Tehran Neighborhood Emergency Response Volunteers (DAWAM)

Tehran Neighborhood Emergency Response Volunteers (DAWAM) Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management (TDMMO) is the responsible body for Tehran disaster management system and its mission is defined as:  Improving Tehran Citizens’ Quality of Life in the Natural and Man made Disasters Aspect;  Improving the importance of Risk Reduction and prevention measures as well as developing preparedness and response capabilities in Tehran. Worldwide experience demonstrates that no official disaster response system can cope adequately with a major seismic disaster. The participation of local people for emergency response and disaster preparedness is a very important parameter for the reducing the impact of natural hazard. The experience has shown that the first groups which can help citizens in the case of disaster are the local people by themselves. But usually the local citizens are not trained for disasters and their effective contribution is severely limited by their lack of preparation. DAWAM in Farsi stands for “Däwtalaban-ě Wäkonesh-ě Âzterari Măhăleh” which means “Neighborhood Emergency Response Volunteers”. The word DĂWÄM in Farsi means continuity, persistence and sustaining as well. DĂWÄM is the chosen name for Volunteer Emergency Response Teams, organized in Tehran at the neighborhood level to empower Tehran citizens and reducing their vulnerability in natural disasters. DAWAM program is carried out by TDMMO as a strategic endeavor. The DAWAM Program is designed to mobilize the potentials of Tehran Citizens, while systematically addressing their weaknesses. A carefully designed program of training and practical exercises imparts the basic knowledge, skills and confidence that volunteers need for effective disaster response. The organization required to coordinate activities – and to maintain group preparedness over the long term– is provided by a DAWAM group structure with clearly defined roles, functions and procedures. Finally, the effectiveness of volunteers is enhanced by protective clothing, appropriate tools and equipment. Neighborhood-based approaches are particularly effective because of their adaptation to the specific vulnerabilities, problems and priorities of the local community. DAWAM program is planed in 3 phase: Phase 1: establishing disaster response volunteers group in at least five neighborhoods (Mahaleh) of Tehran as a pilot, in order to assure the effectiveness and appropriateness of project approach. This pilot project started in 2005 and SDC contribution for transferring the experience of volunteer groups in Turkey was very helpful in this pilot project. Phase 2: Improving TDMMO capabilities to develop DAWAM groups all over the city. Phase 3: Establishing at least one group in each of Tehran 375 Neighborhood (Mahaleh). Currently phase 1 of the program is fulfilled and phases 2 and 4 of the program are implementing in parallel. During phase 1, DAWAM groups established in 5 districts of Tehran and are actively involved in TDMMO different activities especially in drills and preparedness improvement measures, and independent evaluations shows that appropriateness and effectiveness of the DAWAM approach is quite acceptable. The DAWAM Volunteers approach is designed to mobilize the potentials of local residents while systematically addressing their weaknesses. A carefully designed program of training and practical exercises imparts the basic knowledge, skills and confidence that volunteers need for effective disaster response. The organization required to coordinate activities – and to maintain group preparedness over the long term– is provided by a DAWAM group structure with clearly defined roles, functions and procedures. Finally, the effectiveness of volunteers is enhanced by protective clothing, appropriate tools and equipment. Neighborhood-based approaches are particularly effective because of their adaptation to the specific vulnerabilities, problems and priorities of the local community. Vulnerability is reduced by building civil society, and improving the relationships between communities and the official disaster management system.