The Disaster Prevention & Management Department shall:

• assist in planning and implementation of programmes to prevent and/or mitigate disaster in the Municipality within the framework of national policies;
• facilitate the organization of public disaster education campaign programmes to: create and sustain awareness of hazards of disaster; and emphasize the role of the individual in the prevention of disaster;
• assist and facilitate education and training of volunteers: to fight fires including bush fires, or take measures to manage the after effects of natural disasters;
• prepare and review Municipal disaster prevention and management plans to prevent or control disasters arising from: floods, bush fires, and human settlement fires, outbreak of communicable diseases; and earthquakes and other natural disasters;
• facilitate the organization of disaster management exercises annually;
• ensure compliance with rules in respect of private and public properties to ensure adequate protection against disasters;
• facilitate the provision of emergency shelters and services in the event of disasters;
• in consultation and collaboration with appropriate agencies, identify disaster zones and take necessary steps to: educate people within the areas, and prevent development activities which may give riseto disasters in the area;
• participate in post disaster assessment to determine the extent of damage and needs of the disaster area;
• co-ordinate the receiving, management and supervision of the distribution of relief items in the Municipality;
• investigate reports and analyze the nature of hazards, vulnerability and risk situations;
• facilitate collection, collation and preservation of data on disasters in the Municipality;
• inspect and offer technical advice on the importance of fire extinguishers;
• co-ordinate the organization of Fire Volunteer Squads at the community level; and
• assist and facilitate rescue and valuation services to those trapped by fire and other emergency situations.