Handbook

UNDAC Handbook

The UNDAC handbook is a reference guide for the use of members of the UNDAC team undertaking an emergency mission. The handbook contains a variety of useful information, checklists and a description of coordination structures in the field. It has been designed and written in the form of a typical UNDAC mission cycle with chapters commencing with the UNDAC members' preparation prior to a mission, through various stages of a mission till the termination of the mission and debriefing. It also attempts to assist UNDAC members in accomplishing any of the various tasks they may be expected to perform on mission. These include issues such as from manning an On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) for urban search and rescue teams during an earthquake to working with military contingents in humanitarian emergencies. It also contains useful data for everyday use on mission such as composition of medical kits, security precautions, characteristics of operating in different climatic conditions and terrain. The handbook has been compiled utilizing information from a wide spectrum of sources which are acknowledged. It was first published in 1993 and revised versions were published in 2000 and 2006.

Click on each of the following links to download the UNDAC Handbook by chapters in pdf format

UNDAC Handbook (2006 edition)

Chapter A - Preface

Chapter B - OCHA's Role in Coordination

Chapter C - United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC)

Chapter D - Mobilization and Mission

Chapter E - Coordination in the Field

Chapter F - Information Management

Chapter G - Disaster Assessment

Chapter H - Urban Search and Rescue

Chapter I - UNDAC Disaster Response Preparedness Missions

Chapter J - Environmental Emergencies

Chapter K - OCHA Support Resources