Authorized release丨Opinions of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council on Further Improving Grassroots Emergency Management Capabilities

On October 8, 2023, Xinhua News reported from Beijing on new guidelines released by the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council. These guidelines are designed to bolster emergency management capabilities at the grassroots level, outlining key measures to reduce major safety risks and ensure effective disaster response.

In a recent interview about these developments, a spokesperson stressed the importance of enhancing emergency management at the local level. “This strategy is foundational for both preventing and dealing with major safety risks, as well as ensuring a timely response to disasters. It’s a crucial aspect of modernizing our emergency management systems,” the spokesperson noted.

One major emphasis of the guidelines is on improving organizational command capabilities for local emergency management. “We are reinforcing the role of local governments under the centralized leadership of the Party. This includes creating a comprehensive emergency management system that covers everything from early warnings to community evacuations and public awareness campaigns,” the spokesperson elaborated.

The guidelines also call for streamlining the emergency management framework. “By integrating various responsibilities within local governments, we can create a unified approach to management. We encourage collaboration among departments to ensure a smooth operation between prevention and rescue efforts,” they remarked.

Another vital area addressed in the guidelines is the enhancement of emergency command mechanisms. “We’re dedicated to establishing a coordinated command structure for natural disasters and emergencies across all levels of government. This will guarantee that our response efforts are well-organized and effective,” the spokesperson added.

The guidelines place strong emphasis on accountability in emergency management. “It’s crucial that both government and party leaders comprehend their roles in ensuring safety, and are accountable for their actions. This includes ongoing assessments of emergency management initiatives and effective coordination of rescue operations,” they stated.

Additionally, the guidelines advocate for improvements in risk prevention and monitoring capabilities. “We must adopt a proactive approach to public safety governance and strengthen our monitoring networks. This means utilizing technology for timely data analysis and risk assessment,” the spokesperson highlighted, pointing to the integration of smart monitoring systems.

Furthermore, the guidelines stress the importance of widespread public education on disaster prevention and safety. “Engaging communities through informative campaigns and interactive training is essential. We want to make sure that people are aware of the risks and are equipped with the knowledge to handle emergencies,” they explained.

In addition to fostering public engagement, there’s a clear focus on developing grassroots emergency response teams. “We aim to create a comprehensive system that merges professional, volunteer, and community resources into an effective emergency response force,” the spokesperson clarified.

Operational readiness is another key aspect of the guidelines. “Regular training and drills are critical for preparing for potential disasters. Local authorities need to be well-equipped with updated emergency plans and conduct frequent simulations of emergency scenarios,” they emphasized.

Finally, the guidelines underline the necessity for systematic funding and resource allocation for grassroots emergency management. “It’s vital that local governments have sufficient financial resources to support their emergency management activities, ensuring sustained progress in this area,” the spokesperson concluded.

Overall, these guidelines represent a significant advancement in enhancing grassroots emergency management capacity in China, aiming to foster a safer environment through well-coordinated efforts at all levels of government and within communities.