28/08/2026
Tzu Chi Foundation Trains 60 CDMC Members on Fire and Flood Disaster Preparedness
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce the risks associated with fire and flooding in vulnerable communities, the Tzu Chi Foundation organized a one-day training session for 60 Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) members from Moa Wharf and Bottom Oku communities.
The training was held on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at the St. John Paul II Pastoral Center on Skye Street. It focused on emergency response, preparedness, mitigation, and effective community-level actions to prevent and respond to fire and flood disasters.
Sabina Thompson, Outreach Officer for the Tzu Chi Foundation, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of sharing the knowledge gained during the training with other community members who were unable to attend. She encouraged participants to become knowledge multipliers within their respective communities, stressing that disaster preparedness requires communities to take action before disasters strike.
She further encouraged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the training and to use the knowledge acquired to strengthen preparedness and resilience within their communities.
An overview of the Tzu Chi Foundation’s work in Sierra Leone was presented by Margaret Bassie, Tzu Chi Representative for Sierra Leone. She highlighted several initiatives implemented by the Foundation, including drainage cleaning, WASH facilities, biodigester projects, agricultural activities, women’s empowerment through tailoring, and the distribution of rice and multigrain to vulnerable groups.
Bassie encouraged participants to work honestly and responsibly with the Tzu Chi Foundation and urged them to maintain a spirit of cooperation and unity when addressing disaster risks within their communities. She also expressed appreciation to the participants for setting aside their busy schedules to attend the training.
Participants were subsequently given the opportunity to share their expectations, particularly the knowledge and practical skills they hoped to gain in emergency preparedness, disaster response, fire prevention, and flood mitigation.
The technical session on fire safety was facilitated by Dr. Bai Kamara of the National Fire Force. He explained that fire is a chemical reaction that produces heat and light and introduced participants to the basic principles of fire science. He also discussed different types of fire and explained the distinction between controllable and uncontrollable fires.
Dr. Kamara further explained the role of the National Fire Force, which includes fire prevention, public awareness, emergency response, and rescue operations across Sierra Leone. He noted that the Fire Force should not only be contacted during fire incidents but also in situations involving accidents, as the institution has specialized equipment and trained personnel capable of rescuing victims.
He emphasized that fire can be a useful servant when properly controlled, particularly in cooking, electricity, motor vehicles, and other everyday activities. However, when improperly handled, fire can quickly become destructive and life-threatening.
Participants were educated on key fire prevention measures, including avoiding the overloading of electrical meters and circuits, conducting regular maintenance of electrical systems, storing petrol and other flammable fuels safely, and educating and training community members on fire safety.
The training also addressed flooding, including its types, causes, impacts, and mitigation measures. Flooding was described as the overflow of water beyond its normal level. Participants were introduced to urban flooding, which is often associated with inadequate drainage and infrastructure challenges, as well as coastal flooding, which affects communities located along coastal areas and other vulnerable zones.
Dr. Kamara explained that flood mitigation involves both structural and non-structural measures. Structural measures include constructing, maintaining, and improving drainage systems and avoiding construction on waterways. Non-structural measures include policies, regulations, land-use planning, public education, early preparedness, and community-based disaster risk reduction.
Reflecting on the training, Osman Sesay, a beneficiary from Bottom Oku Community, said he had gained valuable knowledge, particularly on fire preparedness. He highlighted the importance of safe fuel storage and the use of appropriate electrical cables when wiring houses to reduce the risk of fire outbreaks.
A group work session was also conducted, allowing participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training. Working in groups, participants developed practical ideas on how their communities could better prepare for, prevent, and respond to fire and flood incidents.
At the conclusion of the training, participants expressed their appreciation to the facilitators and the Tzu Chi Foundation for providing practical knowledge, skills, and techniques to strengthen disaster preparedness and response within their communities.
The training represents another important step toward strengthening community resilience and reducing disaster risks in vulnerable communities. Through continued collaboration with CDMCs and other community stakeholders, the Tzu Chi Foundation remains committed to supporting disaster preparedness, promoting safer communities, and improving the lives and well-being of Sierra Leoneans.