Experience shows that even in the absence of specific disaster-preparedness activities, the population and the staff of public services respond much better if beforehand the community develops activities and initiatives based on:

· encounters, exchanges, the expression of needs, information and communication,

· community discussion and action to gain an understanding of the causes of disasters and associated problems, plan the most appropriate measures and put them jointly into effect,

· a feeling of belonging to the community by making proper use of local cultural values, forms of social life, resources and products,

· combating the rejection or exclusion of the disabled, the mentally ill, the handicapped and other persons in difficulty,

· the development of assistance and mutual aid,

· meetings with local authorities and collective discussions to resolve community problems.