First 48 hour with no CODs
Overview
Sudden-onset emergencies are normally caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis. In the event of a sudden-onset emergency, current guidance calls for CODs to be shared within 48 hours.[1] This provides a brief period to check the CODs that cover the affected area and correct any errors. If the CODs have been kept up-to-date through preparedness, these changes will be minimal. If preparedness has not been done well, however, the CODs may require a lot of work. This guidance will walk you through a simplified version of the COD cycle so that a ‘best available’ version of the CODs can be shared within the 48 hour window.
Priorities
Core CODs
| Data theme | Description | Uses |
| Administrative Boundaries | A correct taxonomy (names, P-codes and hierarchy of administrative boundaries) will allow actors to immediately begin managing data in a consistent way. Errors in the spatial data can be corrected later without affecting the underlying data. The priority is to provide useful coherent information quickly. |
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| Population Statistics | An excel file that has the population statistics with p-codes and names down to level 2 or 3 it should be able to be joined to COD - Administrative Boundaries to be able to conduct spatial analysis to get the Humanitarian Profile Dataset (caseload) |
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| Humanitarian Profile |
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Other CODs
See lists of suggested CODs: Other CODs for Natural Disasters and Other CODs for Complex Emergencies
Steps
| Steps | Step details | Tips |
| Plan | Focus on Core CODs then Other CODs | Coordinate: One cluster's information resources may fit another cluster's information requirements. For instance, the Nutrition cluster may have data the Health cluster requires. Use meetings/skype etc to communicate data needs and availability. Listen to stakeholders at coordination meetings - they may have unpredictable requirements or unanticipated resources. A COD is required by many/all, if only one or two organizations it is not a COD. |
| Collect | Reach out to partners to see what is already in use or data sources from past disasters Select the best COD source and commit to it. | |
| Process | Verify and correct data Core CODs: the P-code logic and completeness of COD-AB and COD-PS, then look at spatial side of COD-AB | |
| Endorse | Let FIS know about datasets so they can review Core CODs | |
| Communicate | Share data on HDX (include metadata and identify any issues with data and estimated time it will be corrected) Share information about the dataset available though existing networks: your IM network, OCHA - FIS, HQ agency, Emergency coordinator, HCT, Cluster coordinators, Head of Office, checked-in responders on humanitarian.id | Share data ASAP even if not in perfect condition, include metadata. If there is nothing on HDX then people will start using what they can find which can lead to significant mistakes. Consider creating 'CODs to GO' to hand out to people leaving going into deep field, Advocate immediately and firmly for the use of P-codes throughout the humanitarian response. Some responders may not know about CODs, share basic information about CODs, their purpose, value, and where to find them. |
| Maintain | ||
Case Studies
- Haiti earthquake....
- Nepal earthquake....
It is hoped that this page will serve as a warning or inspiration that preparation before an emergency can definitely save work and probably save lives.
1. At this writing the most recent (2010) official guidance for sudden-onset emergencies is the IASC Guidelines - Common Operational Datasets (CODs) in - Disaster Preparedness and Response which specifies 48 hours.
More to come: INFORM is doing work on rapid analysis and will be able to provide more details about this.