Press Release – Improving local capacity and readiness to respond effectively to emergencies in Ukraine

As the armed conflict in Ukraine continues, Ukrainian cities and villages are strengthening preparedness systems to prevent further harm on civilian population. ACTED, as the lead agency of the 3P Consortium (‘Prevent, Prepare, Protect’), together with the Ukrainian NGO Right to Protection (R2P) and IMPACT Initiatives have been working with authorities and first responders to strengthen their capacity to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations. In the framework of a 24-month project funded by the European Union, the agencies have been providing information management and technical support.

To increase emergency preparedness and disaster risk management capacity, and reduce populations’ vulnerability, ACTED has provided material support to the oblast level branches of the Ukrainian State Emergency Service, including tents, petrol/diesel generators, tablets, mobile Wi-Fi connections, firefighting equipment.

In order to provide safe shelters for Ukrainians when under air raid alarms, ACTED, together with its partners, undertook light renovations of ten bomb shelters in the Dnipro and Odesa regions. Floors, walls, wiring, bathrooms and doors were repaired and/or modernized. In addition, all shelters were provided with places to sit and lie down, drinking and technical water tanks, backup lighting, fire safety equipment, Wi-Fi modems, blankets and various tools such as shovels, crowbars, axes, and saws for wood and metal. As a result, up to 20,000 people in Dnipro and Odesa oblasts will be able to take refuge in comfortable, safe and secure shelters during air raid alarms and other emergencies.

Since the conflict began, local civil society organizations, groups, and individuals continue to play a crucial role in responding to emergencies at the community level, while official first responders are stretched to their limits. Recognizing this, ACTED and its partners have conducted training in first aid, mental health and psychosocial support to personnel of State Emergency Services and of social care institutions in Vinnytsia, Lviv and Dnipro city.

With the support of European Union, the capacity and readiness of local authorities and civil protection actors to respond effectively to emergencies, and keep their communities safe from harm has been improved.