Introduction

In the face of rising climate risks, rapid urbanisation, and recurring local disasters, communities—particularly those in informal settlements—must be at the centre of disaster preparedness and safety planning. Traditional, top-down approaches often fail to reach the most vulnerable. That’s why Neftaly (South African Youth Project) champions community-based disaster preparedness and safety compliance as essential tools for building resilience and saving lives.

Neftaly works alongside communities to foster a proactive culture of safety, helping residents prepare for hazards before they become emergencies.

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Why Community-Based Preparedness and Compliance Matter

Informal settlements often face:

• High vulnerability to disasters like fires, floods, and disease outbreaks
• Inadequate infrastructure, such as poor drainage, unsafe housing, and limited access roads
• Weak integration into municipal emergency systems
• Limited knowledge or enforcement of safety standards

In such environments, strengthening community-based preparedness and compliance is not just beneficial—it’s life-saving. It empowers communities to:

• Act early
• Respond quickly
• Reduce risks
• Rebuild effectively

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Neftaly’s Approach to Strengthening Disaster Preparedness and Safety Compliance

Neftaly uses a participatory, inclusive, and practical model to help communities become disaster-ready and safety-compliant. This model is built on four key pillars:

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1. Community Education and Awareness Campaigns

Knowledge is power—and Neftaly ensures that power is shared with everyone. We conduct regular workshops, door-to-door campaigns, and public events to:

• Raise awareness about common hazards (e.g. fires, floods, disease outbreaks)
• Teach early warning signs and safety protocols
• Promote everyday safety practices (e.g. safe cooking, clean water storage, structural safety)

We use locally relevant materials, visuals, and multilingual content to reach people of all ages and literacy levels.

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2. Development of Community Preparedness Plans

Neftaly guides communities through the process of developing their own Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans, which include:

• Hazard and risk mapping
• Emergency contact lists
• Designated safe zones and evacuation routes
• Roles and responsibilities for community members
• Checklists for household and community-level readiness

This approach ensures that everyone knows what to do, where to go, and who to call when a crisis strikes.

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3. Training in Safety Compliance and Emergency Response

Neftaly equips local residents with the skills needed to both prevent and respond to disasters:

• Fire safety training (including use of extinguishers and safe stove use)
• Basic first aid and trauma support
• Flood and storm readiness (e.g. sandbagging, drainage maintenance)
• Evacuation and shelter management protocols

We also provide support to establish Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) who are trained and ready to act in times of crisis.

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4. Promoting Local Safety Compliance

Disaster preparedness is only effective when paired with day-to-day safety compliance. Neftaly works with communities to:

• Promote safer building practices (e.g. strong foundations, fire-resistant materials)
• Encourage regular household safety checks
• Support clean-up campaigns to keep drains and passageways clear
• Help communities meet local safety regulations and connect with municipal support

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Success Story: Building Preparedness in Philippi East

In 2024, Neftaly launched a community-based disaster preparedness initiative in Philippi East, Cape Town. After months of engagement:

• Over 800 residents were trained in emergency response
• Community evacuation plans were created and tested through drills
• Informal homes were retrofitted with safer materials
• Local youth formed a certified Community Emergency Team

When seasonal floods hit the area later that year, the community responded swiftly—minimising damage and preventing loss of life.

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Benefits of Strengthened Community Preparedness and Compliance

• Faster emergency response
• Reduced injuries, deaths, and property loss
• Greater community unity and collaboration
• Increased trust between communities and authorities
• Long-term sustainability of safety systems

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Neftaly’s Recommendations for Scaling Impact

To strengthen disaster preparedness and safety compliance across all informal settlements, Neftaly recommends:

1. Government recognition of community-led disaster initiatives
2. Increased investment in grassroots training and tools
3. Formal support for Community Emergency Response Teams
4. Public-private partnerships to support safety infrastructure
5. Ongoing monitoring and improvement of local preparedness plans

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Conclusion

Disasters do not wait. Communities—especially those living in the margins—must be ready, resilient, and resourceful. Neftaly believes in the power of people to protect themselves when given the knowledge, training, and support they need.

By strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and promoting daily safety compliance, Neftaly is helping to build safer, stronger, and more resilient communities—one neighbourhood at a time.