DISASTER AWARENESS, PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT
This area involves disaster preparedness during the fire, earthquakes or other calamities that need
immediate response from any trained civilians during emergency situation. Basic life savings seminar,
fire drill and the like are some of the examples.
Disaster – any occurrence which suddenly disrupts normal patterns of life, plunges people into
confusions and sufferings, exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources.
Disaster usually results in urgent need for shelter, clothing, medical attention and psychological support.
Types of Disaster:
1. Natural Disaster – earthquakes, volcanic eruption, floods, mudslides, tsunami, tidal waves
2. Man – made Disaster – war, economics collapse, plane crash, vehicular accidents, bombing
The Disaster Management Cycle
Response – is the first phase that occurs after the onset of an emergency or disaster. It is intended to
provide emergency assistance for casualties including search and rescue, evacuation, shelter, medical
cares and to reduce damage by efforts such as sandbagging against impending flood waters.
Recovery – activities undertaken during this phase involve steps to return to normal all systems after the
onset of an emergency. This phase includes functions as redevelopment loans, legal assistance and
community planning.
Mitigation – this phase includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an
emergency occurring and reduce the damaging effects of unavoidable hazards.
Preparedness – this phase includes developing plans to ensure the most effective, and efficient response,
taking steps to minimize damages such as installing forecasting and warming system, equipping the
Emergency Operation Center.
Family Disaster Management Plan
“Where will your family be when disaster strike? They could be anywhere – at work, at school or in the
vehicle. How will you find its other? Are all of safe? Below are the steps to create your family’s disaster
plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.”
Your Family Needs A Disaster Plan To:
1. Help ensure the safety of family members
2. Help family members make informed rational decision rational decisions in times of high stress
requiring rapid decision making and action
3. Find out what could happen. Contact your local emergency management or civil defense officer such
as the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Philippine National Red Cross
(PNRC) to be prepared
a. Ask what types of disaster are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for
each
b. Learn about your community’s warning signals; what they sound like and what you should do
when you hear them
c. Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside the emergency shelter
due to health regulators
d. Find out how to help elderly persons, if needed
e. Find out the disaster plans at your school and other places where your family spend time
4. Create a disaster plan. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
Explain the danger of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities
and work as team.
a. Discuss the type of disaster that are mostly to happen
b. Pick two places to meet (1.) right side your home in case of a sudden emergency, like fire (2)
Outside your neighbor in case you can’t return home. Everyone must know the address and
phone number
c. Discuss what to do in evacuation
5. Complete preparedness checklist
6. Practice and maintain your plan
a. Quiz the family members every six months so they could remember what to do
b. Conduct hires and emergency evacuation drills
c. Replace stored water every month and stored food every six months
d. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher according to manufacturer’s instructions
e. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year
Disaster Preparedness Checklist
1. Post emergency telephone numbers (fire department, police, ambulance, etc.)
2. Teach children how and when to call your local emergency medical services number for emergency
help.
3. Show each family members how and when to off water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
4. Check if you have adequate insurance coverages.
5. Teach each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher and show them where it is kept.
6. Install smoke detectors in each level of your home especially near bedroom.
7. Conduct a home hazard hunt. Anything that can move, fall, breaks or can cause a fire in home
hazard. Inspect your home at least ones a year and fix potential hazards.
8. Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies kit.
9. Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class.
10. Determine the best escape routes from home for each type of disaster
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
Family Disaster Supplies Kit – is a collection of items that will help you implement your family disaster
plan
Six Basic Items of the Disaster Supplies Kit:
1. Water
2. Food
3. First Aid Supplies
4. Clothing and beddings
5. Tools and emergency supplies
6. Special items
Suggestions and Reminders
1. Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members
2. Keep items in airtight plastic bags or in an easy – to – carry container
3. Change your water supply every month so it stays fresh
4. Rotate your food every six months
5. Re think your kit and family needs yearly. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
6. Ask your physician about storing prescription medication
GENERAL INFORMATION EARTHQUAKES
1. Earthquakes are nature’s way of releasing dangerous strains that accumulates inside the
earth’s crust
2. They occur without warning and affect large areas
3. The initial shock may last a few minutes. It may be followed by aftershocks which are
generally less in intensity than the initial shock
4. Aftershocks may come in rapid succession immediately after the initial shock or may vary
from a few minutes to several hours or days
5. Dangers from earthquakes
a. Collapse of structure
b. Falling objects
c. Swinging doors and broken windows
d. Fire beginning from electrical short circuits or broken gas mains
Drill Procedures
1. TAKE COVER under desk or tables
2. FACE AWAY from windows
3. ASSUME “CRASH” POSITION knees, head down, hands clasped on back of neck or head
covered with book or jacket
4. COUNT ALOUD to 60 – earthquakes rarely last longer than 60 seconds and counting is
calming
Individual Safety Measures
1. Pre – select a safe place in your area which you can automatically occupy in case of
earthquake
2. Remain calm and don’t panic