Chapter Disaster Preparedness and

6 Rish Reduction

1 . To acquire knowledge and understanding on the

significant effects of disasters and calamities to lives
and properties
2. To familiarize the students on the types of disasters
and calamities
To make the students aware of the measures that help
prevent the serious impact of disasters and calamities
to lives and properties
4. To acquire support to the government through
advocacies and information dissemination on disaster
risk reduction and management

Lesson 6.1 Disaster Preparedness

A Chinese philosopher once said, “Nature has no heart.” However,

but like the fabled Phoenix that rises from its own ashes, a Filipino rises
from the rubbles and overcomes the wraths of nature. Filipinos are by
nature resilient and enduring. Like a bamboo, they are pliant but do not
break. Throughout time, Filipinos faced a lot of problems and difficulties
and experienced devastating trials and challenges but remained strong in

Disasters and calamities may strike anytime and anywhere without

warning. Like a thief in the night, they sneak into our lives and if caught
unprepared, the damage and havoc they cause are devastating and severe.
It could mean a life-and-death situation and/ or loss of life and property.
Disasters and calamities choose no place to strike; whether at home, in
school. in the church, in the workplace, or in the streets—reason for us to
be always ready and prepared for.
Heing prepared is evey•body’s concern and responsibility. Though the
prime duty of the government is to avert and safeguard the people from
incoming disasters and other forms of catastrophe, citizens as well are
encouraged to do their part in the prevention of incoming disasters that
night destroy 1ix’es and properties.

Lesson 6.2 Definition of Terms

Disaster refers to the natural or man-made disruption or distu7bance
of the functions of societ;• causing great losses to lives, properties, and
the en› ironment. \Vhen a natural or man-made disturbances becomes
Community Rnpngement — for the fmprovement o/ Li/e in the Community
A Coursef›oofc in NOTP

dangerous and turns actual events as a killing machine, injures a lot of

people, and causes considerable damage to resources and investments; it
becomes a disaster.
Disaster Preparedness refers to one’s ability to respond to incoming
calamities with effective and appropriate measures in order to lessen,
thwart, and abate possible dangers and destruction it brings to lives and
property. It is characterized by the presence of an effective mechanism
and plans, whereby an impending danger brought about by a disaster is
arrested through effect.ive communication system for the proper information
dissemination and ample preparation by acquiring enough knowledge and
information about disastrous situations.
Relief refers to temporary or permanent stabili/ caused by effective
measures and employment of necessary solutions that follow after a
disaster. It is the satisfaction of immediate and basic needs of the survivors
such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care.
Rehabilitation is the immediate action taken in order to facilitate the
employment of necessary assistance and care to the victims of a disaster;
a place where victims of disaster are relocated to avoid further injury and
damage to their health and for faster service and care.

Lesson 6.3 Types of Disaster

The Philippines has suffered from an inexhaustible number of

disasters like deadly typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and other
natural disasters. This is because the country is located along the Ring of
Fire and the Typhoon Belt—a large region surrounding the Pacific Ocean,
where many of the Earth’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.
Below are types of disasters which everyone must be wary about.

Natural Hazards/ Emergencies

• Typhoons and Storm Surges are extremely large, powerful, and
destructive storms that occurs in the region of the Philippines.
• Climatic Variability (La Nina, El Nino) is a significant and
lasting change in the statistical distribution of v eather patterns
over pcriode• ranging from deca des to millions of years. It may be
a chanpqe in average weather conditions or iii the distribution of
weather around the average coriditi‹›ns
• Flash Floods is a local flood of great volume and short duration
generally resulting from heavy rainfall in the immediate vicinity.
• Earthquake is the shaking or trembling of the Earth’s surface
that is volcanic or tectonic in origin that often causes great
damage to lifes and properties.

llO
 Disaster Preparedness and Risk 2tecfuction

• Tsunami is a very high, large wave in the ocean that is usually

ca°ased by submarine Earth movement or volcanic eruption that
can cause great destruction when it reaches land.
• Volcanic Eruptions are sudden explosive violent eruptions of
›•oI‹:ano that emits molten or hot rocks, ashes, lava. and other
in ater ials.
• Landslide is the rapid downward movement of a large mass of
rocks and soil, or artificial fi11 on a slope quickly moving down the
side of a mountain or hill.
• Pestilence is a contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is
intent and devastating, causing many people to die.
• Drought is a prolonged period of dryness when there is very little
or no rain that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their
successful grov°th.

Man-Made Disasters
• Fire Incident is as undesirable event whlch emits heat, smoke
and/or flame, v hich has the potentlal to cause damage, may
require intervention either mechanical or human or has a
cost implication.
• Marine/Air Disaster occurrence associated w ith the operation
r. scacr ft/aircrrilt, u hish rakes place between the time tiny
eo rem fir›ar‹!s the seacraft/aircral’t w ith the 1 intention of travel
c.It! ›- ir:ii time as all sucli persons have diseiTibarLecl; w b.CLU ñ
sc i‘: w+ iiitom3 ‹ seriousl; injured. the seacraft/aircraft srisi min
‹ u›.ini ! c. ‹ r sit i3ctc r al futhi re or the seocraft/ trot aft is oils sin% or
» ie:e! in ‹ccessiblc.
• Structural Collapse is the loss of the load-carrying capacity of a
component or member within a structure, or of the structure itself.
Structural collapse is initiated w hen the material is stressed to
its strength limit, thus causing fracture or excessive deformations
• Hazardous spill happens when in some fashion, a substance
breaches its ordinary container (e.g. , can, jar, drum, vessel, pipe).
The t› pe of response required is dependent on whether the release
is considered an “incidental release."

• Water Supply Breakdown is the failure of continuous provision

of w ater by public utilities, commercial organizations, community
Community finpngerrient - For the Improvement of Li/e in the Comment ty
A Coursef›ook in NO IP

endeavors or b› individuals, usuall›’ › ia a system of pumps and

pipes clue to scarf it› of source or breakdown of facilities
• 1‘ooh fi‹ u cit› - a videsJoreart si•‹rrt‹o e ct ir:ocl pro› isions caused
to; several fa‹ tors inehiding crop failure. popiila tion unbNance,
or ¿overnment policies. "this phenomenon is i isuall; accompanied
or followed by regions malnutrition. star ation, epidemic. and
increased mortality.
• Pollution is a state wherein the lancl, the w ater, the air, etc. , are dirty
and contaminated and not safe or suitable to use.

Lesson 0.4 General Effects of Disaster

Disasters and calamities have different effects to people and their

properties. Some of its common damages are the following:
1 Loss of life,
2. Injury,
i3. l9amage to and destruction of properties /infrastructures,
'!. f?isn.iptir ii of“ production and destri action f siiiss: tenre and cash
en ps/loses of livelihood/economic loss
5. Disr option of essential and basic services. and
G. Emotional and psychological disturbance.

The following are the responsibilities/ tasks of concerned individuals

or gr‹arips during emergencies or disaster on a case to case basis:
• t rovision and dissemination of warning;
• ee arch a.nd rescue;
• sc rvey, assessment, and report of disaster effects;
• treatment and care of victims;
• clearance of debris and rehabilitation of roads. airfields, railway
system, ports, and other key areas;
rovi-sion raf emergency fr od and water supplies;
• provision of shelter;
• evacuation of individuals, groups, communities and livestock;
• provision of health and sanitation measures:
• restoration of essential services such as communication, water
and power supplies;
• direction :iri d coordination of counter-disaster measures;
• informatic•n and advice to the public:
• immediate fitiancial assistance to the victims;
• maintenance of public morale:
 Disaster Preparedness and 2tis/c fteduction

• counseling of victims and relatives;

• control and distribution of emergency supplies;
• • liaison with the media;
• rehabilitation of crops, production, and other aspects of subsistence
and livelihood;
• emergency building programs;
• measures for long-term recovery; and
• application of emergency regulations.

Lesson 6.5 Preparatory Measures

Typhoons are extremely large, powerful, and destructive storms
that are experienced in the Philippines or within northern Pa‹:1bc regJon.
Typhoon Yolanda was so far the most destructive tropical storm thrit hit the
central part of the country, causing tremendous loss of lives anal properties.
There are several ways to prepare oneself and family before disaster
or calamity hits the community. Below are some effective menu.s to Leep
safe during a disaster.

In case of TYPHOONS
• Stay indoors and keep calm.
• Monitor news and advisories from TV and radio rey‹r i:-
• Secure your home.
• Trim trees near your houses.
• Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
• If your house is in a flood prone area, go to the nearest ‹l‹- igr::i ted
evacuation center.
• Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batterir s
• Stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries, mir.1 first a.id.
supplies.
• In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of elcctr ity. gas.
and water inside your home.
• Stack your furniture above the expected flood i. el. Keep
appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances, aiiFl par0apc!
beyond reach of floodwaters.
• .Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas,
slopes, cliffs. and foothills. Rains can trigger landslides, rockslides,
or mudslides.
• Avoid evading through flooded areas. Do not attem*pI to cross
flowing streams.
 Community Engagement — for ltte I P roc›emenl o/ Li/e in the Community
A Coursebook in NO IP

• \1o moot concrete an›• electrical equipment during a flood.

• Do c‹ I disc gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.

ñ tsunami is gigantic sea wave generated by disturbances associated

primarily with eai’rhquakes occurring below or near the ocean floor. It is
a sr:ries :›i tra«eling ocean waves of extremely long length. These generally
appear as a large, steep wave face, and produce rapid flooding of low-lying
coastal areas.

• In case of TSUNAMIS
• .3 strong eai‘tnquake is a natural tsunami warning. Do not stay
ic i‹oi ij ind and seashore areas after an earthquake. A tsunami
nngh'. occ i r v ithin minutes.
• Otherr atu ral signs include sudden lowering of the sea level or an
tin uc•i ml rise and fall of the sea level.
• Fish ,inc! other marine life may be exposed when the sea retreats:
Ne er go down to the beach to collect these. Tsunami waves might
rush back anytime and carry you out to the sea with great force.
• Tsana mrs are also preceded and/or accompanied by unusual
sounds, Re alert for these signs, too.
• Inn.n ediatel3 vacate and seek higher ground. Stay there until all
Angus of danger have passed.

.ñc. earthquake is a feeble shaking to violent trembling of the ground

produced by sodden displacement of rock materials below the Earth’s surface.

In case of EARTHQUAKES
• II on fire in a sti‘ucturally-sound building, protect yourself by
Aetl ink under a sturdy table or desk and holding on to it while
sh› king •‹:c or. You can also protect your head with your arms.
• !t out are inside a moving vehicle, do not attempt to cross bridges,
o «.rpasses. or flyovers that can be easilv damaged.
• !i or n re near the shore and feel an earthquake, it is safest to
assume *that a tsunami might occur. Move to higher grounds.
• ' ›r ov are outside, move to as open area. Stay away from
power trnas. posts, and concrete structures that may fall or collapse.
• i\i‹a e a vat from mountainous areas or a steep hill slope where
la ricislides might occur.
• Stay calm and clon’t panic. Once the shaking stops, take the
t‘astest nut safest way out of a building in an orderly and calm
i ii via ner. Do riot use elevators. Use the stairs.
 Disaster Preparedness and Risk deduction

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Administcr trst aid if

tralned to do so. Otherwise, seek immediate as sis ance from
nearby authorities if necessary.
• Do not enter partially-damaged buildings after on earthquake.
Strong aftershocks may cause these structures to collapse.
• Check for spills of chemicals, toxic, and flammable materials to
avoid potentially disastrous situations.
• Check for fires and if there are any, have them extinguished.
• Check water and electrical lines for damage. lf any damage is
suspected, switch off water and electricity morn sO1d7CU:s
• Should you decide to evacuate, leave a note stating w!ierc *. ›i will go.
• Bring along items essential for your survival. Do not o«erbiirden
yourself.
• Follow official advisories and warnings.
• Avoid needless telephone and road use to allow a•.*horities
unhampered use of these for relief and rescue operritiri i s.

Volcanic Eruptions are sudden explosive violent er options that

emit molten or hot rocks, ashes, lava and other materials. People ii ing
around a volcano face this hazard and directly affects their living conditic›ns.
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in Central Luzon in the early 090s showed
how destructive volcanic eruptions are. Recently, Mt. Mayon :n .filbay also
pose a great concern for the people living nearby .

In case of VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS

• Residents living around an erupting volcano arm faced with
volcanic hazards that may ensue. These include p› r‹ eta stic bows.
ash fall, and lahar.
• Hazard maps that show areas likelv to be affected by ac.; of these
hazards are available from proper authorities prior t‹ eruption.
Follow all advisories and warnings, as these can save yo ni- life.
• Avoid the declared permanent danger zones in your locality.
Moreover, rivers where hazardous volcanic si bstanc‹•s rari flow
should be avoided.
• Should ash fall occur, cover your nose with a wet moth Koi better
breathing.
• Food should alwa s be covered to prevent cciiiamin:it:c›ii.
• .fi1w•ays clean your roofs when heavy ash lal I o‹ c re i‹› pre ent
collapse.
• If you are inside a moving vehicle, seek shelter irntr.cdi atel;.
• If you are along the path of potential lahar flow s, na‹o c to hi h -r
ground or to a designated evacuation site immedi:itel›

115
 Co zmunity Engagement — For the I # *•vement of ii fe in the Community
A Coiirseboofr. in NiS TP ’

.1 flood, as defined by the UNESCO and the World Meteorological

On nizritioi , is a rise, usually brief, in the water level in a stream to a peak fi-
one › 1s rem the v•ater level recedes at a slower rate. This is a phenomenon
- brought agoat by intense and exces sive precipitation, which can be
disastrouts

In case of FLOODS
• Be vigilant. Monitor the water level of streams, rivers, or lakes
i3CaF your community.
" • Go to the nearest designated ev•acuation center if your house is in
a ilood prone area.
• take precautionary measures. Turn off the main sources of
electricity, gas, and water. Operating any electrical equipment
during a flood or that have been flooded is dangerous.
• Stack 3•our furniture and appliances, valuables, toxic chemicals,
and substances as well as garbage above the expected flood level.
• Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross
flowing streams. Just stay in a safe place.

Lesson 6,6 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

"flu care are basic things that one should have before a disaster strikes
in the cornmunit\•. Always make sure that these things are kept in a bag
the t von c an easily bring with you in case of emergency or evacuation.
• First Aid Kit that includes medicines and essentials for primary’
treatment of fever, LBM, cough, colds, wounds, and other ailments
• Flashlights, candles, matches, and spare batteries
• Pr›rtiib1e radio and fresh, spare batteries
• Potable drinking water in sealed containers and stored water for
every clay use in pails and drums
• Easic equipments for the needs of infants, the elderl› , and the
disriialed
• ñ'on-perishable foods sufficient for three days
• Blankets, clean clothes, raincoats, rubber boots, tissue paper,
and other sanitary supplies
• Some money, including loose change
• L Edge and sturdy plastic bags that can be used to store and
protect various important items and documents
 Disaster Prepnrecfness and Risk Betfuction

Components or Approaches to Disaster Management

The following components are the different approaches to disaster
management.
1. Prevention. This requires actions designed to impede the
occurrence of a disaster or its harmful effects on communities
a.nd key installations.
2. Mitigation. This includes programs intended to reduce the ill
effects of a disaster.
3. Preparedness. This entails measures which enable the
governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to
respond rapidly and effectively to disaster situations.
4. Disaster Impact. This reminds us that effects of different kinds
of disaster var;.
5. Response. This include measures taken immediately prior to and
follo ing disaster impact.
6. Recovery. This a process by which communities and organizations
are assessed. in returning to their proper level of functioning
following a disaster.
7. Development. "this provides the link between clisaster-related
activities and national development.

Constraints/ Challenges in Disaster Management

Ho4 ever j ou v anted to be prepared for a disaster, there are different
challenges that one may encounter, such as:
1. Lack of appreciation and support to the Disaster Preparedness
Program b; dut; holders;
2. Lack of strong and effective Disaster Coordinating Council at the
local level.
3. Absence of Disaster Preparedness Planning;
4. Lack/absence of effectiv e linkages for disaster operation;
5. Absenc:e of a functional Disaster Operation Center especially at
the local ie 'e1:
6. Erroneous disaster reporting and monitoring; and
7. Insufficient knowledge and training on disester management.
Community Engagement - for the improvement o/ L.i fe in the Comm-u sit y
A Coursebook in NSTP

Disaster Management Policies

To respond to the challenges / constraints faced b ti e commit c.ii›
regarding disaster management, there are disaster management policies to
follow that will guide authorities and members of the comrruniU .
1. Self-reliance through self-help and mutual assistance
2. Maximum use of resources in the affected areas
3 Planning and operatonto be done a the baranga; Ir
in an interagency,
mu1isefiora1basstoopLmizec+snng:csm:rcs
4. Documentation of plans of Disaster Operation Center iv eeiber>
Local leadership to take charge at their respects e ic et>
National government to support local go ernmeiai elforrs
7. Conduct of exercise and periodic drills at the local Seve i io ensrii‘e
the preparedness of all concerned
 Disaster Prep aredness and Risk Ae‹fuctlon

Lesson 6.7 Climate Change

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
defines as the “change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly
to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere
and which in addition to natural climate variability over comparable time
periods.” Factors that can shape climate include processes such as variation
in solar radiation, variation in the Earth’s orbit, mountain-bui1ding and
continental drift, and changes in the greenhouse gas concentrations.
Climate change is beginning to transform life on Earth. Some of the most
dangerous consequences of climate change are:
1. Higher temperate res. Heat trapping gases emitted by power
plants, cars and automobiles, forest fires, and other sources are
warming up the planet. During the 20'" century, the Earth’s
average temperature rose 1" Fahrenheit to its highest level in the
past four centuries—believed to be the fastest in thousand years.
2 Changing Inndscnpes. Changing temperatures and patterns of
rain and snow are forcing the vegetation around the world to
move toward Polar Regions and up mountain slopes where cooler
temperatures are present. Similarly, the animals that depend on
them will be forced to move. This vegetation shift, totally change
the surface of the Earth.
3. IVildli/e nt risk. The rising temperature are changing weather and
vegetation patterns across the globe, forcing animal species to
migrate to new, cooler areas in order to survive. Experts predict
that one-fourth of the Earth’s species will be extinct by 2050 if the
warming trend continues at its current rate. Some of the species
that are already feeling the heat are the Golden Toad of Central
America, the polar bears in the Arctic, the coral reefs that are
starting to “bleach,” and some bird species.
4. Rising Beas. As the Earth heats up, sea level rises because warm
water takes up more rooms than colder water, a process known
as thermal expansion. Melting glaciers worsen the problem
by dumping even more fresh water into the ocean. Rising seas
threaten to inundate low-U ing areas and islands, threaten dense
coastal population, erode shorelines, damage property and
ecosystems. Sea levels have risen between four and eight inches
in the past 10O years and projection suggests that sea level will
continue to rise between 4 inches and 36 inches over the next 100
years.
Increase risk o/ drought, fire, and flood B. Higher temperatures
increase the amount of moisture that evaporates from land and
water, leading to drought in many areas. Lands affected by drought
Community Engagement - for the Improvement of ii fe in the Community
A Coursebook in NO TP

are more ulnerable to flooding once rain falls. Hot temperatures

and dry conditions also increase the likelihood of torest fires.
6. S! longer stor oi s and increa Bed stor m dnmnpe. Scientists point to
higher ocean temperatures as the main culprit in the existence
of hurricanes and tropical storms as these get their energy from
warm ater. As sea surface temperatures rise, dex'e1oping storms
w'ill contain more energy.
°t. !!ore hent refuted illness rind disear es. As temperature rises, so
ct oes the risk of having heat-related illness and even death for the
na ost vulnerable human populations. In 2003. extreme heat ivav•es
‹ a•ased more than 20.000 deaths in Europe and 1,500 deaths in
I ndia. In addition, it increases the spread of infectious diseases,
mainl because warmer temperatures allow disease-carrying
insects. animals, and microbes to sur vive.
3, ficonoin ic losses. Climate change is affecting businesses and
economic > of countries around the world. If action is not taken
to curb this problem, it will cost between 5 and 20 percent of the
annual global domestic product according to a British government
report. Declining crop yields due to climate change could put
hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation. Hurricanes
and intense downpours could cause billions of dollars in damage
t‹ properties and infrastructure.
:\ccoi‘ding to the commission, climate change is one of the most
fc.nd naeiital challenges ever to confront humanity. Its impacts are already sk
ow way and well intensify overtime if left unchecked.
fire Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world
that is affected b›• climate change. There is an increase in temperature,
sea level rise, and extreme weather events that we the county* currently
experiences. The country ranks among the top 10 countries whose economic
activity is at rri ost risk from intensification of storm surges, with 18.3 percent
global in cities—population is also at risk. The impact of climate change has
resulted in billions of pesos in damages to property and the loss of tho as and
lives.
Addressing climate change requires mitigation strategies which every
individual citizen can do. Climate change mitigation refers to the efforts to
reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases. Mitigation means using
new technologies and ren ewable energies, making older equipment more
enery efficient or changing management practices or consumer behavior.
Aocorñirip to the Philippine Climate Change Commission, there are ways to
mitigate: irnatc change:
1 Change diet by going organic and local; eat more fruits and
vegetables;
 Disaster PreR• redne• s and Risk Reduelion

2. Commute using mass transport such as raii, bus, car pool; or is

still best to walk or bike;
• 3. Conserve water, electricity and fuel;
4. Consume less, reduce, reuse, recycle;
5. Contribute your talents, time and resources to environmental
causes'
 6.
, 7.
Convince others to act now;
Cultivate more trees, and nurture plants and animals.