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NPA develops explosive risk education website in Syria

NPA has launched an explosive risk education website for Syria, the first of its kind. The website is in Arabic. In the context of the on-going conflict in Syria, the website aims to assist civilians trapped in areas where shelling, bombing, and the use of other explosive weapons continues.  The website contains a set of basic preventive messages focusing on measures individuals can take to protect themselves during explosive weapons attacks. These messages include what to do in preparation for an attack, such as preparing a basement or secure room, preparing an emergency kit, and informing family members. They also focus on what to do during an attack, such as measures individuals can take to protect themselves if they are in a building, in a car, or outside. Lastly they cover measures to take after an attack, such as evacuating damaged buildings, evacuating casualties, and basic messages on the provision of first aid for the most common injuries caused by these weapons.

The website also seeks to take advantage of the possibilities of two-way communication afforded by interactive internet technology. It allows individuals to test their knowledge of explosive risks and thus provide information on current behaviour that can be used to adjust messages as needed. It also includes a section where people are able to report unexploded items or the locations where explosive weapons are being used through an interactive map.

The site is designed to act as a hub for transmission of UXO risk education and safe behaviour messages to the population as a platform to feature the UXO risk education tools being developed by different mine action operators for Syria. It is the first time that a risk education initiative has been web-based.

Website by David Abbott Projects