Disaster Preparedness

Introduction Disaster are those dangerous events or circumstances that can strike one or many
unexpectedly anytime and anywhere. It is also a consequence of a sudden disastrous
events which seriously disrupts the normal function of the society or the community to the
extent that it cannot subsist without outside help
Disaster Disaster can be defined as any tragic event stemming from events such as earthquakes,
floods, catastrophic accidents, fires or explosions. It is a phenomenon that can cause
damage to life, property and destroy economic, social and cultural life of people.
The World “any occurrence that causes damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration
Health of health and health services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response
Organization from outside the affected community or area.”
(WHO) defines
disaster as
Disaster Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of
Preparedness disasters. That is, to predict and, where possible, prevent disasters, mitigate their impact
on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences.

Disaster preparedness provides a platform to design effective, realistic and coordinated

planning, reduces duplication of efforts and increase the overall effectiveness of National
Societies, household and community members disaster preparedness and response
efforts. Disaster preparedness activities embedded with risk reduction measures can
prevent disaster situations and also result in saving maximum lives and livelihoods during
any disaster situation, enabling the affected population to get back to normalcy within a
short time period.

Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range
of risk reduction activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity by itself.
It requires the contributions of many different areas ranging from training and logistics, to
health care, recovery, livelihood to institutional development.
Disaster Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of resources
Management and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular
preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.

Disaster management aims to reduce, or avoid, the potential losses from hazards, assure
prompt and appropriate assistance to victims of disaster, and achieve rapid and effective
recovery.
Comprehensive Disaster Management Cycle
The Disaster management cycle illustrates the ongoing process by which governments, businesses, and civil
society plan for and reduce the impact of disasters, react during and immediately following a disaster, and take
steps to recover after a disaster has occurred. Appropriate actions at all points in the cycle lead to greater
preparedness, better warnings, reduced vulnerability or the prevention of disasters during the next iteration of
the cycle. The complete disaster management cycle includes the shaping of public policies and plans that either
modify the causes of disasters or mitigate their effects on people, property, and infrastructure.
Four (4) Phases of the Disaster Management Cycle
• Mitigation - Minimizing the effects of disaster.
Examples: building codes and zoning; vulnerability analyses; public education.
• Preparedness - Planning how to respond.
Examples: preparedness plans; emergency exercises/training; warning systems.
• Response - Efforts to minimize the hazards created by a disaster
Examples: search and rescue; emergency relief
• Recovery - Returning the community to normal.
Examples: temporary housing; grants; medical care.
The mitigation and preparedness phases occur as disaster management improvements are made in anticipation
of a disaster event. Developmental considerations play a key role in contributing to the mitigation and preparation
of a community to effectively confront a disaster. As a disaster occurs, disaster management actors, in particular
humanitarian organizations, become involved in the immediate response and long-term recovery phases. The
four disaster management phases illustrated here do not always, or even generally, occur in isolation or in this
precise order. Often phases of the cycle overlap and the length of each phase greatly depends on the severity
of the disaster.
Sustainable Developmental considerations contribute to all aspects of the disaster management cycle.
Development One of the main goals of disaster management, and one of its strongest links with
development, is the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and their protection and recovery
during disasters and emergencies. Where this goal is achieved, people have a greater
capacity to deal with disasters and their recovery is more rapid and long lasting. In a
development oriented disaster management approach, the objectives are to reduce
hazards, prevent disasters, and prepare for emergencies. Therefore, developmental
considerations are strongly represented in the mitigation and preparedness phases of the
disaster management cycle. Inappropriate development processes can lead to increased
vulnerability to disasters and loss of preparedness for emergency situations.
Mitigation Mitigation activities actually eliminate or reduce the probability of disaster occurrence, or
reduce the effects of unavoidable disasters. Mitigation measures include building codes;
vulnerability analyses updates; zoning and land use management; building use regulations
and safety codes; preventive health care; and public education. Mitigation will depend on
 the incorporation of appropriate measures in national and regional development planning.
Its effectiveness will also depend on the availability of information on hazards, emergency
risks, and the countermeasures to be taken. The mitigation phase, and indeed the whole
disaster management cycle, includes the shaping of public policies and plans that either
modify the causes of disasters or mitigate their effects on people, property, and
infrastructure.
Preparedness
The goal of emergency preparedness programs is to achieve a satisfactory level of readiness to respond to any
emergency situation through programs that strengthen the technical and managerial capacity of governments,
organizations, and communities. These measures can be described as logistical readiness to deal with disasters
and can be enhanced by having response mechanisms and procedures, rehearsals, developing long-term and
short-term strategies, public education and building early warning systems. Preparedness can also take the form
of ensuring that strategic reserves of food, equipment, water, medicines and other essentials are maintained in
cases of national or local catastrophes. During the preparedness phase, governments, organizations, and
individuals develop plans to save lives, minimize disaster damage, and enhance disaster response operations.
Preparedness measures include preparedness plans; emergency exercises/training; warning systems;
emergency communications systems; evacuations plans and training; resource inventories; emergency
personnel/contact lists; mutual aid agreements; and public information/education. As with mitigations efforts,
preparedness actions depend on the incorporation of appropriate measures in national and regional development
plans. In addition, their effectiveness depends on the availability of information on hazards, emergency risks and
the countermeasures to be taken, and on the degree to which government agencies, non-governmental
organizations and the general public are able to make use of this information.
Humanitarian Action
During a disaster, humanitarian agencies are often called upon to deal with immediate response and recovery.
To be able to respond effectively, these agencies must have experienced leaders, trained personnel, adequate
transport and logistic support, appropriate communications, and guidelines for working in emergencies. If the
necessary preparations have not been made, the humanitarian agencies will not be able to meet the immediate
needs of the people.
Response
The aim of emergency response is to provide immediate assistance to maintain life, improve health and support
the morale of the affected population. Such assistance may range from providing specific but limited aid, such
as assisting refugees with transport, temporary shelter, and food, to establishing semi-permanent settlement in
camps and other locations. It also may involve initial repairs to damaged infrastructure. The focus in the response
phase is on meeting the basic needs of the people until more permanent and sustainable solutions can be found.
Humanitarian organizations are often strongly present in this phase of the disaster management cycle.
Recovery
As the emergency is brought under control, the affected population is capable of undertaking a growing number
of activities aimed at restoring their lives and the infrastructure that supports them. There is no distinct point at
which immediate relief changes into recovery and then into long-term sustainable development. There will be
many opportunities during the recovery period to enhance prevention and increase preparedness, thus reducing
vulnerability. Ideally, there should be a smooth transition from recovery to on-going development. Recovery
activities continue until all systems return to normal or better. Recovery measures, both short and long term,
include returning vital life-support systems to minimum operating standards; temporary housing; public
information; health and safety education; reconstruction; counseling programs; and economic impact studies.
Information resources and services include data collection related to rebuilding, and documentation of lessons
learned.
Types of Disasters
Natural Natural disaster are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, and hydrological
Disasters origins that can cause fatalities, property damage and social environmental disruption
Examples of Natural Disasters: Drought, earthquake, flood, typhoon, and volcanic eruption
Man-made A disaster event caused directly and principally by one or more identifiable deliberate or
Disasters negligent human action. Human made disaster can be intentional or unintentional. It results
in huge loss of life and property. If further affects a person’s mental, physical and social
well-being. Human made disasters are usually the result of things going wrong in our
complex technological society.
Examples of Man-made Disasters: blackouts, hazardous material spills, air pollution, house
fires, radiation leaks, food or water contamination, industrial chemical releases,
transportation accidents, structures failures, explosions, act of terrorism, epidemics and
pandemics.
Hybrid A hybrid disaster is a manmade one, when forces of nature are unleashed as a result of
Disasters technical failure or sabotage. These are disasters that result from both human error and
natural forces.
Example of a hybrid disaster: the extensive clearing of jungles causing soil erosion, and
subsequently heavy rain causing landslides.
Hazard The probability of occurrence of a potentially damaging phenomenon
Vulnerability The degree of loss resulting from the occurrence of the phenomenon
Earthquake An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by the sudden breaking and movement
of large sections (tectonic plates) of the earth’s rocky outermost crust. The edges of the
tectonic plates are marked by faults. Most earthquakes occur along the fault lines when the
plates slide past each other or collide.

The shifting masses send out shock waves that may be powerful enough to:
 • Alter the surface of the earth, thrusting up cliffs and opening great cracks in the ground
and
• Cause great damage like collapse of buildings and other man-made structures, broken
power and gas lines (and the consequent fire), landslide, tsunamis, and volcanic eruption.
Earthquake Hazards and Effects
The type of hazard depends on the strength of seismic activity, along with such factors as local topographic and
built features, subsurface geology and groundwater. A large earthquake will always be followed by a sequence
of aftershocks.
Ground The main earthquake hazard (danger) is the effect of the ground shaking. Buildings can be
Shaking damaged by the shaking itself or by the ground beneath them settling to a different level
than it was before the earthquake (subsidence).
Liquefaction Buildings can even sink into the ground if soil liquefaction occurs. Liquefaction is the mixing
of the sand or soil and groundwater during the shaking of a moderate or a strong
earthquake. When the water and soil are mixed, the ground becomes very soft and acts
similar to quicksand. If liquefaction occurs under a building, it may start to lean, tip over, or
sink several feet. The ground firms up again after the earthquake has past and the water
has settled back down to its usual place deeper in the ground.
Ground Ground displacement or ground movement along a fault is another earthquake hazard. If a
Displacement structure is built across a fault, the ground displacement during an earthquake could
seriously damage or rip apart the structure
Tsunami Tsunami is a wave train, or series of waves, generated in a body of water by a disturbance
that moves the whole water column. Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions,
explosions, and even impact of cosmic bodies such as meteorites, can generate tsunamis.
Tsunamis can impact coastlines, causing devastating property damage and loss of life. A
number of waves may be produced and they can travel long distances at high speeds to
flood far-off shores. The height of tsunami varies and may be affected by the sea floor depth
and shape, and other factors.
Fire Fire is also another main hazard during earthquake. These fires can be started by a broken
gas lines and power lines, or tip over wood or coal stoves. They can be serious problem,
especially if the water lines that feed the fire hydrants are broken are broken too.
Safety Measures Before, During, and After an Earthquake
Citizens should plan and practice what to do in the event of an earthquake in order to properly respond before,
during, and after the shaking begins.
Before an Earthquake Occurs
o Prepare for three to seven days of electricity. Water, gas and telephone outages.
o Keep an earthquake disaster kit on hand, including a well-stocked first aid kit, a supply of medicines required
for a life-threatening condition, copies of important documents, money, a flashlight, a hand crank or solar-
powered radio, extra batteries, blankets, drinking water, and nonperishable food, and tools to shut off
utilities. Store the kit on a secure, waterproof location that is easily accessible.
o Conduct calm family discussions about earthquakes. Decides upon an outdoor meeting location for your
family to reunite after a quake and conduct in-home practice drills. Teach your household members to knock
three times repeatedly if they were to become trapped inside your home.
o Conduct a thorough investigation of your home, checking for any defective wiring, leaky gas connections,
and deep cracks in the ceiling or foundation that could pose a danger during a quake.
o Install flexible corrugated pipe fittings to avoid gas and water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to
breakage. If recommended by your gas provider have an automatic gas shut-off installed that can be
triggered by strong vibrations
o Learn how to shut of all utilities in your home.
o Use bolts or straps to secure heavy items that may topple over.
o Avoid placing heavy objects, such as shelves and picture frames, on walls where they could fall onto bed or
locations where your family would be sitting.
o Secure cabinet doors with latches to prevent items from falling out during earthquake
During an Earthquake
• Drop, Cover, and Hold on! Drop to the floor, get under a sturdy table, and hold until the shaking stops. If your
entire body does not fit underneath the furniture, position your body so that at least your head and your neck are
covered.
• If indoors, stay there; most injuries occur when people inside try to move to different location or try to leave.
Avoid windows, exterior walls stairwells, elevators, and object that could fall. Be aware that the electricity may
go out and the fire alarm or sprinkler system may turn on.
• If outside, get into an open area. Stay clear of buildings, power lines, Street lights, and anything that can fall
on you.
• If driving, move out of traffic as quickly as possible and shut off the engine. Avoid bridges and overpasses, and
anything that can fall on your car such as trees, light posts, power lines and billboards.
• If in bed, stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, only move to nearby safe place if you under
a heavy light fixture or something that may fall on you.
After an Earthquake
• Go to your predetermined outdoor meeting location. Check for injuries to others and provide assistance as
needed.
• Check for and extinguish small fires. Clean up any spilled flammable liquids immediately.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open a window and quickly leave the building. Shut off the main gas
valve only if you suspect a gas leak. Return home only when it is declared safe. Once gas line is turned off,
service should be restored only by your service provider.
• Check appliance and electric lines for damage. Unplug any damaged appliances or light fixtures, and shut off
power at the main fuse box if there are spark, frayed wires, or if you smell something burning.
• Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the toilet until you call a plumber.
• Watch out for items that may have shifted in cabinets or closets that can cause further damage or injury upon
opening the doors.
• If you are trapped under debris, do not light a match or move about. Cover your mouth with clothing and tap
on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Only shout as a last resort, as it can cause you to inhale dangerous
amount of dust.
• If you are driving, watch out for road hazards, including fallen trees, power lines and damaged bridges and
roads. If a power line fell onto your car during the earthquake, stay inside until trained personnel remove the
wire.
• Use the telephone only for emergencies.
• Listen to the radio for important information.
• Inspect your home for signs of structural damage, particularly to the foundation and chimney. Damage to these
areas can pose serious safety hazards in the months after an earthquake. Don’t not enter structurally
compromised structure. Call a certified home inspector if you are unsure of your home’s structural stability. • Be
prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks can occur minutes, days, or months after an earthquake. Drop, Cover, and
Hold on each time shaking occurs.
Volcano Hazards
Volcanoes are a surface feature of molten rock below the surface of the Earth. When pressure builds up,
eruptions occur. Gas and rock shoot up through the opening; lava flows downward along the sides of the
mountain.
Potential Volcano-Related Hazards
Volcanoes can be exciting and fascinating, but also very dangerous. Any kind of volcano is capable of creating
harmful or deadly phenomena, whether during an eruption or a period of quiescence. Understanding what a
volcano can do is the first step in mitigating volcanic hazards, but it is important to remember that even scientists
have studied a volcano for decades, they do not necessarily know everything it is capable of. Volcanoes are
natural systems, and always have some elements of unpredictability.
Lava Flows Lava is molten rock that flows out or volcanic vent. Depending on its composition and
temperature, lava can be very fluid or very sticky. Lava flow usually cannot be stopped or
diverted. Lava flows are extremely hot that can cause severe burns and often burn down
vegetation and structures.
Lahars Lahar are a specific kind of mudflow made up of volcanic debris. Lahar flow like liquids, but
because they contain suspended material, they usually have consistency similar to wet
concrete. Lahar are extremely destructive, they will either bulldoze or bury anything in their
path, sometimes in deposits dozens of feet thick.
Gases Volcanic gases are probably that least showy part of volcanic eruption, but they can be one
of an eruption’s most deadly effects. Most of the gas released in an eruption is water vapor
and relatively harmless, but volcanoes also produce carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide,
hydrogen sulfide, fluorine gas, hydrogen fluoride and other gases. All of these gases can
be hazardous and deadly.
Volcanic Volcanic debris avalanche generated by sliding of larger portions of volcanic cones are
Debris common. These avalanche are highly mobile and may not only bury large tracts of land and
dam stream to form lakes than can drain catastrophically and generate lahars and floods
but also creates devastating tidal waves (tsunamis) if they advance into lakes or the sea.
The only effective method of risk mitigation is evacuation prior to such debris avalanche or
tsunamis (if expecting) from areas likely to be affected by this kind of phenomenon.
Ashfalls Ashfall during volcanic eruption generally do not directly endanger life, although the collapse
of roof and houses under the ash load are not uncommon. Considerable damage may be
caused to agriculture and industry even at distances.
How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?
Most volcanoes provide warnings before an eruption. Magmatic eruptions involve the rise of magma toward the
surface, which normally generates detectable earthquakes. It can also deform the ground surface and cause
anomalous heat flow or changes in the temperature and chemistry of the groundwater and spring waters. Steam-
blast eruptions, however, can occur with little or no warning as superheated water flashes to steam.
Notable precursors to an eruption might include:
• An increase in the frequency and intensity of felt earthquakes
• Noticeable steaming or fumarolic activity and new or enlarged areas of hot ground
• Subtle swelling of the ground surface
• Small changes in heat flow
• Changes in the composition or relative abundances of fumarolic gas
Measures/Interventions Before, During, and After a Volcano Eruption
Volcanic eruption happens with an early warning unlike earthquakes that are sudden, so there is at least time for
residents around the volcano to prepare before the actual eruption occurs.

Here are precautionary measures before volcanic eruptions:

• Each one should be aware of the dangers that volcanic eruption pose to lives and be prepared to face whatever
circumstances the eruption yay bring.
• Prepare all necessary things to bring once evacuation is needed. Once given the signal refrain from saying you
will be alright. Refusing to evacuate will cause more serious problems.
• Store as much food, water, light sources and batteries that are very useful in case of emergency.
• Volcanic eruptions have ash falls so be prepared for mask or anything to cover nose and mouth.
• Prioritize the safety of kids before other things. If you have relatives or friends who are far from the volcano,
take your children there until such time that your place is safe.

Here are some precautionary measures during volcanic eruptions:

• Avoid all low-lying places because lava flows and mudflows are more likely to pass there.
• Seek cover in case of ash rock falls.
• Use mask and cover your mouth and nose to avoid breathing in ashes
• If you are inside a house; close all doors and windows to avoid ashes from getting inside.
• Always stay indoors.
• Stay in the evacuation center until further instructions. Do not attempt to leave the place unless told to do. •
Keep a watchful eye on the kids because they might be tempted to go out and see what is going on outside.

Here are precautionary measures after volcanic eruptions:

• Go back to your house but leave the kids behind someone who can take care of them while you check your
house.
• Clean everything around and check all damages incurred.
• Use mask while cleaning ash and other debris
• Wait for further announcements related to the volcano activities
• Make sure that your house is still safe for all of you
Other Hazards
Flood Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can happen during
heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, when snow melts quickly, or when dams or
levees break. Damaging flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a
house to the rooftop. Floods can occur within minutes or over a long period, and may last days,
weeks, or longer. Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural
disasters. Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of floods, because they combine the
destructive power of a flood with incredible speed. Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall
exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it. They also occur when water fills normally dry
creeks or streams or enough water accumulates for streams to overtop their banks, causing
rapid rises of water in a short amount of time. They can happen within minutes of the causative
rainfall, limiting the time available to warn and protect the public.
What areas are at risk from flash floods?
Densely are at a high risk for flash floods. The construction of buildings, highways, driveways, and
populated parking lots increases runoff by reducing the amount of rain absorbed by the ground. This runoff
areas increases the flash flood potential.
Sometimes, streams through cities and towns are routed underground into storm drains. During
heavy rain, the storm drains can become overwhelmed or plugged by debris and flood the roads
and buildings nearby. Low spots, such as underpasses, underground parking garages,
basements, and low water crossings can become death traps.
Landslide
A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides are a type
of "mass wasting," which denotes any down-slope movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of
gravity. The term "landslide" encompasses five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads,
and flows. These are further subdivided by the type of geologic material (bedrock, debris, or earth). Debris
flows (commonly referred to as mudflows or mudslides) and rock falls are examples of common landslide
types. Almost every landslide has multiple causes. Slope movement occurs when forces acting down-slope
(mainly due to gravity) exceed the strength of the earth materials that compose the slope. Causes include factors
that increase the effects of down-slope forces and factors that contribute to low or reduced strength. Landslides
can be initiated in slopes already on the verge of movement by rainfall, snowmelt, changes in water level, stream
erosion, and changes in ground water, earthquakes, volcanic activity, disturbance by human activities, or any
combination of these factors. Earthquake shaking and other factors can also induce landslides underwater.
These landslides are called submarine landslides. Submarine landslides sometimes cause tsunamis that
damage coastal areas.
Sinkholes A sinkhole is an area of ground that has no natural external surface drainage--when it rains, the
water stays inside the sinkhole and typically drains into the subsurface. Sinkholes can vary from
a few feet to hundreds of acres and from less than 1 to more than 100 feet deep. Some are
shaped like shallow bowls or saucers whereas others have vertical walls; some hold water and
form natural ponds. Typically, sinkholes form so slowly that little change is noticeable, but they
can form suddenly when a collapse occurs. Such a collapse can have a dramatic effect if it
occurs in an urban setting.
Hydro Meteorological Hazards
Typhoon A typhoon is a giant, rotating storm that brings wind, rain, and destruction.
Thunderstorm A violent short-lived weather disturbance that is almost always associated with lightning,
thunder, dense clouds, heavy rain or hail, and strong gusty winds. Thunderstorms arise
when layers of warm, moist air rise in a large, swift updraft to cooler regions of the
atmosphere. There the moisture contained in the updraft condenses to form towering
cumulonimbus clouds and, eventually, precipitation. Columns of cooled air then sink
earthward, striking the ground with strong downdrafts and horizontal winds. At the same
time, electrical charges accumulate on cloud particles (water droplets and ice). Lightning
discharges occur when the accumulated electric charge becomes sufficiently large.
Lightning heats the air it passes through so intensely and quickly that shock waves are
produced; these shock waves are heard as claps and rolls of thunder. On occasion, severe
 thunderstorms are accompanied by swirling vortices of air that become concentrated and
powerful enough to form tornadoes
Lightning The occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage
between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and
typically also thunder
Storm Surge Is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the water
above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by a storm's
winds pushing water onshore
El Niño El Niño means The Little Boy, or Christ Child in Spanish. El Niño was originally recognized
by fishermen off the coast of South America in the 1600s, with the appearance of unusually
warm water in the Pacific Ocean. The name was chosen based on the time of year (around
December) during which these warm waters events tended to occur. The term El Niño refers
to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction linked to a periodic warming in sea
surface temperatures across the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific. The presence
of El Niño can significantly influence weather patterns, ocean conditions, and marine
fisheries across large portions of the globe for an extended period of time.
La Niña La Niña means The Little Girl in Spanish. La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-
El Niño, or simply "a cold event." Global climate La Niña impacts tend to be opposite those
of El Niño impacts. In the tropics, ocean temperature variations in La Niña also tend to be
opposite those of El Niño.
Fire Hazards
Fire hazards include all types of live flames, causes, of sparks, hot objects, and chemicals that are potential for
ignition or that can aggravate a fire to become large and uncontrolled.
• Class A - fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles.
• Class B - fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils.
• Class C - fires involving gases.
• Class D - fires involving metals
• Class E - fires involving live electrical apparatus. (Technically ‘Class E’ doesn’t exists however this
is used for convenience here)
• Class F - fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers.
Water extinguishers
Water extinguishers are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight Class A fires, those fuelled by solid materials
such as paper, wood and textiles. There are four different types of water extinguishers: water jet, water spray,
water with additives and water mist or fog.
• Water jet extinguishers work by spraying a jet of water at the burning materials, cooling them and preventing
re-ignition. They should not be used on live electrical equipment.
• Water spray extinguishers use a very fine spray of water droplets, each droplet is surrounded by air which is
non-conductive. Most water spray fire extinguishers carry a 35 kV dielectric test approval which means they have
been tested on a 35,000 Volt electrical source at one meter.
• Water extinguishers with additives are water extinguishers with foaming chemicals added. The water loses its
natural surface tension meaning that it can soak into the burning materials more effectively. Adding the chemicals
to the water means that a smaller extinguisher can produce the same fire rating as a larger, water only,
extinguisher.
• Water mist, or fog, extinguishers apply water in the form of mist, or fog, the droplets are much smaller than
those from the water spray extinguisher. The smaller the droplet, the larger its surface area in relation to its size,
the quicker the droplet evaporates which absorbs the heat energy faster. The downside is the smaller the droplet
the less it weighs and therefore the less powerful the cloud of water. All water extinguishers have a red label.
Foam Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires. They are most suited to
extinguishers extinguishing liquid fires such as petrol or diesel and are more versatile than water jet
extinguishers because they can also be used on solids such as wood and paper. The foam
extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the surface of the liquid, preventing flammable vapour
reaching the air and starving the fire of fuel. They are not suitable for use on free flowing
liquid fires. Foam extinguishers have a cream label.
Powder Powder extinguishers are a good multi-purpose fire extinguisher because they can be used
extinguishers on Class A, B and C fires. They can also be used on fires involving electrical equipment
however, they do not cool the fire so it can re-ignite. Powder extinguishers can also create
a loss of visibility and may create breathing problems. They are not generally recommended
for use inside buildings unless there is absolutely no alternative. Powder extinguishers have
a blue label.
Carbon dioxide CO2 extinguishers are ideal for places with a lot of electrical equipment such as offices or
extinguishers server rooms because they are safe to use on fires involving electrical apparatus. Carbon
(CO2) dioxide extinguishers do not leave any residue, unlike a foam extinguisher. They can also
be used on Class B fires, those involving flammable liquids such paraffin or petrol. CO2
extinguishers work by smothering the fire and cutting off the supply of air. Carbon Dioxide
Extinguishers (CO2) have a black label.
Wet chemical Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable for use on Class F fires involving cooking oils and
extinguishers fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter. They are extremely effective,
when used correctly. The wet chemical rapidly knocks the flames out, cools the burning oil
and chemically reacts to form a soap-like solution, sealing the surface and preventing re-
ignition. Although they are primarily designed for use on Class F fires, cooking oils and deep
fat fryers. They can also be used on Class A fires (wood, paper and fabrics) and Class B
fires (flammable liquids). Wet chemical extinguishers have a yellow label.
Fire blankets Fire blankets are primarily for use on hot oil fires such as frying pans or small deep fat fryers.
They can also be used on someone whose clothing has caught fire. They work by
smothering the fire, stopping access to the oxygen fuelling it and extinguishing it.
Fire Triangle
The fire triangle, or combustion triangle, is the three components needed to ignite and sustain a fire. The three
ingredients of a fire triangle are; heat, fuel, and oxygen. If just one of these components is removed, the fire
triangle will collapse and the fire will be extinguished.
1. Heat A source of heat is required in order for ignition to occur, and different materials have
different flash point.
2. Fuel A fire cannot begin if there is no material to burn. Homes and businesses are full of
flammable materials, such as paper, oil, wood and fabrics. Any of these can serve as a fuel
for a fire.
3. Oxygen To sustain the combustion reaction, oxygen (or an oxidizing agent) is needed, as it reacts
with the burning fuel to release heat and C02. Earth’s atmosphere consist of 21% oxygen,
so there is plenty available to trigger a fire if the other two components are present.
Causes of Fires
1) Cooking fire
2) Heating Appliances
3) Electrical Fire
4) Smoking
5) Candles
6) Chemical Fires
7) Christmas Trees
Ways to prevent fire incidents:
• Avoid unattended or careless use of candles. No open flames are allowed inside any Tufts University building.
• Keep BBQ grills at least 10 feet from the house. Never store the grill with the propane tank inside your house.
Propane vapors are heavier than air and any leak of the gas would travel down to an ignition source, such as a
pilot light or electrical arc that would initiate an explosion that would be fatal to anyone inside the house.
• Do not disable smoke or CO detectors. These are life saving devices that will give you an early warning to a
life threatening event. Carbon monoxide, CO, is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas (known as the Silent
Killer) that is the most abundant deadly byproduct of fire. Tampering, covering, disabling fire detection devices
is a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment and a fine and University disciplinary action.
• Do not smoke indoors. Smoking is prohibited in all Tufts University buildings. Smoking will result in the removal
of the offender from campus housing.
• Do not leave your cooking unattended. Cooking is the number one cause of residential fires. Unattended
cooking increases the chance of a stove top fire. Watch what you heat and never overheat cooking oils. Should
a flash fire occur in a pan, carefully slide a cover over the pan to smother the fire? DO NOT move it to the sink
or apply water to it, this will cause the flaming oil to splash and spread the fire to surrounding areas.

DRRM TERMS/CONCEPTS AND HAZARD PROFILE OF THE PHILIPPINES

DISASTERS are natural or man-made events wherein communities experience severe danger and incur
loss of lives and properties causing disruption in its social structure and prevention of the
fulfillment of all or some of the affected community’s essential functions
WHO definition of “Any occurrence that cause damage, economic disruption, loss of human life and
Disasters deterioration in health and health services on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary
response from outside the affected area or community.”
The most important aspects to remember about a DISASTER are:
• Disasters interrupt the normal functioning of a community.
• Disasters exceed the coping mechanisms (capacity) of the community.
• External assistance is needed to return to normal functioning of a community.
HAZARDS are Natural or man-induced phenomena or activities the presence of which pose a threat
to people’s lives, limbs, properties and socio-economic conditions.
- A source of danger; an extreme event; possibility of incurring loss or misfortune.
- Physical impact of disturbance. (UNDP and UNDRO, 1979)
Man-made Hazardous chemicals incidents, Conventional warfare, Building collapse, Civil
Disasters disturbance. Nuclear, biological or chemical incidents, Explosion, Aircraft crash.
RISKS - refers to the degree or chance and frequency that such hazards will affect or impact
people and communities.
- Likelihood of harm, loss, disaster. (UNDP and UNDRO, 1979)
VULNERABILITY – is the level of susceptibility or resiliency of the people and communities against the
impact of the prevailing hazards based on the state of physical, social, and economic
conditions in a given area.
- Susceptibility & capacity to prepare, absorb, & recover from hazard. (UNDP and UNDRO,
1979)
The Disaster ✓ HAZARDS
Equation ✓ RISK
✓ PEOPLE OR COMMUNITY
✓ VULNERABILITY
H x R + V = DISASTERS
EXPOSURE Elements affected by hazard
DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT –WHAT AND WHO?
Disaster risk management includes administrative decisions and operational activities that involve:
1. Prevention
2. Mitigation
3. Preparedness
4. Response
5. Recovery
6. Rehabilitation
• Disaster risk management involves all levels of government –decision makers and local government
• Non-governmental and community-based organizations play a vital role in the process
• Communities themselves are first responders
RATIONALE FOR RISK MANAGEMENT
 Comprehensive risk management process has the potential to break the cycle of damage and reconstruction
when a community is subjected to repeated natural hazards;
 To be effective, a strategy must be in place and ready for immediate implementation when necessary;
 This can only be done through advance preparation and planning
DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
→ Reduce vulnerabilities in the community
→ When sustained over long term, reduce unacceptable risk to acceptable levels and make a community
become disaster resistant/resilient
DRM REFERS TO A RANGE OF…
• Policies
• Legislative mandates
• Professional practices
• Social, structural and non-structural adjustments
• Risk transfer mechanisms
- to prevent, reduce or minimize the effects of hazards on a community
RANGE OF RISK MANAGEMENT MEASURES
✓ Engineering measures (keep hazard away from people)
✓ Land use planning & management measures (keep people away from hazard)
✓ Control & protection works (modifying the hazard)
✓ Early warning (predicting hazard)
✓ Preparedness Planning (prepare in anticipation of a hazard event
✓ Reconstruction planning after a disaster with the aim of reducing the vulnerability
✓ Mainstreaming risk management in development practice & institutionalization
TAXONOMY OF NATURAL HAZARDS IN THE PHILIPPINES

GOVERNING PRINCIPLES
1. MULTI-HAZARD APPROACH
2. SELF-RELIANCE
3. MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
4. MULTI-LEVEL
5. PROACTIVE
- preparedness
- preventive & mitigation-oriented
HIERARCHY OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY VIS-À-VIS RESOURCES
Multiple - Any event resulting in a number of victims large enough to disrupt the normal course of
Casualty emergency health care services. Establishing a Mass Casualty Management System
Incident (MCI) (PAHO-OPS, 1995, 58 p.) “An epidemic of injuries”
1. Volcanic - The Philippine Archipelago occupies the western ring of the Pacific Ocean (Western
Eruption Segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire), a most active part of the earth that is characterized
by an ocean-encircling belt of active volcanoes and earthquake generators (faults).
2. FIRE - The Philippines continues to experience disastrous fires, often marking some of the worst
fire incidents in history
3. Land slide - A huge landslide on the Island of Leyte on the west point of the Islands of the Philippines
has caused at least two hundred deaths and 1,500 people are missing, according to the
Red Cross.
4. Environmental/Technological “Trash slide” The Quezon City government has relocated several
Hazards families displaced by the landslide that occurred in Barangay Payatas
last week due to heavy rains.
5. Hydro-Met “FLOOD” Tens of thousands of homes in low-lying areas in Metro Manila, Rizal, Bicol and
Hazards other parts of the country were submerged by the floods, prompting residents to scramble
onto rooftops, awaiting rescue.
6. Maritime - December 20, 1987, the MV Doña Paz sank, taking with it the lives of over 4,000
Disaster passengers. It is still the worst maritime disaster in Asia.
7. Bombing - February 27th marks 15 years after the bombing of the ‘SuperFerry 14’, the deadliest
incident terrorist attack in Philippines, which killed a total of 116 people. The blast occurred on 27
February 2004 in Manila Bay, claiming the title of the world's deadliest terrorist attack at
sea until today.
8. Air disaster - April 19, 2000 Air Philippines Flight 541 crashed in the mountains of Mindanao. All 120
passengers and crew died.
9. Tsunami - A magnitude 8.1 earthquake on August 17, 1976 generated by the movement along the
Cotabato trench produced massive tsunami waves as high as nine meters. Around 8,000
people were killed or missing and it is known as the most disastrous tsunami to hit the
Philippines in the last four decades.
THE PHILIPPINE DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
LEGAL Department of National Defense, National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC),
AUTHORITY National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
OFFICE OF - The operating arm and secretariat of the National Disaster Coordinating Council
CIVIL DEFENSE
PD 1566, Sec. 1 - “Responsibility for leadership rests on the provincial governor, city mayors, and municipal
Declaration of mayors, (and barangay chairman), each according to his area of responsibility.”
Principles - “It is the responsibility of all government departments, bureaus, agencies and
instrumentalities to have documented plans of their emergency functions and activities.”
THE NDCC MEMBERS Barangay: Nucleus of Community Governance and
• Secretary, Nat’l Defense - Chairman Disaster Preparedness
• Secretary, Int.& Local Govt- Member • The Philippines has a unique local governance
• Secretary, Public Works- Member system of Barangay. It has a primary function of
• Secretary, Health - Member planning and implementing government policies, plans,
• Secretary, Social Welfare- Member programs, projects, and activities in the community.
• Secretary, Agriculture- Member
• Secretary, Education- Member • Local people are the source of knowledge about their
• Secretary, Finance- Member community so that solutions can address what is really
needed and wanted.
• Secretary, Labor & Employment Member
• Secretary, Trade & Industry- Member
TRIAGE
• Secretary, Trans. & Comm. - Member
• Secretary, Science & Tech. - Member Triage categories are:
• Secretary, Budget- Member a) Immediate – RED
• Secretary, Justice- Member b) Delayed – YELLOW
• Secretary, Natural Resources Member d) Dead and dying – BLACK
• Director, Phil. Info. Agency- Member
• Sec-Gen - Phil Nat’l Red Cross Member Aim of Triage- To achieve the greatest good for the
• Chief of Staff, AFP- Member greatest number of casualties.
• Administrator, Office of Civil Defense - Member
and Executive Officer

TOPIC 3: EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE SAFETY

Earthquake is a natural phenomenon that occurs different parts of the world. It is a sudden slipping or
movement of a portion of the of the Earth's crust, followed by a series of vibrations. Aftershock
an earthquake of less intensity that follows the main earthquake.

Magnitude is a measure of the total energy released at the earthquake’s point of origin which is below the earth Surface. Seismograph is the
instrument that measures magnitude
Intensity - the perceived strength of an earthquake based on relative effect to people and structures. The
nearer the area to the epicenter the higher the intensity in that area

and fail
Liquefaction Takes place where there is an increase in water pressure in saturated soil because of the ground
shaking. it occurs when water pressure within a mass of soil cause the soil particles to lose
contact with one another.
Associated Hazards
1. Collapsing Of bulldlngs & bridges
2. Disruption Of gas, electricity & phone services
3. Landslides & Avalanches
4. Flash Floods
5. Tsunamis
6. Fires
Before an Earthquake Hits
1. Check for Hazards
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors outdoors.
3. Learn HOW to Shut Off Gas Valves
4. Have Emergency Supplies on Hand
5. Develop a Communication Plan

Workplace
1. Flashlight & extra batteries
2. Battery operated
3. Emergency food and water
4. Non electric can opener
5. Medication
6. First Aid kit and manual
7. Tools & supplies