2016 Volume 29 Pages 239-246
Since 1987 in Los Angeles, USA, CERT is a community-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) model. In comparison with CERT, potential roles were found for SBL, a community-based DRR program in Sendai, Japan. With different approaches, CERT and SBL both promote self-help and citizens’ mutual help. CERT first fosters individual volunteers and builds teams of trained volunteers; SBL fosters capacity of community-based DRR groups. CERT is national; SBL is implemented only by Sendai City. CERT training has modules based on individual interests and advanced training; SBL training is offered as a package. Results confirmed the importance of mutural learning from international as well as domestic experience for enhancing community-based DRR.
