National Security Strategy of Belize 8. Reduce the risks associated with rapid and slow-onset of natural and human-caused hazards “ Strategic Concept: Natural or man-made disasters are complex, potentially deadly events that often occur with little warning. Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM), addressing all hazards at all times involving all sectors of the society is the key to mitigating known and probable non-traditional threats such as human-caused disasters. Existing emergency action plans developed by the twelve (12) National Operational Committees must be refined and cross-fertilized with the District and Special Committees plan of action. These could include the implementation of a national alert or warning system, the promotion of Disaster Mitigation awareness through schools, key private and public sector stakeholders, and the promotion of legislation to allow the participation of lending institutions in the development of infrastructure to contribute to the mitigation of natural hazards. There is a need for the strengthening of NEMO’s capacity and enabling its strategic authority to influence sustainable development and natural resource management through analysis and prediction of disasters thereby reducing the risk of disasters for vulnerable communities. “ Strategic Action: • • • • • • • • Develop centralized information database centre to enable precise damage assessment and needs analysis processing; National authority to influence infrastructure development that enforces disaster resistant construction regulation; Refined Mass casualty treatment plans; Enhance national building codes legislation to increase hazard resistant development; Enforce pollution and oil spills legislations. Hold stakeholders responsible to quick action, mitigation, and resource the agencies to clean up pollution; Amend and enforce the EIA related legislation; Secure highly trained medical, security, and operational planning personnel; Public education and awareness campaign on the importance of mitigation and the effects of rapid and slow onset hazards namely Hurricanes, Floods and Fires. The Strategy 23