Material and tactics learned
During the course, I learned several concepts about Community Risk Reduction (CRR). Every community is faced with a particular form of risk. The happening of the risk endangers the life of humans. Properties are also exposed. For example, where floods and tornados occur, houses are swept and property worth millions of dollars destroyed. Given the risks can be huge and can have long-term on the affected communities, different groups, organizations, agencies, and government departments partners to put in place measures to cushion in the event the risk occurred. This course, we prepared a CRR Plan to mitigate the effects of tornados among the Buckeye community, which is found in the West of Phoenix, Arizona. From the course, I learned that in the quest of cushioning any community against the risks, one must have a CRR Plan. It outlines the objectives of the plan, the participants, the resources required and other certified strategies to use in mitigation (Caughey, 2019). However, any CRR Plan adopted must be informed by the background information. The project team must have adequate data about the social and economic life of the members of a community.
Further, from the course, I also learned that stakeholder involvement is one of the best strategies to develop and implement a CRR Plan. For example, by involving the members from the vulnerable group, one gets to understand what their concerns are. Perhaps, it is a means of obtaining first-hand information about the kind of help they are looking for (Community Risk Reduction, 2020). Additionally, from the knowledge I have gained, it is apparent that in CRR Plans, several strategies can be used to mitigate a group from a risk. However, the background information collected helps in identify the strategies that suit the group and the risk. In that case, one must learn to rate and categorize risks to determine which approach to use.
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Finally, I have also confirmed that monitoring of the CRR Plan implementation process, helps detect the strategies that are not working. It is a means of revising the available strategies to deliver the intended outcomes (Community Risk Reduction, 2020). However, the monitoring process can be used as a tool to evaluate the overall performance of the plan. That provides an opportunity to compare the actual results against the planned ones.
The reaction of other members
In case the plan was implemented to my community, the firefighters and the community members could have agreed to support it. However, they could have some contributions to make. It is essential to note that the risks are different. In our plan, the target is the effect of tornados. The strategies used are different. For instance, the risks that derive from the fire outbreaks, are handled using the codes and standards recognized by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Notably, working the people offering fire service will require proof that the community being supported is at risk of fire and that the mitigation strategies conform to the NFPA standards (National Fire Protection Association, 2020). The same reaction will also emerge from the members. They could have specific interests. If the needs are not addressed, conflicts are likely to emerge. It is, therefore, necessary to involve stakeholders in planning where appropriate.
What I learned about CRR in the course
From the course, I also learned that CRR is a process that entails identifying and prioritizing risks. It is then followed by a well-coordinated effort that utilizes a range of resources to reduce the chances of risk from happening. In other cases, CRR is used to minimize the impact a particular risk will have on the target group. Initially, the CRR was mainly used in risks associated with fire (Caughey, 2019). However, that is not the case today. There are several emergencies the worlds should respond to. The concept has evolved and is being used to protect the entire community from any potential risk. Finally, it is evident that the process of implementing a CRR is a challenging one. Successful implementation of the same requires a substantial change in the way people view the vulnerable groups. That is particularly vital in understanding their culture, values and way of life. Such society attributes help devise strategies that blend well with their wishes.
How CRR has changed my views about the fire service
Indeed, fire service is an impactful program. It is worth investing time and resources in. That is for short and long-term benefits to a community. In fire services, therefore, CRR should be encouraged since it provides an opportunity for the community and other members to participate in interventions. Based on the knowledge I have gathered from the course, I strongly hold that all fire services should be proactive instead of reactive. It is time the practitioners should open doors and allow the members of the public to understand the risks that face them (Community Risk Reduction, 2014). Most probably, they will throw their weight behind the plans put in place to safeguard them against fire outbreaks. As community members, we should pride in fire services. We must be passionate, aggressive interactive and educative in all incidences related to fire. Our services should be destined at making a positive impact on the community.
References
Caughey, J. (2019). 5 ways to incorporate CRR into your volunteer fire department. Retrieved from https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/risk-assessment/articles/5-ways-to- incorporate-crr-into-your-volunteer-fire-department-TCuFrS20pUR3H8u8/
Community Risk Reduction, (2014). Vision 2020: National strategies for fire loss prevention. Retrieved from https://strategicfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/V2020-CRR- Review-Model-8-12-14.pdf
National Fire Protection Association (2020). Codes and standards. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards
Community Risk Reduction, (2020). Community Risk Reduction Planning: Strategies & Tactics. Retrieved from http://riskreduction.strategicfire.org/develop-mitigation-strategies- tactics/strategies-tactics/