BAMBOO RECIPROBOO SHELTER KIT (RSK) PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM 2016 S. Halbert 2016 RECIPROBOO SHELTER www.reciproboo.org S. Halbert 2016 ReciproBoo Shelter Kit Winner Aid Innovation Award AidEx 2015 1
Introduction This disaster preparedness program is based on the bamboo ReciproBoo Shelter Kit (RSK). The RSK has distinct advantages over traditional methods of shelter construction in the many ways that it can assist a community to prepare for a disaster. The components of the kit are easy to assemble, and the low level of skills required to lash the frame together mean that every family is now capable of building their own shelter. The RSK shelter is not only highly efficient at supporting tarpaulins but it is also exceptionally strong and versatile. It uses 33% less bamboo than any equivalent traditional frame, which makes it lightweight, easy to carry and affordable. Although only 7 poles are needed for the basic emergency shelter, it can be easily upgraded to a more permanent transitional shelter at a later date if needed. The high efficiency, simplicity and strength of the bamboo RSK make it especially suitable for a shelter disaster preparedness program. THE BAMBOO RECIPROBOO SHELTER KIT (RSK) SIMPLE STRONG EFFICIENT This disaster preparedness program sets out to instruct communities in the most effective way to assemble and use these bamboo RSKs. In addition it empowers communities to become proactive in meeting their emergency shelter needs and reduces dependency on external aid. Long term aims will set out to promote the use of sustainable resources, including a bamboo re-planting program, and developing the educational aspects of the reciprocal frame construction method. Minimal skills required Strength and security Lightweight, adaptable and upgradeable This disaster preparedness program will be set up alongside an emergency disaster response program that will be deploying bamboo RSKs direct to communities that have been displaced by conflict or natural disaster. For those not familiar with the background and basic principles of the bamboo RSK, the following links may be helpful. ABOUT RECIPROBOO / CORE VALUES / FUNDING / AIMS : SPECIFICATION / ASSEMBLY / KEY BENEFITS OF RSK: SHELTERS BUILT AT MYANMAR RC WORKSHOP 2015: http://bit.ly/1ly3q2t http://bit.ly/1pqosgf http://bit.ly/1amtyhb COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A SHELTER DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM 2
Objectives 1. To instruct the community how to select, cut, dry, and store bamboo poles so they can be used at a later date to build their own shelters. 2. To instruct families how to build their emergency shelter when they are allocated their 7 bamboo poles when a disaster occurs. If preferred the larger 11 pole double shelter can be adopted as the standard size of shelter. Instruction will also be given on how to upgrade their emergency shelter to the more permanent 12, and 21 pole RSKs. 3. To instruct families how to use the many advantages provided with this new type of shelter. These include how it can be erected on a hillside or sloping ground, how it can be insulated to make a cooler shelter and how it can be rapidly lowered to the storm profile shelter. 4. To set up a protocol that ensures efficient distribution of stored bamboo, rope and lashings at times of disaster. Consideration will be given to pre-marking of the reciprocal frame poles with red and green paint at overlap points to assist assembly. 5. To monitor and record the disaster preparedness program in detail. This data will be invaluable to future programs. The intention is to follow up the program through to the eventual deployment of shelters. The first few months of families living in the shelters will be especially important to assess the benefits of the RSK over living in tents or traditional bamboo shelters. It is likely that families will make their own modifications to the shelter over time and these, whether for better or worse, need to be recorded and evaluated. To set up a disaster preparedness program using the bamboo RSK innovation in shelter construction. To achieve a high professional standard so that guidelines can be set for future use of this bamboo shelter in communities at risk. CUTTING, DRYING AND STORAGE OF BAMBOO INSTRUCTIONS IN ASSEMBLY AND USE OF BAMBOO RSK SHELTERS SET UP A PROTOCOL FOR DISTRIBUTION OF EMERGENCY RSKs MONITOR AND RECORD THE PROGRAM EVALUATE FEEDBACK 3
Staff training. Training of staff is completed in advance of visiting the community. Partner staff will be trained to use the RSK in advance of setting up the program in communities. This instruction is carried out by Shaun Halbert (ReciproBoo) and can be completed in half a day. A 30 minute introductory talk is followed by a 4 hours hands-on training session in building the basic emergency RSK, and upgrading it to the single elevated RSK. If 3 teams of 6 persons are available, then the two additional shelters, double shelter and double elevated shelters, can also be built within the allocated 4 hours. STAFF TRAINING 30 MINUTES INTRODUCTION This training will include : Practical tips on building the shelter. Technical aspects of the reciprocal frame. Roof loading for insulation. Cutting frame to fit urban spaces. Use of flexible and double reciprocal frames. Tarpaulin attachment and padding wear points. Using the storm shelter. Increasing security with wall building. Modular classroom options. Livestock shelter applications. 4 HOURS PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION BUILDING THE SHELTERS POINTS RAISED 4
Selecting the community The disaster preparedness program is primarily aimed to assist communities at risk from natural disasters. In particular, regions that experience recurring floods, typhoon damage, tidal surges etc. A community that is already working closely with the organisation would be ideal for the initial program, especially if good communications are already established. However, it could also be set up as a new community outreach program, as there are not only shelter but also educational, health, social, and farming benefits to the program. A community at risk from recurring natural disaster is selected. FOR EXAMPLE IN A REGION AT RISK OF FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES For the program to achieve the above objectives a minimum of 25 families is required. The optimum would be 50 to 100 families. The maximum size of the community is only limited by resources. COMMUNITY OUTREACH SHELTER EDUCATION HEALTH SOCIAL FARMING COMMUNITY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM 5
Assessing the community shelter needs Understanding the existing regime when a disaster occurs will help to determine the type of RSK needed, and provide guidance for the training of the community. What shelter supplies do the community typically receive in a disaster situation? Tents. IFRC Shelter Kits. Tarpaulins. A communities existing emergency shelter response will assist in determining future shelter needs. IN AN EMERGENCY What factors affect the expected waiting period for these supplies? Remote location. Poor transport links. What types of shelter do the community build while awaiting delivery of supplies? AWAIT TENTS MAKESHIFT SHELTERS USING WOOD AND CGI SPLIT BAMBOO ROOF SHELTERS BUILT Traditional shelters eg using split bamboo for roof. Makeshift shelters using salvaged materials eg CGI sheeting, timber. Is there a need for transitional shelters during the rebuild phase? If the rebuild phase is short; emergency shelters may be adequate. If the rebuild phase is prolonged; more permanent shelters may be required. DELAY IN SHELTER WEAK, POORLY BUILT SHELTERS DELAY AS LIMITED SKILLS IN COMMUNITY Is there a need for temporary classrooms? To minimise disruption to children s education Following a disaster, restoring education facilities is most important. Is there a need for emergency temporary shelter for livestock? NEED FOR RAPID SELF BUILT RECIPROBOO SHELTERS To reduce losses eg pig fatalities due to sunstroke etc 6
Community training It is anticipated that all members of the community can be involved with the hands on building of the shelters, as the level of skills required to participate is low. The roof frames are lashed together on the ground, there is no aerial work, so there is no reason why young and old members of the families cannot assist. The following guidance will be given: Community training. Instruction in the preparation and storage of the bamboo. TOOLS MACHETE HAND SAW Tools required. Machete or a hand saw is minimal BAMBOO POLES CUT IFRC shelter kit tools are ideal. Knife and hammer are useful. Tape measures are not essential to assembly. The proportions of the overlap of poles can be estimated by eye. DRYING AND STORAGE OF BAMBOO Bamboo preparation. Selecting suitable thickness of bamboo and cutting the 3 required standard lengths ( 2.4m, 2.7m and 3.5m). Drying and storage of bamboo. Although fresh cut green bamboo can be used for the shelter it is preferable to use the much stronger dried bamboo. Dry bamboo stored outside has a lifetime of 2 to 3 years whereas treated bamboo can last 10 years. Marking the 4 reciprocal frame poles with red and green paint to facilitate future assembly when kits are distributed ie green marks overlap the red marks. MARKING THE 4 FRAME POLES (OPTIONAL) 7
Community training (cont) Selection of ropes and lashing materials Ropes are only required for the emergency shelter. Traditional natural fibres are preferred but not essential. Local lashing materials are to be used. Wire from the IFRC shelter kit can also be used in an emergency. Community training. Selection of ropes, lashing materials and building the shelters.. BUILDING THE SHELTERS Building the shelters. Instructions will be given in: Building the 7 pole emergency RSK, as all the other shelters are simple modifications of this frame. If preferred, the larger 11 pole emergency double RSK which can be adopted as the standard shelter. How to elevate the roof of the emergency RSK onto wooden posts or onto existing walls to improve the available standing space. Upgrading the emergency RSK to the more permanent 12, and 21 pole RSKs. Insulating the roof to make a cooler shelter using available materials such as cadjan, bamboo matting etc How to lower the shelter to the storm shelter profile. Improving security by demonstrating how the RSK roof frame easily adapts to solid structure walls. Unlike a traditional shelter roof which requires ridge poles for support, the reciprocal frame roof only requires support at each of its 4 corners. This means the walls can be rapidly built up with mud /adobe bricks, wattle and daub, earth bags etc as they are not supporting the roof. 7 pole emergency shelter 11 pole double shelter 12 pole elevated shelter Severe storm profile shelter Earth bag, mud brick walled shelter 21 pole double elevated shelter 8
Further considerations when demonstrating the RSK 1. Demonstrating the RSK for the first time. The RSK method of building a shelter is simple to learn after only a single demonstration. Beneficiaries will almost certainly not have previously seen this innovation in shelter construction. Fortunately this method of building is so simple that it can be understood and used within minutes. This simplicity is an important factor for beneficiaries that are urgently wanting to proceed with building their own shelter at the time of a disaster. 2. Keeping the bamboo RSK simple. It is helpful to think of the RSK as having a special type of 4 pole roof, and that it is only the ways of supporting this roof that are different for each type of shelter. When this method of building a shelter is being demonstrated to people they will always know when they have these 4 poles correctly overlapped, as the roof will only be self-supporting in a reciprocal arrangement. This guarantee behind the RSK method, ensures that it works every time it is used, and encourages new participants to use it. KEEPING THE RSK CONCEPT SIMPLE 3. When demonstrating the RSK. The speed at which people adapt to building these bamboo shelters at training sessions is often remarkable. But even more impressive is the strength and the quality of the finished shelters they produce after only one demonstration. 4. The bamboo RSK is a new way of thinking of emergency and transitional shelter. A FOUR POLE SELF- SUPPORTING RECIPROCAL FRAME The RSK can be thought of as a generic frame shelter as it is not only suitable for hot and cold climates, but also for both rural and urban disasters. The RSK is the first shelter of its type that uses the same roof frame, without having to dismantle it, for both an emergency shelter and a transitional shelter simply by adding more bamboo poles when they become available. 9
Assessment after training Listening to feedback from the community. This will assist in determining the type of disaster preparedness program that is most suitable for the community s future needs. Questions to consider include: How does this method of shelter construction compare to their existing traditional method of shelter construction? Is the single or double shelter kit to be used? In connection with the above,is the ability of the family to be able to carry the shelter kit or use it as a stretcher to carry possessions or family members important? Is the speed of assembly and the low level of skills required an advantage to the family during an emergency? Do they need to have the 4 reciprocal frame poles marked in advance to assist in shelter construction? Is the ability to assemble the roof on the ground first, before lifting onto support posts an advantage? Is the ability of the roof to support insulation and thereby make a cooler shelter important? Feedback after the training will determine the type of response program the community needs. AFTER BUILDING THE SHELTERS COMMUNITY GIVE THEIR FEEDBACK SINGLE OR DOUBLE RSKs? HOW THEY WOULD USE THE SHELTERS IN AN EMERGENCY? Is the option to upgrade to a more permanent shelter something they would use? Is the improved security option to build solid walls important to the family? Is the storm profile something they would be comfortable to use? MOBILITY COMFORT SECURITY UPGRADE Would they use the kits to build temporary classrooms? Would they use their reciprocal frame for a temporary roof repair? Would they use the reciprocal frame roof for providing rapid emergency protection for their livestock? 10
The final protocol. For a community wanting to set up a disaster preparedness program that provides basic emergency RSKs for families the following steps are suggested: Preparation: Setting up the final disaster preparedness program and providing sustainable benefits for the community DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM 1. Select, cut to lengths, dry, treat and store bamboo. 2. Prepare ropes and lashing materials for storage. 3. Store standard 6m x 4m relief tarpaulins. STORE PREPARED DRY BAMBOO STORE ROPES AND LASHINGS STORE TARPAULINS When a disaster occurs: Distribute the 7 bamboo pole shelter frames together with tarpaulins,ropes and lashings to each family. DISTRIBUTE WHEN A DISASTER OCCURS In the longer term : 1. Set up a sustainable bamboo replanting program. 2. Rotate and recycle bamboo in storage that has reached the end of its lifespan. 3. Provide refresher training in how to use the bamboo shelter kit every 4 months for the community. RECYCLING STORED BAMBOO EDUCATION 4. Set up an education program to improve the use of reciprocal frame construction. PLANTING BAMBOO COMMUNITY COURSES TO IMPROVE PRACTICAL SKILLS SCHOOLS: HISTORY AND SCIENCE OF RECIPROCAL FRAMES 11
Costs and funding Costs: No charge is made by ReciproBoo for the training of the staff or the community. The bamboo, rope and lashings for each RSK costs less than $10. The main cost of the kit will be the relief tarpaulins. Main costs will be materials: Based on previous workshop ( retail purchases USD) bamboo = $ 6.00 ropes = $ 2.90 lashings = $ 0.70 tarpaulins x2 = $ 30.00 Total per unit RSK = $ 39. 60 Total for 100 RSKS = $3,960 These costs can be reduced by wholesale or bulk purchases. BAMBOO + ROPE + LASHINGS = $9.60 COSTS 2 TARPAULINS = $30 Funding: Part of the AidEx Grant that was awarded when the RSK won the Aid Innovation Challenge (2015) will be put towards these costs. It may also be necessary to purchase standard relief tarpaulins as well although it is hoped that a donor partner can assist with this. The ideal would be a donation of IFRC shelter kits as the tools and tarpaulins complement the RSK so well. COMPLETE BAMBOO RSK KIT = $39.60 12
Our partners Organisations and individuals who are interested in the project are invited to join us and participate in every stage of the program: Partners will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of the disaster preparedness program. Partners 1. Planning and organisation of the program to fit local in country needs. 2. Providing a team of volunteers or staff members for the community training and field work. 3. Assist with securing standard relief tarpaulins for the program. 3. Assist with the monitoring, evaluation and long term follow up of the program. RECIPROBOO PARTNER ORGANISATION ReciproBoo (Shaun Halbert) 1. Payment for the materials. JOINT INPUT FROM START TO COMPLETION OF PROGRAM 2. Provide training for partner staff and community. 3. Provide technical support and expertise towards the building of the reciprocal frame shelters. 4. Assist with the monitoring, evaluation and long term follow up of the program. 5. Will continue to liaise with and share information with all organisations in the relief sector, including aid agencies, NGOs and Shelter Cluster members. 13
Partner benefits. 1. To achieve the humanitarian objectives that this new type of shelter preparedness program will deliver. 2. To set new standards of comfort, security and dignity in emergency and subsequent transitional shelter construction. 3. To be able to take advantage of future 33% savings in materials and transportation costs that results from the high efficiency of this shelter. Partners benefit from achieving the humanitarian objectives, as well as the economic and environmental benefits afforded by this new type of shelter. Partner benefits 4. To reduce the dependence of communities on donated tents or on the skills of relief organisations building traditional shelters for them. HUMANITARIAN OBJECTIVES ECONOMIC BENEFITS ENVIRONMENTAL 5. To increase the use of sustainable natural resources, particularly bamboo. 6. To reduce the environmental damage caused by displaced communities stripping local timber or bamboo resources for their immediate shelter needs at the time of a disaster 7. To be involved with the eventual compilation and publication of this preparedness program protocol for the Shelter Sector and disaster relief organisations. IMPROVED SHELTER CONDITIONS 33% MATERIAL AND TRANSPORT SAVINGS SUSTAINABLE USE OF LOCAL RESOURCES 8. To be at the forefront of a wider initiative to expand the efficiency of shelter disaster preparedness programs in all communities at risk. REDUCED AID DEPENDENCY LONG TERM EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS REDUCED USE OF TIMBER 14
The future 1. This preparedness program is part of a much wider initiative to assist with shelter provision, especially for major disasters. Eventually it will provide significant support for aid agencies in a disaster response. 2. Empowering communities at risk from recurring disasters with a kit that enables them to prepare and build their own shelters, will not only improve morale, but also reduce their dependence on external aid. The community will be PROACTIVE rather than REACTIVE. 3. Initially the aid agency will take the leading role in demonstrating the RSK to communities. However, when its benefits become clear, the community is likely to want to develop their own preparedness program. Providing a more efficient, sustainable and fairer system of shelter relief. COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM DISASTER RESPONSE AID AGENCIES 4. With the community using the bamboo RSK for emergency shelter, this will enable tents to be allocated to the more vulnerable including the elderly, disabled, children and those with special needs,field hospitals etc. 5. The efficiency savings,in terms of materials and transport costs, achievable by using the RSK will save many hundreds of thousands of dollars in a major disaster. In addition there will be no need to replace tents with transitional shelters as the emergency RSKs can be directly upgraded to more permanent shelters. 6. The long term aim is to develop the education benefits of this type of shelter in schools. In particular the sustainable use of bamboo, together with replanting programs. COMMUNITY RESPONSE BAMBOO RSKS The general population TENTS Vulnerable groups and special needs. Shaun Halbert Director ReciproBoo +44 (0) 7970 106786 shaunvet@hotmail.co.uk www.reciproboo.org SUSTAINABLE USE OF BAMBOO DIRECT UPGRADE TO TRANSITIONAL SHELTER SUPPLY TRANSITIONAL SHELTER ReciproBoo Shelter Kit Winner Aid Innovation Award AidEx 2015 EDUCATION PROGRAM Preparedness program support for disaster response. 15