Chapter 3_Targets

- Pre- and post-disaster collection of relevant health-related data and monitoring of these data to evaluate recovery.

- Police, emergency medical service and psychological first aid personnel, fire fighters, emergency managers, are first responders to disasters. Working on the front line, these trained responders are also exposed, at considerable risk, to psychological distress. Their work represents a crucial element of community resilience.

- The use of more natural infrastructure instead of, or in combination with, “grey” (manmade) infrastructure, is recommended to minimize psychological distress. Psychological and physiological health benefits derive from experiencing more natural, “green,” and biodiverse areas.

- During and following evacuations and displacements due to disasters, females, elders, ethnic minorities, people with chronic health problems or economically disadvantaged, are at greater risk for health impairment. So, it is important to avoid extended displacements of disaster victims.

- Nature-based treatment and exposure to nature alleviate stress. Pre- and post-disaster effects of stress are not only anxiety and depression, but also loss of community and cultural identity, due to displacement.

- Revision of disaster laws and policies including stress-related impacts. Engage geographically-isolated and/or eco-dependent communities in meaningful ways, transfer knowledge and develop an adaptive capacity for resilience.

- Dealing with damage assessments, housing and payments is one of the most stressful long-term impacts of natural disasters. The consequences on livelihoods and customary ways of life, increase stress that may produce loss of trust in public services, leaving people feeling helpless.