PEOPLE need to shift from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention.
Permanent secretary for Disaster Management Lieutenant Colonel Inia Seruiratu while launching Fiji's first tsunami siren in Lami said prevention was better than cure.
"People need to learn to minimise costs, be proactive and focus on post disaster management in terms of relief, recovery and rehabilitation," Lt-Col Seruiratu said.
He said government was focused on a proactive stance and strategy where they focused on how they could transfer, mitigate and reduce the risks.
"Disaster risk management is the prime responsibility of any government," he said.
"I want to assure all of us that your government's committed in making that intension be realised and of course saving the unnecessary loss of property and lives during a natural hazard," he said.
"Congratulations Lami for being the first to have this gadget," Lt-Col Seruiratu said.
"Lami is setting the pace, they are setting the tempo and of course setting an example for all local municipalities," he said.
However, he said Fijians must admit the fact that we are always vulnerable because we are a Pacific Island State.
Lami Town Council special administrator, Jasper Singh said the launch of the siren was a milestone achievement.
"It is a proud moment for Lami for leading the way," he said.
"Although we're faced with a lot of issues being a small town and confined to a small budget we managed to overcome it and it's evident in today's (Monday) event," Mr Singh said.