EMERGENCY SHELTER Meaning and
Definition
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Emergency shelter is a temporary accommodation or refuge provided to individuals or groups facing immediate humanitarian needs due to unforeseen, urgent, and often catastrophic circumstances. These circumstances typically include natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, conflicts, or displacement.
The primary aim of emergency shelter is to provide immediate safety, protection, and basic necessities for those affected by emergencies. It serves as a safe haven where individuals or families can find temporary solace during times of crisis until they can return to their regular living arrangements or a more suitable long-term solution is found. Emergency shelters are typically established in locations away from hazardous areas, ensuring that the affected individuals can seek protection from immediate dangers.
Emergency shelters commonly offer basic amenities such as sleeping arrangements, sanitation facilities, clean water, and food. They may also provide medical assistance, psychological support, education, and other essential services to address the overall well-being of the people seeking refuge.
These shelters are often set up and managed by government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and humanitarian aid organizations. These entities collaborate to establish and run emergency shelters efficiently, ensuring effective coordination, security, and the provision of necessary resources.
Overall, emergency shelters are a crucial part of disaster response and humanitarian efforts, offering critical support and care to individuals and communities experiencing unforeseen and distressing circumstances.
Etymology of EMERGENCY SHELTER
The word "emergency" originated from the Latin word "emergens", which is the present participle of "emergere". "Emergere" is a combination of "e", meaning "out", and "mergere", meaning "to dip or sink". Hence, "emergere" came to signify "to rise out, come forth". Over time, the term "emergency" began to be used to describe unexpected or urgent situations, such as accidents or crises.
On the other hand, the word "shelter" has Middle English roots and can be traced back to the Old English word "scield" or "sceld", which means "shield" or "protection". This word evolved into "sheld", and eventually "shelter", retaining the fundamental concept of providing cover or protection from danger or harm.
