NUR 113: DISASTER NURSING

STUDENT ACTIVITY SHEET BS NURSING / FOURTH YEAR

Session # 11

Materials:
LESSON TITLE: Natural Disasters
Book, pen and notebook
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this lesson, the nursing student can:
References:
1. Identify the major types of natural/ environmental Veenema, T.G. (2019) Disaster Nursing and
disasters and their physical, social and economic Emergency Preparedness for Chemical,
impact. Biological, and Radiological Terrorism and other
2. Describe the morbidity and mortality commonly Hazards 4th Edition
associated with each type of natural disaster.
3. Understand the implications of advanced warning
signs.

LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW (5 minutes)

Instruction: What are the signs and symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

MAIN LESSON (40 minutes)

NATURAL DISASTERS
Types of Natural Disasters:
• Tornadoes
• Hurricanes
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes
• Floods
• Tsunamis
• Winter storms
• Wildfires

Tornadoes
• Rotating, funnel-shaped clouds from powerful thunderstorms
• Winds up to 300 MPH capable of producing major damage
• More occur in the United States than anywhere else in the world; they occur in every state in America.

Tornado Preparation:
• Listen to local news or Weather Radio report for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like
darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors!
Don't wait for rain. Lightning can strike out of a clear blue sky.
• Avoid electrical equipment and corded telephones. Cordless phones, cell phones and other wireless handheld
devices are safe to use.
• Keep away from windows.

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 • If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency
flashers until the heavy rain ends.
• If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal
objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

Hurricanes
• Massive severe storms occurring in the tropics
• Winds greater than 75 MPH
• Clouds & winds spin around the eye
• Produce heavy rains, high winds, large waves, and spin-off tornadoes
• Hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons are all the same weather phenomenon; we just use different names for
these storms in different places.
• In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, the term “hurricane” is used.
• The same type of disturbance in the Northwest Pacific is called a “typhoon” and
• “cyclones” occur in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
• The ingredients for these storms include a
o pre-existing weather disturbance,
o warm tropical oceans,
o moisture, and
o relatively light winds.
• If the right conditions persist long enough, they can combine to produce the violent winds, incredible waves,
torrential rains, and floods we associate with this phenomenon.

STRENGTH: A storm gets a name and is considered a tropical storm at 39 mph (63 kph).
It becomes a hurricane, typhoon, tropical cyclone, or cyclone at 74 mph (119 kph).

Hurricane Preparation
• Listen to a Weather Radio
• Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock as needed.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up
all windows and doors with plywood.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food
will last longer if the power goes out.

• Turn off propane tank.

• Unplug small appliances.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Create a hurricane evacuation plan with members of your household. Planning and practicing your evacuation
plan minimize confusion and fear during the event.

• Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family
members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
• Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

Damages of Typhoons/Hurricanes
• Storm surge: increase in sea level
o low pressure central area of the storm creating suction
o storm winds piling up water
o tremendous speed of the storm
• Flash floods

Philippine Storm Warning Signals (PAGASA)

• Signal #1: winds of 30–60 km/h (20-35 mph) are expected to occur within 36 hours
• Signal #2: winds of 60–100 km/h (40-65 mph) are expected to occur within 24 hours
• Signal #3: winds of 100–185 km/h, (65-115 mph) are expected to occur within 18 hours.
• Signal #4: winds of at least 185 km/h, (115 mph) are expected to occur within 12 hours.

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 1. PSWS #1
IMPACT OF THE WINDS:
o Twigs & branches of small trees may be broken.
o Banana plants maybe tilted or downed.
o Nipa/Cogon houses may be partially unroofed.
o Light or no damage at all
o Significant damage in rice drops when it is in its flowering stage.

Precautionary Measures:
o Signal may be upgraded to the next higher level.
o Coastal waters may become bigger & higher.
o Listen to the latest severe weather bulletin. (every 6 hours)
o Business is carried out as usual except if flood occur.
o Disaster preparedness: ALERT STATUS.

2. PSWS #2
IMPACT OF THE WINDS:
o Some coconut trees are tilted or broken
o Big trees may be uprooted
o Banana plants fallen/downed.
o Nipa/cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed.
o Some old galvanized iron roofing may be peeled off.
o Winds bring light to moderate damage

Precautionary Measures:
o Sea & coastal waters are dangerous to small sea crafts
o People travelling by sea & air are cautioned to avoid unnecessary risks.
o Outdoor activities of children should be postponed.
o Secure properties
o Disaster preparedness agencies are in action to alert their communities.

3. PSWS #3
IMPACT OF THE WINDS:
o Coconut trees destroyed.
o Banana plants downed
o Trees may be uprooted.
o Nipa & cogon houses may be destroyed
o Damage to structures of light to medium construction
o Widespread disruption of power & communication services
o Moderate to heavy damage (Agriculture and Industry)

Precautionary Measures:
o Dangerous to the community
o Sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous
o Travel is very risky by sea and air.
o Seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas
o When the "eye" of the typhoon hit the community do not venture away from the safe shelter
o Classes in all levels: Suspended
o Disaster preparedness & response: agencies are in action with to actual emergency.

4. PSWS #4
IMPACT OF THE WINDS:
o Coco plantation suffer extensive damage.
o Big trees are uprooted.
o Rice/corn suffer severe losses.
o Buildings may be severely damaged.
o Power & communication services are severely disrupted.
o Damage to affected communities can be very heavy.

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 Precautionary Measures:
o Very destructive
o Travels & outdoor activities are cancelled.
o Evacuation should have been completed since it may be too late under this situation.
o Locality is likely to be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon.
o Winds increasing to its strongest
o Disaster coordinating councils and other disaster response agencies are now fully responding to
emergencies & in full readiness to immediately respond to possible calamity.

If you are at risk for typhoon:

• Keep trees trimmed
• Remove any debris or loose items in the yard
• Declog rain gutters & downspouts to prevent flooding
• Install permanent typhoon shutters to protect glass windows and doors
• Close all windows and doors
• Use rope/chain to secure boat to trailer to the ground or house
• Turn off water or electric utilities

Risk of Morbidity and Mortality: Hurricanes and Typhoons

• Drowning
• Electrocution
• Lacerations and punctures from flying debris
• Blunt trauma
• Gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases

What to Do After a Hurricane:

• Continue listening to a Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed -out bridges.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
• Stay out of any building that has water around it.
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance
purposes.
• Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

EARTHQUAKES
• Shaking caused by movements of plates in the earth’s crust
• Occur along faults – borders between two plates
• Occur most often along the Ring of Fire

What is the Ring of Fire?

• The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions encircling the basin of the
Pacific Ocean. The Ring of Fire has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 50% of the world's active and dormant
volcanoes. Ninety percent of the world's earthquakes and 81% of the world's largest earthquakes occur along the
Ring of Fire.

Preparing for an Earthquake:

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE: Have a disaster plan. Emergency preparedness can save lives.
• Choose a safe place in every room. It’s best to get under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or a desk where
nothing can fall on you.
• Practice DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Drop under something sturdy, hold on, and protect your eyes by
pressing your face against your arm.

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 • If you live in an earthquake prone area, bolt tall furniture to the wall and install strong latches to cupboards.
• Prepare a first aid kit for your home. By taking special precautions and checking for hazards before a disaster
strikes, you will be much more likely to stay safe.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!

• Stay indoors until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows.
• If you’re in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
• If you’re outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. Then, drop to the ground.
• If you’re in a car, slow down and drive to a safe place. Stay in the car until the shaking stops.

AFTER THE SHAKING STOPS: Check for injuries.

• Inspect your home for damage.
• Eliminate fire hazards, so turn off the gas if you think its leaking.
• Use the stairs, not the elevator.
• Be on the look-out for fires. Extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off gas at the main valve.
• Stay outside. Move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and power lines by at least 10 feet.
• Inspect your home for damage. Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights. Get everyone out if your home is
unsafe.
• WOF foundation cracks, gas leaks, electrical system and sewage or waterline damage.
• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.

Risk Morbidity & Mortality

Vary according to the type of housing available, time of day of occurrence, & population density.
Common injuries:
• Cuts, broken bones, crush injuries, blast injuries
• DHN from being trapped in rubble.
• Stress reactions

VOLCANIC ERUPTION
• A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten rock below the surface of the earth. When
pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Gases and rock shoot up through the opening and spill over or fill the air with
lava fragments. Eruptions can cause lateral blasts, lava flows, hot ash flows, mudslides, avalanches, falling ash
and floods. Volcano eruptions have been known to knock down entire forests. An erupting volcano can trigger
tsunamis, flash floods, earthquakes, mudflows and rockfalls.

Gases that may pose health threat:

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• Acid Rain
• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
o Air with 5% CO2 causes perceptible increased respiration;
o 6-10% results in shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, sweating, and general restlessness;
o 10-15% causes impaired coordination and abrupt muscle contractions;
o 20-30% causes loss of consciousness and convulsions;
o over 30% can cause death (Hathaway et. al., 1991).

Volcanic Alert Level Indicative Phenomena Volcano Status

0 Typical background surface activity; deformation & heat flow at Usual dormant or quiescent
low levels state.
1 Departure from typical background surface activity. Signs of volcano unrest.

2 Onset of eruptive activity, accompanied by changes to monitored Minor eruptive activity.

indicators.

3 Increased vigor of ongoing activity & monitored indicators. Significant local eruption in
progress.
4 Significant change to ongoing activity & monitored indicators. Hazardous local eruption in
progress.

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 5 Hazardous large volcanic eruption in progress. Large hazardous eruption
in progress.

Preparing for a Volcanic Eruption:

• Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car.
• Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective
clothing, dust mask, goggles and sturdy shoes. Don't forget, know all of your evacuation routes.

DURING A VOLCANO: Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities. Avoid areas downwind and river valleys
downstream of the volcano.
• If your caught indoors, close all windows and doors, put machinery inside a barn, and bring animals inside.
• If you’re trapped outdoors, seek shelter indoors.
• If you’re caught in falling rocks, roll into a ball and protect your head.
• If you’re caught near a stream, be aware of mudflows and move to higher ground.
• Protect yourself when ash falls by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use goggles to protect your eyes.
Wear a dust mask and keep car engines off.

AFTER A VOLCANO: Cover your mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system.
• Wear goggles and protect your eyes.
• Keep your skin covered. Clear roofs of ash, because the ash is very heavy and can cause the building to
collapse.

How to Protect Yourself During Ashfall

• Volcanic ash is fine, glassy fragments & particles that can cause severe injury to the lungs, eyes and skin.
• Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use goggles, wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
• Use dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face.
• Keep car and truck engines off.

What to Do After a Volcanic Eruption

• If possible, stay away from volcanic ashfall areas. Volcanic ash health risk to children and persons with
respiratory problems (asthma, COPD).
• Clear roofs of ashfall.
• Avoid driving in heavy ashfall.

FLOODS
• Result from heavy rains
• May involve rivers overflowing, storm surge/ocean waves, & dams or levees breaking
• Most common natural hazard
• Flashfloods = floods that happen very fast

Contributing Factors
• Rainfall intensity & duration (6 hours of heavy rains)
• Topography (Geography)
• Soil conditions and ground cover
• Dam failure
• If living in areas prone to floods, plan to protect your family & property

Flood Preparations
BEFORE A FLOOD: Have a plan and prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car.
• Include a first aid kit, canned food, can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing
and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.

DURING A FLOOD: Move to a safe area quickly.

• Move to higher ground, like the highest floor of your home. Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding like low spots
and canyons.
• Avoid already flooded areas. If a flowing stream of water is above your ankles stop, turn around and go the other
way

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 • Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of the water is not obvious and the road may be
washed away.
• If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the car, pick it up and sweep it
away.
• Kids should never play around high water, storm drains or viaducts.
• Be cautious at night, because it’s harder to see flood dangers.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• AFTER THE FLOOD: Always, boil drinking water. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before used.

Risk of Morbidity & Mortality

• Deaths and injuries because victims fail to evacuate
• Drowning, electrocution, lacerations
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Water-borne diseases
• Hepatitis A
• Leptospirosis
• Giardiasis - diarrheal disease caused by Giardia lambia parasite- metronidazole

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING (10 minutes)

You will answer and rationalize this by yourself. This will be recorded as your quiz. One (1) point will be given to correct
answer and another one (1) point for the correct ratio. Superimpositions or erasures in you answer/ratio is not allowed.
You are given 10 minutes for this activity:

Multiple Choice
1. What should you do during an earthquake if you are staying outdoors?
a. Lie on the ground and stay there until the shaking stops
b. Stay under cable or power lines
c. Immediately enter a building
d. Stay in a field around trees. Stand there until the shaking stops
ANSWER: ________
RATIO:____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Which is a possible cause of a flood?

a. Overflows from dams, rivers, and lakes
b. Low tides
c. Converging winds
d. All of the above
ANSWER: ________
RATIONALE:_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____

3. What should you do after an earthquake?

a. Never replace damaged gas, water, and electrical lines
b. Enter and stay inside damaged buildings
c. Check for injuries. Give first aid as necessary
d. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home
ANSWER: ________
RATIONALE:_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____

4. Which of the following is a good sign of an approaching earthquake?

a. Volcanic eruption
b. Strong winds

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 c. Sunny day
d. Traffic
ANSWER: ________
RATIONALE:_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____

5. What should you do during a hurricane evacuation?

a. Walk through floodwaters
b. Unplug home appliances
c. Leave with all your valuables
d. All of the above
ANSWER: ________
RATIONALE:_______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____

RATIONALIZATION ACTIVITY (THIS WILL BE DONE DURING THE FACE TO FACE INTERACTION)
The instructor will now rationalize the answers to the students. You can now ask questions and debate among yourselves.
Write the correct answer and correct/additional ratio in the space provided.
1. ANSWER: ________
RATIO:_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. ANSWER: ________
RATIO:_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. ANSWER: ________
RATIO:_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
4. ANSWER: ________
RATIO:_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. ANSWER: ________
RATIO:_______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

LESSON WRAP-UP (5 minutes)

You will now mark (encircle) the session you have finished today in the tracker below. This is simply a visual to help you
track how much work you have accomplished and how much work there is left to do.

You are done with the session! Let’s track your progress.

AL Activity: CAT: 3-2-1

Instructions:
1. As an exit ticket at the end of the class period
2. After the lesson, have each student record three things he or she learned from the lesson.
3. Next, have them record two things that they found interesting and that they’d like to learn more about.
4. Then, have students record one question they still have about the material.
5. Review the students’ responses. You can use this information to help develop future lessons and

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 1. determine if some of the material needs to be taught again.

Three things you learned:

1. ______________________________________
2 ______________________________________
3. ______________________________________

Two things that you’d like to learn more about:

1. ______________________________________
2. ______________________________________

One question you still have:

1. ______________________________________

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