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MODULE VI

Mechanisms during and after a disaster & Disaster Response Mechanisms

and Preparations for Rehabilitation and Recovery

6.1 DISASTER RESPONSE

Disaster Response is the “provision of emergency services and public assistance

during or immediately after a disaster in order to save lives, reduce health impacts,
ensure public safety, and meet the basic subsistence needs of people affected” (RA
10121, p6). Such mechanisms are implemented during or immediately after a disaster
event. Emergency response measures include search and rescue operations,
evacuation center management, relief operations, and damage needs and capacities
assessment.

KEY ROLES DURING DISASTER RESPONSE

When the Municipal DRRMC informs us of an incoming hazard, the BDRRMC should
be automatically activated. Upon activation, the committees should perform their
assigned tasks/ responsibilities accordingly.

 Did we see this during the role-playing? Did the Barangay Captain convene the
BDRRMC
 How did the disaster response sub-committees perform?
 Who was monitoring and giving warning? In the structure we prepared, who
should be doing this?
- Let us again review their tasks. What are these assigned tasks and
responsibilities?
 What should they do when there is an incoming hazard?
 What did the Information and Communication do during our group exercise?
 How about the Evacuation Management Committee? Did they check the
evacuation sites and routes?
- Did they support actual evacuation? Did they prioritize the vulnerable sectors?
- Were they able to evacuate those who refused to do so?
- Did they provide appropriate first aid treatment to those in need?
- Were they the last people out?
 How about the Transportation Committee? Were there transportation
arrangements for evacuation?
 How about the families? Did the members know what to do?
- How did they behave?
- Did anyone bring their “Go Bag”? Remember, families should also assign roles
and responsibilities to members.
 What are the benefits of having simulations and drills?
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The exercise shows that we need to always review, update and clarify the roles and
responsibilities of the BDRRMC and committees to ensure that everybody knows their
role when an emergency or disaster situation happens. The community residents
(households and families) should likewise be reminded of their responsibilities.
Simulations and drills could help barangay officials, volunteers, and residents remember
these tasks and responsibilities.
Hence, simulations and drills should be done on a regular basis. Such will help
ensure that everyone knows what to do should a disaster or emergency occurs. We
should always strive for perfection because it could save lives.

6.2 EVACUATION CAMP/CENTER MANAGEMENT

General Guidelines on Evacuation Camp/Center Management

1. The safety and wellbeing of the affected population including their livestock and
domestic animals by natural or human induced disaster is the primary concern of the
State. Whenever necessary, the families and communities residing in hazard prone
areas shall be evacuated to safe location when their lives are at risk of impending
danger or prevailing hazard occurs.

2. Gender sensitivity is paramount and will be observed/practiced in all evacuation

centers including separate facilities for male and for females.

3. The management of an evacuation center is the primary responsibility of the affected

local government unit or by local government units hosting the displaced families
ensuring that these centers are managed and operated following the standards set in
this policy. The national government shall provide augmentation support including
management of evacuation centers, additional shelters, etc. in the event that the
number of displaced families exceeds the capacity of the LGU to accommodate.

4. All schools, sports arenas/basketball courts, stadium, multi-purpose halls, churches

other open spaces can be identified and used as sites for setting up evacuation centers.
It is important to note that schools should be considered a last place of evacuation and
if used should be short term. Students must return to study in schools as early as
possible.

5. Alternative temporary shelters shall be established or explored for the evacuees or

displaced population. In the event the evacuees are already housed in schools, they
shall be transferred to alternative shelters such as tents, bunkhouses and other
temporary shelters as early as possible.

6. All evacuation centers shall provide basic needs of evacuees such as but not limited
to: Healthy, safe and nutritious food, safe water, toilets, clothing, blankets, plastic
sheets, health care and other services needed to ensure safe and healthy environment
in the evacuation center.
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7. Schools shall not be the primary choice and option for evacuation centers. However,
in the event that schools need to be utilized, the LGU, with support from national
government agencies shall establish transitional shelters to house the evacuees for an
extended period of time. Use of schools should be up to 3 days for short-term
displacement while medium and long term displacement is up to 15 days or until
such time that the respective LGUs are able to establish the alternative transitional
sites.

8. Documentation of the individuals and families inside the evacuation center shall be
observed at all stages of its operation following standard set for reporting and recording
of evacuees.

9. Where possible, evacuation facilities/spaces/areas shall be provided for livestock and

other domestic animals of evacuees ensuring their safety and provided with their basic
needs such as but not limited to food, water, etc.

10. Isolation and quarantine facilities, protocol and procedure shall be provided to
handle highly communicable diseases.

11. Safe, clean and healthy environment in evacuation centers shall be strictly
observed.

12. Essential facilities such as but not limited to the following: Medical station/ clinic,
hand washing and laundry, waste disposal area, kitchen and cooking, breast feeding
rooms, conjugal room, livestock and domestic animal pen/coral shall be available in
evacuation centers/camps based on standards.

Evacuation Center Management Plan

 Immediately upon the issuance of these guidelines, all local government units
shall develop an evacuation center management plan that will include the
following:
 List of Evacuation centers with contact numbers of camp management team.
 List of activities to be undertaken within the duration of the evacuees’ stay inside
the evacuation center.
 Responsible persons/partner agencies and their contact numbers involved in the
management of EC.
 Resources Needed
 Expected output per activity

Evacuation Center Management Kit

The kits are intended for use of Camp Management teams. This shall be
composed of but not limited to: LGU Camp Management Plans and Manuals of
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operation, Registration Forms, DAFAC, DTM Forms, Logbook, Pens, Mobile phone,
Directory of Contact persons and agencies/offices vital to camp management.

Basic Facilities and Standards

1. Shelter and Accommodation

• The Local government units shall ensure that adequate shelter is provided to
the evacuees. The LGU should consider whether the housing of the displaced
families will be for a short-term or long-term period.
• Check for connection on electricity and water.

2. Camp Management desk or office

• An office or desk will be set-up in each evacuation center.
• The office/desk will be properly marked and should be visible to all.

3. Toilets and Bathing Areas

• Toilets must be well-lighted, can be locked from the inside, with adequate
ventilation.
• The most appropriate design is dependent on the space constraints, soil
geology, available water, commitment to maintenance, local sanitation practices
and resources available.

While determining the numbers to be installed, the EC management Team and

concerned agency should observe to see if open defecation is occurring, check to see
that existing facilities are functional and being used, and if there are queues forming as
people wait to use the facilities. Often people only use EC’s as a place to sleep and
return home during the day using their own facilities. Based on these observations
numbers should be increased until the key indicator is met, however, if people are using
the toilets and there is no sign of open defecation of long queues then there may be
sufficient facilities.

The following standards should be ensured:

 Short-term displacement: 1 per 50 persons
 Long-term displacement: 1 per 20 persons
 Separate toilet for men and women
 For communal latrines, due consideration should be given to children, on
appropriateness in terms of design, size
 Must have garbage bins available, especially for latrines assigned to women
and men.
 Toilets must be kept cleaned and maintained for all intended users.
 Hand washing facilities preferably with soap must be available adjacent to
toilet facilities.
 DOH/COH approval for use of WS Pit Latrines in lieu of full septic pit will be
site specific. A site inspection by DOH/COH will be conducted to consider
existing ground water depth and usage, soil type and planned design life.
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 Women to male toilets should be built at approximately 4 Female toilets to

every 3 Male toilets.
 1 in 10 toilets should be disabled accessible, with a minimum of 1 toilet per
site.

4. Child- Friendly Spaces (CFS)

 One (1) CFS for every 100 families (estimated to serve at least 280 children
below 18 years old)
 CFS should be located near a clean toilet for boys and girls.
 There should be sufficient space for the children’s activities, including play. For
the temporary learning space (TLS), at least two (2) 42 square meters floor area
spaces for learning activities cum psychosocial care. They can be equipped as
follows but not limited to chairs and tables, moving blackboards, and provision of
learning materials such as story books, modular instructional materials for
alternative education and recreational materials for psychosocial sessions.

5. Storage area
 A safe place where relief goods (food and non-food) can be stored free from
rodent/insects.

6. Laundry Spaces
Designated areas for laundry shall be made available in ECs.
 1 hand basin per 10 persons
 1 wash bench (4-5m) per 100 persons
 2 laundry platform (3m double sided) per 100 person

7. Water Spaces
 15 litres of water per person/day.
 500 meters between individual shelters and water supply.
 250 persons per functioning water tap.

8. Health
 There should be a health station/clinic and a breastfeeding room.
 All medical stations/clinic shall have available basic drugs, medicines, medical
supplies and equipment for use during disaster in the evacuation center.
 All medical station/clinics shall ensure availability of services 24/7 in
evacuation center for emergency cases.
 All medical mission shall be coordinated through within 500 meters of a public
health facility and should be provided by that health facility.
 Health Services for population in ECs located within 500 meters of a public
health facility should be provided by the health facility.
 Health Services for ECs located more than 500 meters of a public health
facility can be provided with health station operated by health staff 8 hours on a
daily basis for the first 2 weeks of the emergency.
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 The breastfeeding room/centers should be easily accessible providing privacy,

security and supportive care namely; helpful maternity services; continuing
assistance and social supports; and appropriate health services.

9. Couple Room
 Designated a private room located at the end part of the EC to accommodate
legally married evacuee-couples (present marriage certificate or proof of legal
marriage) for a period of time (at least 2-3 hours) to spend moment of
togetherness and romance with privacy. Couples must pay a minimum fee for the
hours spent in the private room (maximum 3 hrs). Collected fees will be part of
donations to the EC. However, should the evacuation center be located at a
school site, the designation of couple room is deemed inappropriate and shall not
be allowed within school premises.

10. Provision for management of livestock and domestic animals owned by

evacuees
 Space for livestock and other domestic animals of evacuees shall be identified
and provided in all evacuation center or if possible a separate evacuation facility
for the animals shall be established.
 Food and facilities for these animals shall also be provided during the disaster
until such time when they are able to return to their owners’ residences.
 The evacuation center management officers and staff, with the assistance of
the Department of Agriculture, animal’s rights groups and other stakeholders,
shall ensure the care and safety of these animals.
.
Basic Services

1. Food
 A food pack for a family of 5-6 members shall contain goods that are not highly
perishable, culture sensitive and appropriate for the family members. Aside from
the food pack, clothing shall also be included in the family pack.
 Immediate provision of mass feeding of RTEF (ready-to-eat-food) during the
first 3 days of disaster operation-emergency phase.
 Set up community kitchen as necessary.
 Priority consideration to the provision of food to people with special
needs, i.e. breastmilk for infants.
 Family Food Pack
• Should conform to the Required Dietary Allowance (RDA) of an
individual which is 2,100/kcal/adult/day and 1,700kcal/child per day,
micronutrient vitamin A for 12 years old and above 200,000 IU, and for
children below 12 years old—100,000 IU.
• Some of the required foods are as follow: 3 kilos of rice, 9 canned goods
(sardines/canned meat), 6 noodle packs, 6 pcs 3-in-1 coffee or nutritional
alternative i.e. bread
• Recommended composition of family food packs depends on the
availability of food commodities in the disaster affected areas.
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• Milk or milk powder should not be used in any distribution.

2. Nutrition

 Screening of MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference) should be done

 Food inspection and monitoring of violators of the Milk Code
 Provision of inpatient referral and outpatient feeding of severely acute malnourished
and MAM (moderately acute malnourished) children (high-risk group)

Designation of breastfeeding area/corner

 Milk Code- “a law that ensures safe and adequate nutrition for infants through the
promotion of breastfeeding and the regulation of promotion, distribution, selling,
advertising, product public relations, and information services artificial milk
formulas and other covered products.” (http://www.milkcodephilippines.org/)
 Infant feeding in emergency (IFE) counseling
 Provision of access to breastmilk (milk banks and wet nurses). Milk powder or
formulas should not be used.
 Complementary feeding with MNP (micronutrient powder) for children 6- 23
months
 Vitamin A supplementation
 Inclusion of fortified foods in family packs
 Zinc supplementation for all diarrheal cases

3. Protection

 Establish coordination of intersectoral network for provision of mental health and

psychosocial support by professional counselors.
 Management of ECs must be based on the principles of respect and protection of
human rights.
 ECs must be provided with adequate safety and security measures for all IDPs
(internally displaced people) by mobilizing local law enforcement officers
(Barangay Tanods/policemen or women) to maintain peace and order, and to
respond to any threat to life and/or crime incidents in the ECs that affect men,
women, boys and girls.
 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), especially children, should be protected
from exploitation and/or recruitment by military or armed groups
 The EC must be properly lighted especially at night, not crowded, and with
proper ventilation
 Provision of adequate dividers per family to facilitate privacy
 Assistance in the retrieval/re-issuance of legal documents such as passports,
marriage certificates, birth certificates, school records, IDs, land titles, etc.
 Child Protection:
- Promote psychosocial support (PSS) through community-based initiatives
and mobilization of local child protection structures like the BCPCs, com-
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munity-based child protection networks (CBCPN) at purok or sitio level and

with active participation from children/youth groups
- Promote the principle ‘Do no harm’ to children and facilitate a protective
environment for the prevention of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, child
labor, child trafficking and other child protection cases. ‘Do No harm’ is also
about ensuring the quality of the information being provided, ensuring that
trainers and caregivers know how to treat children with respect, and dignity.
 Gender-based violence
- Ensure availability of disaggregated data of pregnant and lactating mothers
including women/men victims of GBV (gender-based violence), indicating
their age, sex, and any disability (PWDs) or special concerns needing
appropriate professional intervention.
- Setting up of Women Friendly Space as venue for providing psychosocial
support for both women and men
- Promote breastfeeding, provision of RH services, counseling sessions, and
appropriate response and referral on gender-based violence affecting both
male and female.

6.3 RELIEF DELIVERY OPERATIONS

Relief delivery is an emergency response which aims to ensure the immediate
survival of the threatened population. Relief delivery covers the provision of:
 Emergency health services (First aid, managing mass casualties, managing
severe nutritional deficiency, sanitation, water supply, personal hygiene, control
of communicable diseases)
 Provision of food and non-food items
 Temporary shelter
 Emergency repair of critical facilities
 Psychosocial support

Our barangay should preposition relief items based on the results of our CRA and
warning from higher LGUs and surveillance agencies. The CRA already provides us
with the potential number of evacuees and possible extent of damages. These
prepositioned goods must be distributed first as this will provide time for additional
stocks to be supplied when possible by other supporting LGUs (city/municipal and
provincial governments), and responding government agencies (e.g. DSWD, DOH, DA,
etc.), and NGOs.

Our barangay, through the BDRRMC should establish a reporting system that
makes an updated list of available inventory at our disposal. When stocks become low
or completely diminished, then we need to submit a new request to the city/municipal
government for augmentation of additional resources.

The average family food pack provided by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda contained 6 kg of rice, 8 sachets of
coffee, 8 packs of instant noodles, and 6 canned goods (3 sardines, and 3 corned beef).
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It is meant to last a family of five two to three days. (Source:

http://www.gov.ph/2013/11/12/average-contents-of-a-dswd-familyfood- pack)

Blankets, mosquito nets, mats, tarpaulins, water basin, and dipper were among the
contents of the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) non-food item (NFI)
relief packages for Typhoon Yolanda victims. IOM also distributed shelter kits
(hammers, other tools, equipment for roofing, fixing, and framing), cooking kits (cooking
pots, frying pans, and a set of dining ware for five people), sanitation kits (bleach, pails,
brooms, and other implements), and hygiene kits (sanitary pads, towels, and diapers for
adults and children). (Source:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/336189/news/special reports/infographic-what
goes-into-ayol anda-relief-package-part-2)

Right after a disaster a needs assessment is usually done to identify damage

impact, who has been most impacted, and what relief is required and where.

6.3.1 Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) is also done to provide us with other basic
information and to make sure our assistance is appropriate. The following steps should
be followed immediately after a disaster has occurred.

a. Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA). Immediately after a hazard

or disaster, the BDRRMC or community DRRM groups must conduct a Damage and
Needs Assessment (DANA) of the affected population and areas. DANA “involves a
participatory analysis of the disaster event, of the damages it caused, of the immediate
needs and priorities of the affected community, and of the remaining capacities people
use to cope with the adverse effect” (Heijmans & Victoria, 2001, p. 34).

A DANA will provide information on the relief needs of the people, priority groups or
areas for relief distribution, critical facilities and infrastructures to be repaired or
reinforced, and other hazards that may result from the disaster. With such data, the
BDRRMC will have an objective basis for planning and prioritizing immediate actions
(planning), and seeking external assistance for the needs that it cannot provide
(resource generation). Take note when conducting a DANA we should use the
information we have already collected during our CRA process.

b. Planning. Once the damages, needs, and capacities have been identified, the
BDRRMC could then determine the materials and resources needed by the barangay,
how these can be procured and sources, and the institutions and agencies that they
could seek assistance from. At the same time, the capacities identified could be used to
mobilize people to could show them the plan and jointly determine with them the relief
undertakings they could do.

c. Resource Generation. This step entails the proactive solicitation of resources

identified in the plan. The BDRRMC could write solicitation letters and project proposals,
approach businesses, and seek augmentation from local and national government and
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non-government agencies. We could show them the results of the DANA, along with the
plan, so that they would know the basis for the assistance we’re soliciting.

d. Purchasing. When sufficient funds have been availed, we can now purchase the
goods or materials that we need.

e. Warehousing. There must be a place large and secure enough to place and
repack the goods and materials procured.

f. Repacking. Volunteers could then be mobilized to repack the goods.

g. Distribution. Once repacked, we could distribute the relief items to those in need.
Ensure that the distribution is properly documented and all intended recipients receive
their relief packs.

h. Reporting. Upon distribution of the relief packs, reporting should ensue. The
BDRRMC could prepare the financial and narrative reports and submit such to the
donors and agencies that provided support. The reports should also be posted in
conspicuous areas in the community so that the residents are aware of how the
resources solicited were used In every step of the process, we must always remember
that relief assistance must be timely, appropriate, and adequate.

6.4 FAMILY/ INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE TO OTHER HAZARDS

What else could we do during and after a hydro- meteorological hazard?

Flooding.
If there is flooding, we must do the following when caught outdoors:

- Do not attempt to cross rivers of flowing streams where water is above the
knee;
- Beware of water covered roads and bridges;
- Do not go swimming or boating in swollen rivers;
- Eat only well-cooked food, protect leftovers against contamination; and drink
clean or preferably boiled water only. (DOST, no date)

Immediately after:
- Re-enter the dwellings with caution using flashlight, lanterns or torches;
Flammables may be inside.
- Be alert for fire hazards like broken electric wires;
- Report broken utility lines (electricity, water, gas, telephone) to appropriate
agencies;
- Do not turn on main switch or use appliances and other equipment until they
have been checked by a competent electrician;
- Consult health authorities for immunization requirements; and
- Do not go “sight-seeing” in disaster areas. Your presence might hamper
rescue and other emergency operations (DOST, no date)
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Storm Surge.
PAGASA includes storm surge warnings in its weather bulletins. When living
near the sea, individuals and families must do the following when there is such a
warning:

- Stay away from within 500 meters from the coast when a storm or typhoon is
approaching
- Evacuate to higher ground even before the waves swell (ensure that
evacuation area will not be reached by the surge);
- Move boats to higher ground as well.
- Wait until the local authorities advise you that it is safe to go back to your
houses.

What should we do during and after a geological hazard?

Volcanic Eruption.
In the event of volcanic eruption, what should be the response of families?
They should:
- Stay alert and awake. Follow the instructions that go with the warning. If there
is a directive to evacuate, do so immediately;
- Scrape off ashes to prevent heavy loading of the house roofs. (Department of
Education, 2008, p. 38)

When doing so, the following precautionary measures should be observed;

- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants;
- Wear goggles and eyeglasses instead of contact lenses;
- Avoid running car or truck engines. It can stir-up volcanic ash that can clog
engines, damage moving parts, and stall vehicles; and
- Avoid driving in heavy ash falls unless absolutely required. If unavoidable, the
vehicle should be driven at a speed of 60 kph or slower. (Department of
Education, 2008, p. 38)

After an eruption, families should:

- Clear the canals and pathways of ash debris;

- Hose down the accumulated ash and plant leaves on roofs;
- Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information;
- Report broken utility lines and suspected damaged buildings to appropriate
authorities; and,
- If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with ash. Stay indoors until
local health officials advise it is safe to go outside. Volcanic ash can cause
great damage to breathing passages and the respiratory system.

Volcanic ash is like a fine cement powder and will block up drains and pipes. It
will also harm your lungs and irritate your eyes.
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When ashfall occurs during a volcanic eruption, make sure to do the following:

- Stay calm. Cover your nose and mouth with damp, clean cloth or gas mask;
- As soon as the ashfall tapers, scrape off the ash that has accumulated on
roof tops to prevent collapse;
- Listen to the radio for updates/ developments regarding the volcanic eruption;
- Close all windows and doors of the house and your car;
- Keep your pet/s in their shelter or inside the house to help them avoid inhaling
ash;
- Wash thoroughly all fruits and vegetables before eating;
- Cover water containers and food to avoid contamination with ash; and
- If you are driving a vehicle, pull to the side of the road and stop if there is a
heavy ashfall.
- If you are outdoors, look for a shelter and wear glasses to protect your eyes.
Avoid using contact lenses.” (Department of Education, 2008, p. 38)

After an ashfall:
- Clean the roof and gutter with water to prevent corrosion after removing the
ash;
- Shake loose ash from plants before watering them;
- Use powder detergent in washing clothes contaminated with ash;
- Use vacuum cleaner or shake loose the ash from furniture before dusting
them.
- Cover your nose and mouth while cleaning;
- Use water hose to remove ash from glass windows and doors of the house
and car before washing them with soap and lukewarm water; and
- Collect the ashes and put them in an area far from water drainage to avoid
clogging (Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology, 2002)

Earthquake.

Let’s move on to earthquake. How should individuals and families respond

during an earthquake?

Remember to stay calm and do the following:

- When you’re inside a structurally sound building or home, stay there! “Drop,
cover and hold.”
- If possible, quickly open the door for exit.
- Duck under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it, or protect your head with
your arms.
- Stay away from glass windows, shelves, cabinets and other heavy objects.
- Beware of falling objects. Be alert and keep your eyes open.
- If you’re outside, move to an open area!
- Stay away from trees, power lines, posts and concrete structures.
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- Move away from steep slopes, which may be affected by landslides.

- If you’re near the shore and feel an earthquake, especially if it’s too strong,
move quickly to higher ground. Tsunamis might follow.
- If you’re in a moving vehicle, stop and get out! Do not attempt to cross
bridges, overpasses, or flyovers, which may be damaged.

After an earthquake:
- Be prepared for aftershocks. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and
safest way out of the building.
- DON’T panic, use elevators, enter damaged buildings, and use telephones
unless necessary.
- CHECK yourself and others for injuries, water and electrical lines for
damages, for spills of chemical, toxic and flammable materials,
- Control fires which may spread
- If you need to evacuate your residence, leave a message stating where you
aregoing and bring your “Go Bag”. Keep updated on disaster prevention
instructions from battery-operated radios. (Philippine Institute of Volcanology
and Seismology, 2009, inside and back pages of pocket-sized guideline)

Other Hazards (may be triggered by hydro meteorological, geological, and human

activities)

Landslide:
Landslides may be triggered by continuous rains, earthquake, or human
activities (e.g. mining).
If landslide occurs and there is no time to evacuate, what should we do? In the
event of a landslide and family members are indoors with no time to evacuate, stay
inside and hide under a sturdy and stable object like a table. When caught outdoors:

- Stay away from the path of the landslide;

- Go to the nearest higher ground away from the landslide;
- Run towards the direction of the back of trees or buildings when you see
approaching rock and soil debris;
- f it seems impossible to avoid the landslide assume a fetal position and cover
your head.

Immediately after a landslide:

- Stay away from the landslide area. Secondary landslides and flooding can
occur;
- Know if there are casualties or people trapped near landslide areas, and
report to proper authorities;
- Initiate resource operations if capable;
- Listen to radio or television for the latest bulletin about the landslide;
- Inspect power and water supply lines for damages, and inform the proper
authorities;
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- Inspect building foundations and adjacent lots for damages, and do remedial
works; and
- Consult experts on landslides for additional information and advice. (Mines
and Geosciences Bureau, 2007, inside of primer)

Fire.
If the hazard is fire, what should families do? These are the safety tips to
guide the families should a fire happens:

- Have a Fire Escape Plan which includes at least two escape routes for every
room in the home and a convenient meeting place at a safe distance.
- Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. You can also use water if the fire
is not electrical or chemical.
- Do NOT try to put out a fire that you can’t control.
- If there’s a fire that is too big to put out, leave the building immediately. You
might not have much time before the fire spreads, so don’t even stop to call
an emergency number.
- If your clothes catch fire, do NOT run. This could make the fire spread quickly.
Stop, drop and roll! In other words, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face
with your hands, and roll back and forth until the fire is put out.
- If there is smoke in your house, cover your nose and mouth with small cloth
and stay low to the ground as you’re leaving. Smoke is very dangerous to
breathe and difficult to see through. Since smoke naturally rises, you should
crawl on your hands and knees to exit the building.
- Once out, stay out.
- Call the Fire Department from a neighbor’s home.
- If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out
(Philippine Red Cross, no date, Booklet on How to Protect Yourself From Fire
and its Hazards; ADPC, Community Action for Disaster Response, 2012)
- If the door is warm, don’t open it (backdraft might occur) use your second way
out. For Your Information: A backdraft is a fire that has burned out the oxygen
trapped inside the room characterized by yellow or brown smoke which exits
holes or spaces.
- If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door
closed.
- Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window.
- If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them
where you are.
- Before fire goes out of control, try to put out the fire by using fire extinguisher
(or a bucket full of sand). If the fire does not immediately die down, drop the
fire extinguisher and go out. (Philippine Red Cross, no date, Booklet on How
to Protect Yourself From Fire and its Hazards).

While waiting for the firefighters to arrive, the barangay and community
members should employ the “bucket brigade.” Bucket brigade is a community-
based method of firefighting, whereby people would form a line from the water
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source to the fire scene and would pass buckets to each other to extinguish a
blaze.

Tsunami:
In the event of a tsunami, families should observe the following:

- If a strong earthquake is felt and unusual sea conditions like rapid lowering of
sea level are observed, immediately move towards high grounds;
- Never go down the beach to watch for a tsunami. When you see the wave,
you are too close to escape from it; and
- Stay out of danger areas until “all clear” is issued by competent local
authority. A tsunami is not a single wave but a series of waves. (Philippine
Institute for Volcanology and Seismology, 2010, pocket-sized guideline)

6.5 PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

Some of you dealt with pain using positive coping mechanisms while others
negatively reacted to the difficulty (drinking alcohol, using drugs, etc.). More often than
not, the people who helped us using positive means were friends, family members, and
priest/pastor. When we are in any distressed situation, we need to be with people
closest to us. To help people in distress, we should go to the people close to them. This
is the essence of psychosocial work. It enhances natural family and community support
rather than replace them, since people typically turn to family, friends, and significant
figures in the community when they have problems coping. Hence, when a major
disaster occurs, an individual could cope better if his/her family and community are
coping well.

When disasters occur, we are confronted with threats to our physical health,
lowering of status, and the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive confusion associated
with drastic changes that occur in an emergency. At the same time, family and
community functioning is suddenly disrupted as parents lose their ability to provide for
their families. Parents may also struggle to discipline their children after a family
member goes missing, or violence within the household may increase as families are
put under increasing pressure for basic survival. Events may also disrupt the belief
system of a community, leading to a sense of violation and undermining of cultural
values, beliefs and practices.

What is psychosocial support?

 Psychosocial support covers “crosscutting activities which prevent and reduce

negative impacts on well-being that promote the ability of families and
communities to support each other, resume everyday activities, and heal”
(UNICEF). It recognizes that an individual is influenced by his/her environment,
and the environment has as much influence on the individual. If one wants to
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improve an individual’s well-being, then one has to take into account his/her
immediate social environment.

At the national level, the DOH is the lead agency in health emergency
management, where mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is one
major component. DOH is responsible for providing psychosocial support
services to government responders (relief workers, rescuers, etc.). On the other
hand, DSWD takes the lead in the provision of MHPSS services in evacuation
centers while the Department of Education (DepEd) is the lead in schools.

First-line responders and those attending to victims of a disaster should be able

to identify victims who need to be prioritized in terms of receiving psychosocial
support.

How to Identify Individuals Who Are High Risk/Likely To Develop Severe

Psychological Reactions after A Disaster

 Those who were trapped inside fallen buildings, entombed for hours or caught
in a near death situation during the disaster
 Lost a limb or suffered any serious physical injury as a result of the disaster
 Lost one/more members of the family because of a disaster
 Watched a friend, relative/person die as a result of the disaster
 Lost their homes, properties/livelihood because of a disaster
 Do not show usual reactions to disaster
 Reactions are exaggerated or distorted
 Forced to flee, leave their homes/transfer to another place as a result of
disaster
 Reactions last for more than 4-6 weeks
 Previous psychiatric problems/crisis before the disaster

When do we refer?
REFERRAL - the act of recommending that a person speak to a professional
who is more competent to handle the difficulties and complexities of his/her needs.

 Referral may be necessary when the stress reactions of individuals affected by

disasters are causing impairments (inability to take care of self or inability to
work)
 When a person hints or talks openly of suicide
 If there is a possibility of child abuse or any criminal activity
 The problem is beyond your training
 The problem is beyond your capability
 The problem does not fit the purpose of the community responder program
 The person seems to be socially isolated
 You have difficulty maintaining real contact with the person
 You become aware of dependency on alcohol and drugs
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 When the person is engaging in risky or threatening behavior

 When you yourself become:
 Restless
 Confused
 Have negative recurring thoughts
 Dream about the case
 Feel you are the only one who can help

6.6 PREPARATIONS FOR REHABILITATION & RECOVERY

Conducting Post Damage Needs Assessment (PDNA)

When it is already safe to go back to our houses, a systematic process of

preparing for rehabilitation and recovery should be done. The first thing to be done by
the BDRRMC is the conduct of post-damage needs assessment (PDNA). While the
DANA discussed earlier is needed to determine the immediate needs and capacities of
our community, the PDNA seeks to assess our long-term needs and capacities for
rehabilitation and recovery; and prevent another disaster to happen.

Through the PDNA, we could determine the public structures that need to be
reinforced/rebuilt, the assistance needed by residents/households to resume their daily
routines, and livelihoods that need to be rehabilitated/ subsidized (farming, fishing) or
provided (work to temporarily and permanently provide income to families who lost their
source of revenue).

We could all help in PDNA endeavors by checking the structural integrity of our
houses, cleaning our houses and surroundings, reporting the extent of damage to our
houses, and identifying construction materials and household needs (e.g. kitchen
wares, hygiene kit, beddings).

How will the barangay do the PDNA? Let us go back to the BDRRMC structure.

Which committee should be in charge of the PDNA? Who are the best people to
assist the committee?

Can we assign at least 3 from the barangay and two representatives from each
purok to assist in the conduct of the PDNA?

Here is an example of a PDNA form (See Annex 5-4). Accomplishing this form requires
a multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach as it covers agriculture, industry, trade
and services, and the corresponding sub-sectors under them.
 Various experts like engineers, economists, statisticians, etc. who have
knowledge on the valuation and estimation of damages, losses and needs in a
sector should be members of the assessment team for that given sector. While
the BDRRMC is not mainly responsible for the valuation and estimation, it could
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assist the city/municipal government in identifying the rehabilitation and recovery

needs of the barangay,
 This form is based on internationally accepted PDNA process. However, it has
been adapted and expanded for the situation in the Philippines. Let us do a quick
review of the contents of the form now.
 Which items can we answer ourselves? Which items require help from
technical experts?

Cleaning and Livelihood Assessment at the Household Level

 Parallel and complementary to the PDNA efforts, is the cleaning of houses and
public facilities.
 What do we need to ensure when cleaning houses and public structures?
Indeed, we need to ensure safety and protection from health risks (exposure to
harmful chemicals and disease carriers).
 What protective measures should we have? We should wear gloves and boots
to protect our hands and feet. We should also use disinfectant to kill harmful
bacteria brought by flood water or debris. The BDRRMC could coordinate with
government agencies and non-government organizations for the provision of
cleaning and protection materials.
 From the assessment of our household needs and clean-up drive, we can
proceed to the assessment of our livelihood. What was destroyed (crops? Fish
pens? Products?)
 If many of you in the same sector (e.g. farmers, fishers, storeowners) have
experienced similar loss, you could join forces and identify what needs to be
done to recover from your losses.
 If losses could not be recovered, what are the alternatives? You can then seek
the support of the BDRRMC and other agencies and organizations on addressing
livelihood needs and alternatives.

Planning for Rehabilitation and Recovery

Once the results of the PDNA are done, the BDRRMC could gather all
community stakeholders and develop a rehabilitation and recovery plan. The plan
should contain programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) that will ensure that the losses
and destruction will not happen again.
 Where are we going to access funds for the PPAs? Which agencies can we
tap for support?
 How are we going to protect structures and livelihoods should a similar event
occurs (e.g. insurance)?

Ensuring protection of children and their participation in the preparations for

rehabilitation and recovery

 Consider the needs of children in the conduct of PDNA

 Involve children in the conduct of PDNA and the development of the
rehabilitation and recovery plan
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 When conducting the PDNA and in the development of the plan for
rehabilitation and recovery, focus on facilities and structures used by children
(like schools, public playground, day care centre, etc)
 Strengthen mechanisms and develop policies that would ensure protection of
children's rights