The European Civil Protection Mechanism
STEP BY STEP
BEFORE STARTING
The teacher introduces the activity by asking the class if they are familiar with Civil Protection and know what it does. After a brief exchange of ideas, the teacher explains to the class that Civil Protection includes preventive measures to reduce the impact of future emergencies or disasters and aid provided to populations in need following a natural or man-made disaster.
The definition of Civil Protection (see glossary definition) is therefore introduced: the protection of people, the environment and property against all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters. Along with the deployment of forces and equipment in response to an emergency, it also involves the planning and preparation for such events. This includes carrying out risk assessments and agreeing on protection and rescue plans and procedures.
Each country has its own Civil Protection system intervene when a calamitous event occurs. However, the effects of a disaster can exceed the capacity of a country to intervene. For this reason, the European Commission established the European Civil Protection Mechanism in 2001, a coordinated system that serves as a reference point for any state (European and non-European) in need of emergency support. The European Civil Protection Mechanism not only operates in emergencies, but also cooperates with national civil protection systems in prevention and preparedness activities. A more detailed history of the European Civil Protection Mechanism can be found at the European Commision website (link).
TO EACH HIS OWN
The European Civil Protection Set of competences and activities aimed at protecting life, physical integrity, property, settlements, animals and the environment from damage or the danger of damage resulting from calamitous events of both natural and man-made origin. Mechanism includes a European Civil Protection Pool. This is a voluntary pool of assets pre-committed by member states for immediate deployment inside or outside the European Union. At this point, the teacher explains to the class which resources are included in the European Civil Protection Pool (the complete list is accessible at the European Commission website (link)):
- Marine pollution
- CBRN Decontamination
- Emergency Medical team
- Communication Platform
- Water Search and Rescue
- Technical Assistance and Support Team
- Forest Fighting (air)
- Forest Fighting (ground)
- Search and rescue
- Shelter Capacity
- Structural Assessment Capacity
The teacher divides the class into pairs or groups of three. He/she hands out cards to each group, which are to be placed on the desk with the drawing covered. When the teacher starts, each pair will be given a time (e.g. 5 minutes) to correctly associate each actor with their instrument. The pair or group that has made the most associations wins. The teacher can use the cards in the attachment "The European Civil Protection Mechanism - Playing Cards" (below).
I AM THE CIVIL PROTECTION
Now the teacher shows the following cards and asks the class what the two cards symbolise and why they are included in the set of resources that can be included in the European Civil Protection Pool (and Mechanism). After a brief discussion, the teacher reveals to the class that every citizen with his or her good behaviour is the basic figure of Civil Protection.
Considering the phases of the risk management cycle (definitions can be found in the glossary), each pair (group) is asked to list the good behaviours that can be put into practice in everyday life as Civil Protection actors. Finally, the listed behaviours are shared.
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Alla fine della breve discussione, l’insegnante rivela che la carta di sinistra rappresenta ciascun cittadino e che il suo buon comportamento è alla base e parte della Protezione Civile Insieme di enti e soggetti pubblici e privati che lavorano insieme per tutelare la vita, i beni, gli insediamenti e l’ambiente dai danni o dalla possibilità di subire danni causati da un evento di origine naturale o antropica .
Considerando le fasi del ciclo di gestione dei disastri (le cui definizioni sono presenti nel glossario), a ciascuna coppia o gruppo viene chiesto di elencare i buoni comportamenti che possono essere messi in pratica nel quotidiano dalle persone come attori di Protezione Civile. Si condividono in plenaria i comportamenti trovati.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
The achievement of good preparation to disasters is one of the EU Civil Protection Set of competences and activities aimed at protecting life, physical integrity, property, settlements, animals and the environment from damage or the danger of damage resulting from calamitous events of both natural and man-made origin. Mechanism goals and young people can make the difference in achieving it. Indeed, not only are they actors as citizens of the present, they are also the engine for building tomorrow's society. With the help of the teacher, the class can reflect on the concept of participation starting at school and how the school can help young people to be responsible citizens.
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