- Once people are aware of the need to make preparations for a possible disaster, it can be very useful for them to map their community. Maps allow people the opportunity to look at their whole community and consider things in different ways. Maps can help show how certain things may be linked; for example, poor housing on land that often floods, or wells built near the homes of wealthy people. Maps drawn by different groups, such as men, women or older people, may reveal some interesting differences.
- Maps can either be drawn on the ground, using sticks, leaves and stones to represent things or with large sheets of paper and pens. People should be encouraged to note natural features such as rivers, water sources, raised ground and large trees, as well as clinics, schools, churches, houses or roads. They should also note places where there may be a particular risk, eg: weak bridges, open wells, steep slopes at risk of landslides.
- Encourage the participants to relax and allow everyone to share their views within each group. Once each group has finished, provide time for all groups to present their maps and to allow discussion.
