A three-day intensive training program on Priority Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Actions concluded was conducted during 13-15 December 2024 in Cox's Bazar, bringing together urban community volunteers from Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Cox’s Bazar Municipality. Under the Bangladesh Resilience Advancement in City Ecosystems (BRACE) program funded by USAID-BHA and technically supported by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), the event was delivered in collaboration with the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD).

The program was inaugurated by Brigadier General Muhammad Jahed Kamal, Director General of FSCD, who stressed on the crucial role of volunteers in fostering community resilience. Day one featured sessions on Bangladesh's disaster landscape and the processes of formulating and monitoring Priority Implementation Projects (PIPs). Participants engaged in discussions and a field visit to a Slope Stabilization project undertaken as part of BRACE at Pahartoli, CBM Ward 7.

Day two focused on equipping volunteers with essential knowledge and practical skills in cyclone preparedness, landslide risk management, biological hazards, fire safety, and first aid. Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) representative Mr. Sarawar demonstrated cyclone signal systems, enabling participants to interpret warnings effectively. A session on biological hazards led by ADPC facilitators involved designing awareness campaigns for diseases such as dengue, COVID-19, and Water-Borne diseases. The day concluded with demonstrations on preventing electrical fires and managing fire safety risks.

The final day highlighted practical disaster response applications, including portable fire extinguishers and earthquake safety techniques. The Deputy Assistant Director of FSCD Cox’s Bazar, Mr. Tanharul Islam led a session on the “drop, cover, and hold-on” method for earthquake safety, and hands-on training reinforced key firefighting methods. The training concluded with a reflection on the importance of volunteerism, an evaluation of learning outcomes, and a closing ceremony where participants were awarded certificates and equipment for response mechanisms at designated wards of Cox’s Bazar Municipality and Dhaka South City Corporation. City Officials from Cox’s Bazar commended the volunteers for their commitment to disaster resilience.

The comprehensive training underscores the importance of empowering volunteers as crisis responders. By integrating theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, the program equipped participants with the tools and confidence to mitigate urban disaster risks effectively.