Physical therapists can contribute to disaster management in many ways, not only before, but also during and after a disaster. They can:
● Contribute to policy development and local disaster planning;
● Work with their member organisation to support the organisation’s disaster management planning;
● Learn about risks and prevention strategies and prepare to react to disasters in their own homes, places of work, locality, region and further afield;
● Donate to relief efforts or raise funds for NGOs involved in disaster management;
● Support disaster relief organisations and raise awareness of the need for linkages between disaster relief, rehabilitation and development;
● Advocate for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or persons with disabilities, raising awareness of their needs at times of disaster.
● Actively engage in relief efforts, usually by volunteering to provide rehabilitation to survivors.
