International Experts Discuss Enhancing Community Crisis Preparedness in Tartu

On May 6th and 7th, Tartu will host over 40 experts from both Estonia and beyond to exchange insights on enhancing community crisis preparedness. The gathering aims to facilitate a shared learning experience and conduct a joint tabletop exercise assessing social vulnerability and emergency assistance needs. The workshop is organized by the Risk and Resilience Research Group at the University of Tartu in collaboration with the Estonian Rescue Board.

The objective of this international meeting is to exchange experiences and best practices in empowering individuals and communities and involving them in enhancing preparedness for crises. According to Kati Orru, Associate Professor of Sociology of Sustainability at the University of Tartu and one of the workshop's organizers, coping mechanisms and opportunities for safeguarding one's life and health during crises vary, whether it involves disruptions to vital services, industrial accidents, or war. Considering the needs of societal members in risk prevention and crisis planning, and ensuring the necessary infrastructure and services, would enhance their resilience.

Experiences from past crises have highlighted the particular attention required by individuals already in vulnerable situations (such as those with chronic health problems, mobility or sensory impairments, or those economically or socially marginalized). Orru emphasizes the importance of exploring solutions to empower these individuals in emergency preparedness and planning crisis responses that support their coping mechanisms.

The international meeting in Tartu will assemble over 40 experts from Estonia and Europe to discuss how government agencies or communities can support the most vulnerable during crises. In addition to presentations and discussions, participants will engage in a tabletop exercise focusing on assessing social vulnerability and identifying assistance needs in the vicinity of facilities handling hazardous substances. Furthermore, a visit to the Southern Regional Rescue Service will be conducted.

The event is organized by the Risk and Resilience Research Group at the University of Tartu under the leadership of Kati Orru and Arvi Uustalu, Head of the Preparedness Office in the Southern Regional Rescue Service of the Estonian Rescue Board. This event is part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism research and development project ROADMAP2. In addition to experts from the ROADMAP2 consortium, participants will include experts from European crisis management agencies and research institutes, the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, Estonian crisis management experts, representatives from local governments, communities, and individuals in vulnerable situations.