In burns prevention or counter-disaster action, the role of the community and of the local services cannot be overstated. 'This WHO manual is an easily understood, helpfully illustrated, step-by-step guide to the community, health authorities and other local staff in preparing them to deal with situations of natural disaster. The guide is divided into 3 parts: immediate rescue and emergency care, post-disaster measures, and prevention and mitigation at the local level. Useful and highly recommended, the book also exists in French under the title of "Le personnel local de santé et la communauté face aux catastrophes naturelles "