Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at the Local
Level (APELL) is a tool developed by UNEP's Industry and
Environment office to minimise (through improved planning and
co-ordination) the occurrence and harmful effects of
technological accidents and emergencies, particularly, though
not exclusively, in developing countries. The goal of APELL is
to protect the community against loss of life and damage to
property and the environment, by:
making the community and
emergency and response authorities aware of hazards in the
community
developing a co-ordinated
emergency response plan which effectively handles accidents
which could develop into major disasters
training residents of the
community on how to act in the event of an
emergency.
Given the relevance of improved disaster management to
improved environmental management in the South Industrial
Basin, key departments within local and metropolitan
government are working with UNEP's Industry and Environment
office in preparing for the launch of the APELL programme in
Durban in October 1999. The launch will take the form of a
workshop at which all key stakeholders in the basin will agree
on how the APELL process should be taken forward and
implemented in Durban. This workshop will also mark the first
introduction of the APELL programme to the African continent
and therefore will be attended by stakeholders from other
South African cities and other parts of Africa.
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3
