Rotary District 5320 Disaster Preparedness Plan
updated 10-23-2026
1. Purpose
To establish a clear, coordinated strategy for Rotary District 5320 to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural or human-made disasters while safeguarding members, communities, and resources.
2. Objectives
– Build district-wide resilience through preparedness, education, and planning.
– Mobilize clubs effectively in disaster situations.
– Coordinate with local government agencies, NGOs, and international partners.
– Provide timely humanitarian relief and support recovery efforts.
3. Scope
This plan applies to all Rotary clubs within District 5320 and addresses:
– Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, wildfires)
– Health emergencies (pandemics)
– Human-made crises (conflicts, industrial accidents)
– Community-specific risks
4. Organizational Structure
**District Disaster Preparedness Committee (DDPC):**
– Chairperson: Appointed by the District Governor
– Members: Representatives from each club, Rotaract representatives, subject matter experts
– Responsibilities:
- Develop and update the preparedness plan
- Coordinate disaster drills and training
- Liaise with relief organizations and government agencies
Club Disaster Coordinators:
– Each Rotary club appoints a disaster coordinator to:
- Promote local preparedness
- Participate in district planning and response
- Maintain contact lists and community resources
5. Risk Assessment & Community Mapping
– Each club conducts a local risk assessment annually
– Identify vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly, disabled)
– Create a Community Resource Inventory (shelters, emergency contacts, hospitals, etc.)
– Utilize Rotary’s Areas of Focus to identify preparedness and recovery opportunities
6. Communication Plan
– Establish an emergency communication chain from clubs to district leaders
– Use multiple channels: phone trees, WhatsApp groups, email, social media
– Designate a District Spokesperson to liaise with media and Rotary International
– Maintain up-to-date contact lists at club and district levels
7. Training & Preparedness Activities
– Annual district-wide disaster drill
– Community disaster awareness workshops
– First aid and CPR certification drives
– Partnerships with Red Cross, local emergency services, and disaster relief NGOs
8. Response Strategy
**Activation:**
– The District Governor (or DDPC Chair) declares emergency activation
– Clubs assess local damage and immediate needs
Relief Mobilization:
– Coordinate distribution of aid (food, shelter, medical supplies)
– Use Disaster Relief Fund and leverage Rotary Foundation grants
– Deploy Rotarians as volunteers where needed
– Contact Shelterbox
Record-Keeping:
– Document activities and expenses
– Report to the District Governor and Rotary International
9. Recovery and Rehabilitation
– Support rebuilding of schools, homes, and healthcare facilities
– Implement mental health and trauma support services
– Promote sustainable development projects
– Monitor and report recovery progress
10. Funding and Resources
– District Disaster Relief Fund: Maintain an emergency fund
– Leverage Rotary Foundation grants (e.g., Disaster Response Grants)
– Encourage club-level fundraising and community partnerships
11. Evaluation & Updates
– Post-disaster debriefs with clubs and stakeholders
– Annual review of the disaster preparedness plan
– Incorporate lessons learned and best practices
Appendices
– A. Contact List (District/Club Leaders, Local Agencies) (DOCX)
– B. Resource Inventory Template (XLSX)
– C. Sample Emergency Communication Script (DOCX)
– D. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Partners DOCX
– E. Club Self-Assessment Checklist DOCX (PDF)