The main functions of PADRU when it is not directly involved in an operation, will be to collaborate with strengthening the capacity of the National Societies, reinforce the regional network of the Federation, and technical support for all activities of disaster preparedness, including community education.

A- The reinforcement of the National Societies includes:

•  Support the consolidation and development of relief departments

•  To promote and help with the training of human resources of the National Society, such as those called National intervention Teams (NIT )

•  To help with the development of logistics, water and sanitation systems and telecommunications

•  To provide technical assistance for creating risk maps, as well as contingency and emergency plans

•  To advice the National Society in establishing links with its government, NGO, international agencies and other donors.

B - Strengthening the growth of the NS network:

•  Promote, facilitate, and coordinate the elaboration of a Red Cross coherent plan for disasters in the American region, following the guidelines set by CORI.

•  To promote the development of appropriate systems that are well linked with the Geneva structures, establishing clear procedures and protocols.

•  Promote the establishing of agreements previous to the disasters with the National Societies of the region, Participating National Societies and with other relevant agents, including possible suppliers.

•  Promote and coordinate the creation and follow up of Regional Intervention Teams (RIT )

•  Promote the transfer of knowledge and experience between National Societies in the continent, Participating National Societies, delegates and other agents.

•  Promote fundraising initiatives to support PADRU

•  Promote Information Technology and facilitate the establishment of appropriate communication, information and telecommunication systems well integrated to Geneva DMIS (Disaster Management Information System) .

C - Technical support to other disaster preparedness activities includes the whole spectrum of the disaster preparedness integral program community based, in health, water and sanitation, telecommunication and logistics activities.

PADRU will collaborate with the establishment of a general disaster response plan in America , in close collaboration with Regional Delegations and National Societies. This plan should be articulated by the CORI and prepared by National Societies in the region with the support of the Federation's Secretariat.

PADRU should be an important technical advisor and coordinator in this area. The plan should be approved by the CORI and ratified by the Inter-American Conference.