Guide to Engaging in Disaster Recovery

In 2015, following a series of master classes and workshops on community engagement and disaster recovery, a working group, led by Anne Leadbeater OAM (an independent national consultant in disaster recovery and community resilience) created A Guide to Engaging in Disaster Recovery.

This guide is intended for anyone involved in a disaster recovery situation; community leaders, politicians, engagement practitioners, workers from specialised agencies, those without prior recovery experience, or for recovery engagement professionals who have experience in this work but who may be working in a new community that they are unfamiliar with.

The content focuses on the ‘human’ element of recovery, examining the importance of effective engagement, and identifying useful strategies that maximise the potential for sustained, strategic disaster recovery that is genuinely community-led.

While the focus of the guide is on the recovery phase, the information has relevance for communities before, during and after a disaster, and may prove equally valuable to those working with communities through all stages of emergency management.

The guide outlines eleven key principles, including:

• First understand the drivers and values of a community
• Consult broadly
• Effective engagement requires a plan – before, during and after disaster
• Identify, recognise and support vulnerable members of the community
• Be mindful of the political implications
• Manage expectations