Following the floods of 2002, the Costa Rican Red Cross initiated a community training program in disaster preparedness and prevention, community first aid, and psychological support.  The idea of an early warning system was presented to communities with the understanding that the communities themselves would operate and follow through with the system.  Building materials were distributed to support structures such as retaining walls and for repairing drinking-water pipes damaged in the landslide.  Meanwhile, local authorities established an emergency committee to coordinate disaster respon