DISASTER AWARENESS PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT

A disaster is a consequential disturbance of the functioning of a community or a society causing

widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the
affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Natural disasters kill one million people
around the world each decade and leave millions more homeless each year. Disaster preparedness and
management refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. That is, to
predict, prevent, and mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to their
consequences. Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide
range of activities and resources rather than from a distinct activity by itself. It requires the
contributions of many different areas ranging from training and logistics to health care to institutional
development. Why do we need to be aware.

By involving youth in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, youth-serving agencies can help to not
only increase youths’ awareness of hazards but can also enhance the chance that they openly discuss
how to adequately protect their families and loved ones and understand how to seek help should their
community be affected. Youth can play a range of roles in youth preparedness programs and play a
crucial role in recovery efforts. They may assist communities in mapping their risk and protective factors
or may hold leadership positions within programs. Some additional roles include Sharing the message:
Youth can help share the message of disaster preparedness. Acting as change makers: Youth can act as
change makers by sharing information they learned in youth preparedness programs and helping
parents and communities to prepare for disaster, for example by developing a disaster plan or disaster
preparation kit. Bringing creativity: Youth can bring creative and resourceful ideas to disaster
preparedness efforts.

The preparedness phase refers to the planning, organizing, training, exercising and evaluation for an
efficient organization and enrichment of the capability to prevent, respond to, recover from, and
mitigate outcome of natural disasters. This phase also involves the development of an appropriate plan
of action that manages and counter their risks as well as acting in building the necessary capabilities that
are needed to apply such strategies. One of the main goals of disaster preparedness is to increase the
level of awareness of the communities to the threats and impacts of all hazards and risks. This is due to
some Filipino’s lack of knowledge about the geographical situation of the country and that probably,
only a few knows the reasons why the Philippines gets hit by natural disasters very often. Some families
may live in a geologically unstable location or near a water body that might be hit by natural hazards any
time, but how do they know? Unless somebody is going to disseminate information regarding the
threats and risks, Filipinos will continue to know nothing about how these can affect their lives. When
the people’s level of awareness is increased, they will be more prepared; they will know how to reduce
the risks and how to react during calamities. The Philippine Information Agency together with its
implementing partners, AFP, CHED, DEPED, DOH, PAGASA, and PHIVOLCS develops and implements
Information, Education and Communication campaigns and programs both locally and nationwide. For
example, the Typhoon, Earthquake, Tsunami, and Baha or the BLTB Project of DOST-PAGASA, a part of
PAGASA’s greater campaign against natural disasters which aims to “do away with the technical side of
natural hazards and instead provide the public with clearer, more simplified explanations so they will
have a stronger grasp of these calamities and be better prepared”

Being prepared can save your property and get entire populations back to normal faster than would be
possible if you weren't prepared when the disaster strikes. When you break it down, disaster
preparedness can save lives. Although it takes some time to plan, it'll serve your entire family if you
plan. Example of preparedness, Stocks of things that will be needed in the first days of an emergency
such as water, food, first-aid supplies, safety equipment, illumination, shelter, insulation, navigation, and
communication tools. It should be assumed that technologies such as mobile phone services may not be
available in a disaster.

Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters. That
is, to predict and—where possible—prevent them, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and
respond to and effectively cope with their consequences. Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides,
hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and volcanic eruptions are some examples of natural disasters. Such
disasters cause massive loss of life, property, and many other miseries. Being aware will give you an
insight into your beliefs and whether they are positive or holding you back. If you are aware, then this
will give you knowledge and if you have knowledge then you know what you need to do to and the
direction you need to go to make changes to improve and be successful. There are real benefits to being
prepared:

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Communities, families,
and individuals should know what to do in the event of a fire and where to seek shelter during a
powerful storm.

Preparedness is the second phase of disaster management, and it aims to improve government-led
preparedness to deal with emergencies. Most of the preparations are aimed toward life-saving
activities. Plan writing, communication system development, public education, and drills are all part of
the preparation process. The disaster management team implements measures to keep people alive and
limit the number of people affected in the third phase, reaction. Transport, shelter, and food are
provided to the afflicted population as part of the response. Repairs are being made, and temporary
solutions, such as temporary housing for the impacted population, are being sought. Recovery is the
ultimate stage of disaster management.

Disaster management is a very important activity that countries should embrace to prevent disasters
and lessen the negative consequences of disasters. However, disaster management has limitations that
restrict the techniques’ ability to be implemented successfully.