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Disaster Risk Management Scout Interest Badge

From SCOUTS South Africa Wiki

(Previously Civil Defence Interest Badge)

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can happen without warning. As a Scout, you have the power to make a real difference when it matters most. The Disaster Risk Management Scout Interest Badge will equip you with essential knowledge and practical skills to understand, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. This badge introduces you to the principles of disaster risk management, including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery - and you'll learn how to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.

Badge Requirements

Disaster Risk Management
Disaster Risk Management
  1. Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
    Have passed the First Aid Scout Interest Badge and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements
    OR
    Complete all the requirements for the First Aid Scout Interest Badge.
  2. Radio Communication Skills
    Hold the Amateur Radio Operator Scout Interest Badge,
    OR
    Complete all the following requirements:
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic radio voice procedures:
      1. Initiate a call and transmit a message using a push-to-talk (PTT) radio system.
      2. Explain the importance of pausing briefly after pressing the PTT button before speaking.
      3. Define the following standard radio communication terms:
        radio check, over, affirmative, negative, wilco.
      4. Describe the purpose and urgency levels of the following international distress calls:
        sécurité, pan-pan, and mayday
    2. In a simulated emergency communication exercise:
      Receive a spoken message of at least 80 words from an examiner over radio and accurately relay the message on a different radio channel. You may take notes. The original message will be transmitted at a rate of 90–100 words per minute.
  3. Community Emergency Services Engagement
    Complete the following tasks:
    1. Compile a list of local emergency response or volunteer organisations in your community (e.g. Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR), National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)), including for each:
      • Their primary function (e.g. Mountain Search and Rescue, Sea Rescue)
      • Contact details
      • Base location(s)
      • Key contact person(s)
    2. Visit one such organisation and meet with a representative to:
      • Learn about the organisation's purpose and operations
      • Identify similarities between their training and SCOUTS South Africa training
      • Find out what steps are required to become a member.
  4. Phonetic Alphabet Proficiency
    Recite the NATO Phonetic Alphabet accurately from memory, in the correct alphabetical order.
  5. Emergency Preparedness Planning
    Prepare the following emergency plans and implement at least two of them:
    1. Create an emergency first aid grab-bag for use in your household.
    2. Assemble an emergency first aid kit for a family car.
    3. Prepare an emergency car breakdown kit.
    4. Develop a kitchen fire safety plan.
    5. Create a plan for a power failure or load shedding. Your plan should explain how you would maintain heating, lighting, cooking, communications, and household security.
    6. Demonstrate that you can interpret the load shedding schedule or timetable for your home, school, and your parent's workplaces.
    7. Create a plan for a water shortage. Identify as many nearby water sources as possible and describe different methods for purifying water for household use and drinking.
  6. Evacuation Point Identification
    1. Identify a suitable evacuation point within your community, taking into account factors such as elevation, accessibility, and the availability of essential resources including water and electricity.
  7. Understanding Disaster Management
    1. Describe the role and responsibilities of a Disaster Manager, including their key functions in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.
    2. Briefly explain the relevant legislation, focusing on the Key Performance Areas (KPAs) and Enablers outlined in the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002.
  8. Using Scouting Resources for Disaster Relief
    Discuss how you, as a Scout, could help use your Scout Hall (or a local community centre) as a relief aid centre in response to a natural disaster in your community.
    Your discussion should include:
    1. How Scouts can help coordinate the collection and drop-off of relief supplies (such as food, water, clothing, and hygiene items).
    2. How Scouts can assist with the organised distribution of these supplies to affected individuals.
    3. How the Scout Hall or community centre could be used to temporarily house people who have been displaced by the disaster.

Recommended Age Range: The Disaster Risk Management Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Senior Scouts aged 15 and older, as the content and scenarios involved require a high level of maturity, responsibility, and situational awareness. Scouts at this age are better equipped to engage meaningfully with topics such as emergency preparedness, radio communication, and disaster response, and to interact appropriately with emergency service organisations.

NOTE: In the context of the civil defence organisation, the Scout Movement is considered part of the communications discipline. Scouts may assist by serving as messengers for non-sensitive communications.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

What You Need First

The following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:



Explore More Opportunities

  • My Scout Journey - An overview of your path in Scouting - from joining to earning top awards like the Springbok Award.
  • Scout Advancement Programme - The core steps Scouts follow to build skills and earn theme badges and advancement badges.
  • Scoutcraft Badges - Aimed at Scouts 11 to 13. Fun, hands-on badges that build confidence, essential skills, and lay the foundation for Interest Badges.
  • Scout Interest Badges - Aimed at Scouts 13 and older. Badges that promote personal growth through exploring interests, hobbies, and skills.
  • Scout Challenge Awards - Special awards for leadership, service, and reaching top milestones in Scouting.
  • First Aid


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