory (e.g., seismic zone + endemic epidemic; cyclone zone + food insecurity)
Plan by combination, not by isolated hazard
MOUs with health, WASH, food security actors, not just emergency rescue
Diversified stocks (not everything in water, not everything in shelters)

FIRST 72 HOURS¶

Identify the currently dominant stressor (the most urgent, not the most spectacular)
Map interactions: does post-earthquake contaminated water create an epidemic risk? Do the displaced from the conflict put pressure on food stocks?
Coordination from D+0 with all relevant clusters, not sequentially
Enhanced SITREP, one section per stressor + one interactions section

CRITICAL PITFALLS¶

Tunneling on the visible stressor: everyone films the earthquake, no one monitors the water. The epidemic arrives 3 weeks later and kills more than the earthquake.
Competition between clusters: shelter vs. health vs. WASH, each one demands priority. Arbitrate quickly, with the DRO.
Donor fatigue: a multi-hazard crisis lasts. Donations run out within 6-12 weeks. Plan the aftermath from D+30.
Insufficient volunteer rotation: more than 6 months of operations = mandatory rotations every 14-21 days. Otherwise, collapse.

ACTIONS BY PHASE¶

72 hours	Stabilization (week 2-8)	Recovery (3 months+)
Mapping of stressors	Daily inter-cluster coordination	Multi-domain Global Grants (WASH + health + economic)
Prioritization of the most lethal	Matrix SITREP (one per stressor)	Resilience strengthening (cascade prevention)
DRG on the dominant stressor	Supplementary DRG if new stressor	Sustainable partnerships with specialized NGOs
OCHA coordination from D+0	ShelterBox + WASH-RAG + hunger response	ESRAG (climate) + RAGCED (economy)

ROTARY TOOLS¶

Tool	Use	Lead time
DRG (25,000 USD)	Dominant stressor in emergency	48-72 h
Secondary DRG	Emerging stressor (epidemic, displacement)	+45 days after 1st DRG
Multi-domain Global Grant	Coordinated reconstruction health+WASH+economy	3-6 months
DNA-RAG	Essential central coordination	< 24 h
WASH-RAG + hunger response + ESRAG	Simultaneous activation by stressor type	As needed
Zone Fund / TRF central	Likely activation if multi-district	Variable

Rule: in a complex crisis, DNA-RAG is the recommended coordinator. Do not activate specialized RAGs in silos.

End of the 20 disaster cards. Print and file in your crisis kit the cards corresponding to the risks of your territory.