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- From the risk manager's perspective, the purpose of

Risk, Disaster, and Humanitarian
Communication Reviewer
Risk - the chance of something happening that will have
a negative effect. The level of risk reflects: the likelihood
of an unwanted event. the potential consequences of
the unwanted event.
risk communication is to help residents of affected
communities understand the processes of risk
assessment and management, to form scientifically valid
perceptions of the likely hazards, and to participate in
making decisions about how risk should be managed.
Risk communication tools are written, verbal, or visual
statements containing information about risk.

5x5 Risk Matrix - They should put a particular risk in context, possibly
add comparisons with other risks, include advice about
Highly Likely (91% above) - Almost certain to occur; have risk reduction behavior, and encourage a dialogue
high chance to happen. between the sender and receiver of the message. The
Likely (61%-91%) - Have a chance to happen so it needs best risk communication occurs in contexts where the
careful monitoring. participants are informed, the process is fair, and the
Possible (41%-61%) - May happen half the time that participants are free and able to solve whatever
also needs attention. communication difficulties arise. Ideally, risk
Unlikely (11%-40%) - Have less possibility of happening. communication is a two-way conversation in which an
Highly Unlikely - Almost certain chance to not happen. agency or organization informs, and is informed by,
affected community members.
Note: In case the company only uses 3x3 matrix, risk is
weighted through: Unlikely, Likely, and Highly Likely. GROUP 1
Communication Theory
Risk Mitigation- The process of planning for disasters
and having a way to lessen negative impacts. Although Crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) - is
the principle of risk mitigation is to prepare a business for the process of understanding public perceptions and, in
all potential risks, a proper risk mitigation plan will weigh response, developing messages to address public
the impact of each risk and prioritize planning around concern and provide information on how to respond to a
that impact. These what reduces the probability and disaster to minimize morbidity and mortality.
impact of risk situations:
1. Trust Determination Theory
a) Avoidance
b) Control - states that trust is the most potent factor
c) Transference influencing how people make risk-related
d) Monitoring and Review decisions and that only when trust and
e) Identification and Acceptance credibility are established can we rely on the risk
information that we receive.
Risk Communication - the process of informing - the more trusted the source of information, the
people about potential hazards to their person, more acceptable will be the messages,
messengers, and channels for acquiring
property, or community. Scholars define risk
information.
communication as a science-based approach for - factors such as empathy, caring, dedication,
communicating effectively in situations of high stress, commitment, competence, expertise, honesty,
high concern, or controversy. and openness, which are noticed very quickly
by stakeholders, are vital for us to accept a risk
a) Ecological Risk Assessment message as credible
 Risk Characterization
- credible third-party endorsement is a valuable
 Scoping and Planning part of this model
 Problem Formulation
 Stressor response and exposure - another credible source supports the risk
analysis communicator; it becomes easier for us to trust
in the messenger and what he has to say

- theory implies that people who are upset tend to

distrust the messenger of the information,
b) Human Health Risk Assessment therefore, trust must be built with the public over
time
 Risk Characterization
 Scoping and Planning 2. Risk Perception Theory
 Acute Hazards
 Toxicity (Hazard Identification and Dose- - states that risks are generally more or less
response) worrisome, fearful, and acceptable if perceived
 Exposure Assessment to have certain characteristics, these
characteristics concern such qualities as
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familiarity, uncertainty, scope, origin, and
benefits
- states that many factors affect how we
perceive risks
- outrage factors include emotions like worry,
anger, anxiety, fear, and hostility, and how,
when coupled with risk and hazard, can
change our attitudes and behavior
- it is crucial for risk communicators to
understand and speak to people’s emotions
and not just their questions concerning a real
or perceived risk
- concludes that the level of concern among the
public is strongest when the situation is
involuntary, not beneficial, out of a person’s
control, or associated with adverse outcomes
3. Mental Noise Theory
- states that people who are upset or in high-
stress situations often have great
difficulty processing information—hearing,
understanding, and remembering the
messaging
- focuses on how we process communication
during stressful conditions and how this stress
limits our attention and ability to understand
them just like Risk Perception Theory,
emotions may drive our decision-making
abilities, and only by packaging the risk
messages in very specific ways can they
reach the intended stakeholders
- experts conclude that messaging in this regard
should be concise, using visual aids when
possible, and repeated to help people
remember
4. Negative Dominance Theory
- states that people under stress put much more
weight on negative information than on
positive information, therefore, negative
thoughts, words, and feelings dominate their
reactions in high- concern/low-trust situations
- three to four positive or constructive messages
are typically needed to offset negative
information
- it is a must to employ positive messages at
every opportunity so that our risk information
receives more attention and is remembered
- implies that individuals under stress are likely
to see all situations in a negative light and
communications should avoid too many
negative words so that greater value is not
assigned to them
5. Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication
(CERC) Model
- it focuses on identifying the most exigent public
- aims to provide people with the information they
need to make lifesaving decisions in critical
situations
- designed around the psychological processes
of people affected by, responding to, or
observing a crisis
- helps to provide the public with information to
make the best decisions and to accept the
imperfect nature of choice, under incredibly
challenging time constraints
- help the organization and the community
prepare for, respond to, and recover from an
emergency by using CERC’s six main
principles: be first, be right, be credible, express
empathy, promote action, and show respect
6. Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP)
- RISP measures information insufficiency or the
"gap" between what people believe they know
and how much they believe they need to know
to feel adequately confident in their judgments
about how to appropriately mitigate risk.
- The RISP model suggests that active seeking
and systematic processing of risk information
are primarily motivated by one's psychological
need for information sufficiency.
- The RISP model posits that beliefs about the
available information channels and perceptions
of one's ability to gather information effectively
will moderate the link between the perceived
information gap and a person's information
seeking and processing intentions.
7. Situational Crisis Communication Theory
(SCCT)
- According to the Institute for Public Relations, a
crisis is something that has “a significant risk or
threat to operations that can have negative
consequences if not handled properly.” Put
another way, when unexpected (or unprepared
for) problems upend a company’s stability, a
crisis can result.
- SCCT identifies response strategies that
organizations can use to handle a crisis. It's
based on who was responsible for causing the
crisis as well as how significant the threat is to
the business's reputation.
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- According to situational crisis communication
theory, there are six main types of crisis
response communication strategies: bolster,
deny, diminish, and rebuild, internal crisis
communication and stealing thunder.
Bolster
The company positions itself as an asset to
stakeholders. It thanks stakeholders for their loyalty and
reminds them of the positive outcomes from the past.
Use the bolster strategy with any type of crisis and
combine it with another response strategy. It’s
particularly useful with victim crises.
Deny
When a company isn’t to blame for a crisis, they
confront the situation, so it doesn’t escalate. When
using the deny strategy, the company confronts its
accusers, saying that either a crisis doesn’t exist, or
another party is to blame. This response strategy is
best for a victim crisis when there are harmful and
untrue accusations.
Diminish
If the company played a role in the crisis, the diminish
strategy minimizes its responsibility. The company may
make reasonable excuses or justify their actions. The
diminish strategy is best for victim crises when the
company plays a minor role. It also applies to accident
crises, so long as the company doesn’t have a history
of similar crises.
Rebuild
When applying the rebuild communication theory, the
company will:
 Take responsibility for the crisis
 Apologize
 Offer appropriate compensation to those
affected
By redeeming its reputation, the company can hopefully
rebuild its relationship with stakeholders. This is best for
accidents and preventable crises, especially if the
company’s reputation or relationships are severely
damaged.
Internal Crisis Communication
This one has to do with how employees learn about the
crisis and their response actions. There are two main
goals with this strategy:
 Mitigate how much stress employees are under.
 Show employees how they can become brand
ambassadors during this time.
During a crisis, employees want to know what the
company is doing in response, both generally and in the
specific ways that affect them.
Stealing Thunder
 Borrowed from legal strategies, stealing thunder
means that a company points out one of its flaws
before another party or the media is able to. This
reduces the reputation damage to the company.
Some managers feel it’s unnecessary to disclose
negative information that may never get out.
However, it’s the smartest option when a
company is fully aware of problems that could
become critical.
8. Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF)
- An established theoretical tool for understanding
how risks is perceived, interpreted, and amplified
or attenuated as they are communicated
throughout a society (Kasperson et al., 1988,
Pidgeon, 2002).
- SARF highlights the social context that
encompasses factors that may amplify or
attenuate the risk involving two main stages: “the
transfer of information about the risk or risk
event, and the response mechanisms of society”
- Social amplification may qualitatively and
quantitatively increase not only signals about the
risk but also perceptions of risk, behaviors related
to the risk, as well as the risk itself and its
consequences (Funtowicz & Ravetz, 1990;
Kasperson et al., 1988). For this reason, social
amplification of risk should be included in analyses
of public and regulatory reactions to risk events.
The key amplification stages are posited as:
 filtering signals (only a fraction of all incoming
information is actually processed).
 decoding and reframing the signals.
 processing risk information (e.g., drawing
inferences);
 attaching social values to information as a basis
for drawing implications for management and
policy; and
 behavioral change of individuals and institutions.
- Signals arise through direct personal experience with a
risk object or through the receipt of information about the
hazard from the information ecosystem and/or personal
networks. These signals are processed by social, as well
as individual, amplification channels that include:
 the scientist who conducts and communicates
the technical assessment of risk.
 risk management institutions.
 social media channels and platforms and the
traditional print and broadcast news media.
 activist social organizations.
 opinion leaders within social groups (e.g.,
influencers)
 personal networks of peer groups.
 public agencies.
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- Social amplification stations generate and transmit
information via communication channels (traditional
media, social media, and direct conversations). In
addition, each recipient also engages in amplification or
attenuation processes, thereby acting as an
amplification station for risk related presentation.
9. Image Restoration or Repair Theory
- When an image is threatened, the reputation of the
victim is at risk, and thus the image restoration theory
offers a solution to this problem. At times, organizations,
and individuals face threats to their reputation, and in
such cases, they have to invoke the image restoration
theory’s provisions to restore their reputation.
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to
ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things
differently.” -Warren Buffet
- Image repair theory, also known as image restoration
theory, shares a focus on rebuilding an organization’s
reputation when it has been damaged by a crisis.
- Communications scholar William Benoit originated
image restoration theory in his 1995 book Accounts,
Excuses, and Apologies: A Theory of Image Restoration
Strategies, which focuses on the messages a company
should communicate during a crisis. He offers five
categories of image repair
strategies: denial, evasion of responsibility, reducing
perceived offensiveness of the action (such as with
compensation), corrective action, and mortification
(confessing and begging forgiveness).
10. Stakeholder Theory of Crisis Management
- Emphasizes the need for a stakeholder-oriented
approach to pre- crisis, crisis, and post-crisis
management.
- In 2009, Alpaslan, Mitroff, and Sandy Green published
a theory that focused on the role of stakeholders in
crisis management. They argued for including
stakeholders in crisis preparations and responses —
not because of their power or influence on financial
value, but due to factors such as potential for injury.
- In the context of risk management, adopting the
principles of a stakeholder model of corporate
governance will lead companies to engage more
frequently in proactive and/or accommodating risk
mitigation action even if these risk mitigation procedures
are not perceived to maximize shareholder value.
Risk Cases that Applied Risk Communication
1) Covid 19 Pandemic lesson from Dengue Controversy
(2020-2022)
2) Flood Homes
3) Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster (1986)
4) Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016)
5) Tylenol Poisoning Crisis (1982)
GROUP 2
Types of Disaster& Communication Strategies
Types of disasters and disaster emergencies
1. Natural
- It is also referred to as natural hazards are extreme,
sudden events caused by environmental factors. It is an
event that causes damage or loss of life.
- According to the International Federation of Red Cross
& Red Crescent Societies, Natural Disasters are naturally
occurring phenomena caused by events that have
immediate impacts on human health and secondary
impacts causing further death and suffering.
A. Geological Disasters: natural disasters caused by
a geological process.
Examples: Avalanche, Landslides, Earthquake, Sinkhole,
Volcanic Eruption
B. Hydrological Disasters: these are hazards
caused by hydrological (water) processes and
are known as hydrological hazards.
Examples: Flood, Mudslide, Tsunami
C. Meteorological Disasters: these are caused by
meteorological (i.e., weather) phenomena,
particularly those related to temperature and
wind.
Examples: Cyclone, Hurricane, Freezing Rain
D. Biological Disasters: these are hazards that arise
as a result of biological processes. This
comprises a wide range of diseases, including
infectious diseases that move from person to
person and affect a vast population of people.
Biological hazards are often left out of
discussions about natural hazards, instead of
falling under the purview of medicine and public
health.
Example: Disease Epidemics, Insect/Animal Plagues
2. Man-made
Terrorism - the unlawful use of force or violence against
persons or property to intimidate or coerce a
government or its citizens to further certain political or
social objectives. Example: Twin Tower Bombing 9/11
Arson - any willful or malicious burning or attempting
to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling
house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft,
personal property of another, etc. Example: Resorts
World Manila Attack
Civil Disorder - a public disturbance involving acts of
violence by assemblages of three or more persons,
which causes an immediate danger of or results in
damage or injury to the property or person of any
individual. Example: Kidapawan Jail Siege
War - violent conflict between states or nations.
Example: World War I and World War II
Cyber Attack - A cyber-attack is any attempt to gain
unauthorized access to a computer, computing system,
or computer network with the intent to cause damage.
Eg. WannaCry Ransomware
Structural Collapse - When the internal load bearing
structural elements fails, a building will collapse into
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itself, and exterior walls are pulled into the falling
structure.
Eg. Manila Film Center
Road Transportation Disasters - Transportation
disasters may be associated with a range of kinetic,
thermal, and/or toxic hazards and can occur as the
result of a collisions, engineering flaws, mechanical
failure, weather, fires, explosions, and/or human
behavior.
Eg. Rizal Day Bombing
Aerial Disasters - a very serious air crash in which in a
lot of people are killed or injured.
Eg. Cebu Pacific Flight 387
Maritime Disasters - an event which usually involves a
ship or ships and can involve military action.
Eg. MV Princess of the Stars
Power Outtage - the loss of the electrical power network
supply to an end user.
Eg. Typhoon Yolanda and Ondoy
Industrial Hazard - any condition/substance produced by
industries that may cause injury or death to personnel or
loss of product or property
Eg. Mount Lablab tunnel collapse
Radiation Poisoning/Contamination - Radioactive
materials released into the environment can cause air,
water, surfaces, soil, plants, buildings, people, or
animals to become contaminated.
Eg. Pripyat Chernobyl and The Demon Core Incident
Biological/Chemical Threat - Biological and toxin
weapons are either microorganisms like virus, bacteria
or fungi, or toxic substances produced by living
organisms that are produced and released deliberately
to cause disease and death in humans, animals or
plants.
Eg. Anthrax Outbreak in Sverdlovsk Smallpox in Native
Americans Crack Epidemic
Environmental Disaster - serious impacts, damages.
and losses, initiating in some or the other environmental
systems or resources. Eg. The Great Pacific Garbage
Patch
3. Combined
Complex Humanitarian Emergency
- This is a type of disaster event that is caused by and
results in a complicated set of social, medical, and
often political circumstances, usually leading to great
human suffering and death and requiring external
assistance and aid.
- Complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs) are
associated with a variety of factors, such as war,
poverty, overpopulation, human-caused environmental
destruction and change, and natural disasters.
- The United Nations (UN) considers a CHE to be a
crisis involving multiple causes and requiring a broad
and integrated response with long-term political and
peacekeeping efforts.
Main Types of Instabilities that Cause CHEs
- Political instability
- Economic instability
- Environmental instability
- Demographic instability
Characteristics of Complex Humanitarian Disaster
- Multiple Disaster Types
- Interconnected Challenges
- Humanitarian and Societal Impact
- Resource Strain
- Decision-Making Complexity
- Public Health and Safety Concerns
- Environmental Impact
- Socioeconomic Implications
Examples of CHEs in the Philippines
 Bohol Earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda
 Super Typhoon Goni (Rolly) and Vamco (Ulysses)
in 2020
 COVID-19 Pandemic
Disaster Management
- a thorough, methodical strategy for handling
emergencies, whether they are caused by the
environment or people. It is supported by actual
research on previous disasters and how people
responded to them.
- Essentially, disaster management involves four
aspects of crisis coordination: Prevention, Preparation,
Crisis response, and Emergency recovery efforts.
Importance of Disaster Management
- Organizations can be better equipped to handle crises
and guarantee the public receives timely and accurate
information during trying times by creating a complete
disaster communication system and putting it into place
before an emergency arises.
- Effective crisis management requires a solid crisis
communication strategy.
- A disaster communication strategy should include
specific goals, procedures, and tactics for disseminating
information during a crisis. To guarantee that important
information reaches the public as soon as feasible and
accurately, it should include rules for both proactive and
reactive communication.
- Foster trust in crisis communications
- Counter hazardous misinformation
- Give the public the facts they need during a crisis
8 Steps to Developing a Successful Disaster
Communication Plan
1. Anticipate Possible Disasters
- Communication and disaster officials can create lists of
prospective scenarios based on past catastrophes and
their consequences, as well as any environmental and
social information they may have on the community,
even if it may be hard to foresee the precise time and
kind of a disaster.
- Officials may conduct disaster risk assessments, which
use qualitative or quantitative data to determine the
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severity and nature of anticipated future disasters, in
order to properly prepare for disasters. This is often
accomplished by reviewing existing circumstances and
prospective risk factors that might affect the impact of a
disaster.
- Officials in charge of disasters should record the
results of risk assessments and use them to develop
communication plans that take into account the most
likely outcomes. Additionally, if possible, they should
keep an eye out for disaster warning indicators.
2. Assemble a Team and Identify Spokespeople
- All parties involved must understand what to do for a
disaster communication strategy to function well. The
team in charge of the communication plan should
present a unified approach with reliable information.
This makes it crucial to put together a team of
responders and choose spokesmen for different parts of
the strategy.
- Spokespeople should: Be well- informed about the
disaster, display genuine empathy, be prepared to field
any questions regarding the disaster, and have
decision-making authority
3. Establish a Coordinated Action Plan
- Officials in charge of communications and
management during disasters will probably have to
work with other teams, including emergency
responders, local authorities, and others. A coordinated
plan for the catastrophe response should take into
account the contributions of all parties concerned.
- To avoid confusion, established procedures and
protocols should already be in place before the
emergency communication plan is made widely
available. This will assist lay out roles and duties for
each group to assume. In the wake of a tragedy, this
can present a unified front and guarantee that the public
is kept informed about the reaction and who is in charge
of what.
4. Create a Clear Message
- Communities require access to useful information
during disasters. An individual's capacity to process and
react to what they read, see, and hear can be impacted
by trauma and terror. Officials in charge of
communications must offer clear instructions and
information.
In times of crisis, communication should adhere to the
following best practices:
O Avoid technical jargon
O Use familiar and simple terms that everyone can
easily understand
O Identify spokespeople that the community trusts
O Highlight essential “need to know” information
O Strategically deploy visuals, such as maps and
diagrams
O Provide updates in a timely manner
O Communicate with an authoritative and empathetic
tone
5. IdentifyStakeholders and Tailor Messaging
- Various audiences require different adaptations for
crisis communication. Disaster managers should
identify possible stakeholders and tailor their messaging
to make sure it is appropriate for various audiences.
Potential stakeholders may include:
Disaster survivors
News and media outlets
Nearby communities
Local businesses and corporations
Government officials
- Communities frequently consist of a varied range of
people whose native tongue may not be English. Crisis
communications should be tailored by emergency
management personnel to cover all languages spoken in
their communities.
- When addressing a specific audience with crisis
communication, disaster managers should consider
specific demographic data.
Targeted messages should be accessible to a wide
range of people and show respect for:
Age, including those who are children and those who
are older adults
Geographic risks, including places at risk for flooding,
wildfire, and other hazards
Language
Disabilities
6. Stay up to date
- Officials in charge of disaster management must
communicate rapidly. Regular updates help
communication officials and the general public develop
credibility and trust.
- During catastrophes, people and their families deserve
quick, reliable information so they can make decisions
that could save lives.
- Officials in charge of disaster and crisis management
should hold press conferences for a variety of media
outlets to provide timely updates so that the public may
stay up to speed.
- Officials from disaster management and
communications should reunite once the disaster has
been contained to review the communication strategy.
This can assist in figuring out what approaches
succeeded and what needs to be improved for upcoming
crisis communication plans. Additionally, officials should
be receptive to any stakeholder feedback and, whenever
possible, take that opinion into account when making
future decisions.
7. Strategize Social Media Use
- Disaster management officials should use social media
in their messaging to reach as many people as possible.
- Officials in charge of disaster management should also
dispel false information on social media. During times of
crisis, false information can spread swiftly as individuals
seek it out indiscriminately out of desperation.
Monitoring social media during a crisis allows disaster
management leaders to:
O Stay informed about people’s needs
O Counter misinformation
O Answer questions
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O Provide frequent updates to keep the public informed
8. Build an Accessible Disaster
Communication System
- To maintain safety and connection, communities
require easily available crisis communication. Making
sure that crisis communication networks are usable is
not only advantageous, but also morally right.
- One of the numerous advantages of getting a degree in
disaster management is that graduates learn that
sustainable societies need to be accessible to everyone,
and that the definition of "accessible" differs from person
to person. Many people might not rely on social media for
news, even though significant segments of a community
do. It should also be implemented to support several
languages or formats, such as braille or text-to-speech.
Crisis communication leaders should consider the
information channels their communities use:
O Online message boards
O Social media (such as Facebook, Instagram)
O Television
O Text updates
O Phone calls
O Hotlines
O Radio broadcasts
O Street signage
GROUP 3
Emergency Planning
1. Emergency
- An unforeseen combination of circumstances or the
resulting state that calls for immediate action. (Merriam
– Webster Dictionary).
- an urgent need for assistance or relief (Merriam –
Webster Dictionary).
Example of Emergency: fire, someone fainted, car or
road accident, etc.
2. Emergency Planning
- Emergency planning is the course of action a
company takes in order to minimize the effects of an
incident or crisis. An emergency plan usually includes
necessary procedures during a crisis, a clear set of roles
and responsibilities and established instructions for
local emergency response and recovery bodies. This is
a crucial part of keeping staff safe.
- Specifies procedures for handling sudden or
unexpected situations.
3. Disaster Preparedness
- Disaster preparedness consists of a set of measures
undertaken in advance by governments, organizations,
communities, or individuals to better respond and cope
with the immediate aftermath of a disaster, whether it be
human- induced or caused by natural hazards. The
objective is to reduce the loss of life and livelihoods.
Emergency Planning Importance
Emergencies can happen at any time and can range
from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and
hurricanes to workplace incidents such as fires,
chemical spills, and workplace violence. Being prepared
for emergencies can help reduce the risk of injury or
death and minimize damage to property.
Since emergencies will occur, preplanning is essential. At
the onset of an emergency, a lot of decisions need to be
made in a short period of time. Time and circumstance
can mean the normal chain of command is not
accessible. Added to that, stress of the incident can result
in poor judgement or extensive losses.
Planning for emergencies is crucial for a variety of
reasons, as it helps individuals, families, communities,
and organizations effectively respond to unexpected
events. Here are some of the key reasons why planning
for emergencies is important:
• Risk Mitigation: Emergencies can range from natural
disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes to man-
made crises such as fires, industrial accidents, or even
public health emergencies like pandemics.
• Planning allows for the identification of potential risks
and the development of strategies to mitigate them.
• Lives and Safety: The primary goal of any emergency
plan is to protect lives and ensure the safety of
individuals. Knowing what to do, where to go, and how to
communicate during an emergency can mean the
difference between life and death.
• Property Protection: Proper planning helps safeguard
property and assets. For example, having fire
extinguishers and smoke detectors in place can prevent
significant damage from a fire.
• Reduced Panic and Anxiety: When people know what
to do in an emergency, it reduces panic and anxiety.
Clear instructions and established procedures can
provide a sense of control and confidence.
• Effective Response and Recovery: A well-thought-out
emergency plan facilitates a prompt and organized
response to a crisis. This can minimize the impact of the
emergency and speed up recovery efforts.
• Resource Allocation: Emergency planning helps in
identifying the resources needed to respond effectively.
This includes personnel, equipment, supplies, and
facilities. Proper allocation ensures that resources are
available when and where they are needed most.
• Community Resilience: Communities that have
established emergency plans are generally more
resilient. They are better able to bounce back from
disasters, as they have the knowledge and infrastructure
in place to support recovery efforts.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Depending on the
jurisdiction, there may be legal requirements for
businesses, schools, and other organizations to have
emergency plans in place. Compliance with these
regulations is not only important for legal reasons but
also for the safety and well-being of stakeholders.
• Communication and Coordination: Planning helps
establish communication channels and protocols. This
ensures that information flows effectively between
different parties involved in the response, including
emergency services, government agencies, and
community organizations.
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• Training and Awareness: Through the planning
process, individuals and teams receive training and
awareness on what to do during an emergency. This
education is invaluable in ensuring everyone knows
their roles and responsibilities.
• Adaptation to Changing Circumstances: As
circumstances change, so do potential emergencies.
Having a plan in place means that it can be updated and
adapted to new risks or challenges, ensuring its
continued effectiveness.
• Public Trust and Confidence: Knowing that an
organization or community has a well-prepared
emergency plan in place can instill trust and confidence
among its members. It demonstrates a commitment to
their safety and well- being.
In summary, planning for emergencies is essential for
safeguarding lives, property, and the overall well-being
of communities. It provides a structured framework for
effective response and recovery efforts in the face of
unexpected events.
Emergency Planning Process
Emergency planning is a vital procedure aimed in order
to prepare organizations and communities for diverse
emergency situations. While the precise steps in this
process may differ based on specific circumstances or
organizations, five fundamental steps are generally
acknowledged. These steps are essential in ensuring
preparedness and an effective response to emergencies
and disasters.
A. Prevention
- Prevention in emergency planning entails identifying
and evaluating potential hazards and risks, such as
natural disasters, technological incidents, and human-
made threats, with the aim of reducing their likelihood
and impact. It involves assessing vulnerabilities and
weaknesses, prioritizing them based on significance,
and implementing measures to minimize the potential
hazards. Here are the key steps involved in prevention:
Identify Hazards and Risks: First is by identifying the
various hazards and risks that could impact your
organization or community. These hazards encompass
natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods),
technological incidents (e.g., chemical spills), and
human-made threats (e.g., terrorism).
Assess Vulnerabilities: Evaluate vulnerabilities and
weaknesses within your organization or community that
could increase the consequences of these hazards. This
evaluation should include an assessment of physical
infrastructure, human resources, and essential services
that may be vulnerable during an emergency.
Prioritize Hazards: Determine the likelihood and
potential impact of each hazard in order to prioritize
them based on their significance.
Preventive Measures: Put in place preventive
measures to minimize the risk of emergencies. These
measures may involve considerations like environmental
planning, adherence to design standards, the
development of evacuation plans, and other protective
measures.
Hierarchy of Controls: Consider a hierarchy of controls
for prevention, which includes options like elimination,
substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls,
and the utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE)
when applicable.
B. Mitigation
Mitigation refers to the actions taken to reduce the impact
of disasters and emergencies, aiming to minimize the loss
of life and property. It encompasses measures that can
either prevent emergencies, decrease the likelihood of
their occurrence, or mitigate their destructive
consequences. Examples of mitigation efforts include
implementing building codes and zoning requirements
and creating defensible zones around homes to protect
them. Mitigation to that, mitigation involves both structural
and non-structural measures to limit the effects of
disasters and emergencies.
Structural mitigation entails modifying buildings or the
environment, such as flood control projects, raising
building elevations, or clearing areas around structures.
Non-structural mitigation primarily involves adopting or
altering building codes to enhance safety.
C. Preparedness
Preparedness is an ongoing process involving planning,
organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and
corrective actions. It revolves around ensuring readiness
to respond to various hazards, incidents, and
emergencies. Training and preparedness plans are
central to this effort, as they enhance a community's
ability to respond effectively when a disaster strikes. Key
measures for preparedness include forming mutual aid
agreements, training response personnel and citizens,
conducting disaster exercises to reinforce training, and
promoting all-hazards education campaigns.
D. Response
The response phase is the immediate reaction to a
catastrophic disaster or emergency. It involves actions
taken to save lives, minimize economic losses, and
alleviate suffering. This phase includes coordinating and
managing resources using the Incident Command
System. Response activities encompass actions like
activating the emergency operations center, evacuating
at-risk populations, setting up shelters, providing mass
care, delivering emergency medical aid, firefighting, and
urban search and rescue. This phase is the
implementation of plans and measures aimed at
safeguarding life, property, and the environment in the
face of an actual emergency. It relies on preparedness
efforts, training, and exercises to ensure an effective
response.
E. Recovery
Recovery encompasses actions that extend beyond the
initial emergency period and aim to restore critical
community functions and stabilize the situation. It begins
once the immediate threat to human life has diminished.
The objective of the recovery phase is to return the
affected area to a state of normalcy, which involves
restoring basic services and addressing physical, social,
and economic damages. Typical recovery measures
include debris removal, financial aid to individuals and
governments, reconstruction of infrastructure like roads
and bridges, and providing ongoing care for displaced
human and animal populations.
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Group 4
Emergency Family Planning
A Family Emergency Plan is a strategy that allows a
household to be ready in advance at any time a disaster
may arrive. It is a plan designed by families to be
equipped with the necessary knowledge, action, and
materials subject to their needs in the protection of their
welfare and properties in the course of disaster.
Since a disaster is unpredictable, it is very useful to plan
for a potential disaster that is most likely to happen at
home or in the community in which one resides. In this
way, families may lessen the adverse impact of a
disaster and prevent a greater loss such as ensuring
safety and keeping each family member intact and alive.
In crafting a Family Emergency Plan, every household
will be guided by undergoing its four steps which are as
follows:
1.) Identify Hazards. By having an assessment at home
and its surroundings, households may be informed
and aware of their varied needs. The condition of a
house, family members and its environment indicate
the type and possibility of a disaster that may
happen, which is vital in an emergency plan. There
are warning systems and signals that have been
provided in every community to communicate an
event of a disaster that the family members must be
familiar with;
2.) Hold a family meeting. It is where all members
convene to discuss the plan. They have to decide and
thoroughly explain the highest chance of disaster they
are facing. The activities of their plan heavily rely on their
situation, then they must agree on essential tasks that
each member is responsible and assigned for. There
have to be agreed locations outside the home or
neighborhood and the city if returning is not possible due
to the disaster. Always consider pets, special needs, and
other adjustments;
3.) Prepare. The families must be ready with a disaster
supply kit that can be quickly found. Also, check for safe
spots at home and evacuation routes. Educate each
family member about utilities and emergency equipment
such as first aid kits and extinguishers. Show emergency
contacts in easily seen areas, and
4.) Practice your plan. It is an opportunity to make
changes, updates and refresh the activities, materials,
and agreements on the emergency plan.
Before Disaster
It is important that your family is prepared for
emergencies and unexpected disasters. This is an ideal
act within the family however, it is crucial that every
family member must know and understand in case any
situation arises. Openness and leading the family of
what they can do is a big help to lessen the damage that
may occur. Each family member should have enough
knowledge and tools to guide themselves. In disaster
management, communication must be present to have
preparedness. A little preparation now can make a big
difference later. Here are some STEPS you can take to
help keep your family safe and healthy when an
emergency happens:
1. Identify Hazards and Safety - it is important to
know what possible hazards may exist. The
family should Identify the place and area first and
find a solution on what they can do in case
disaster might happen.
Identify what types of disaster are most likely to
happen in your area, and learn about how to prepare for
each
Learn about your community’s warning system and
signals and identify local organizations that perform
emergency management
Look for evacuation areas around the community
Educate yourself on any disaster plans in place at your
workplace, children’s school, or other places you and
your family spend time.
Have a list of contacts: emergency telephone
numbers, family contact numbers and emergency
contact.
For earthquake, secure heavy objects around the
home
Clear all clogged drains, gutters and downpipes and
keep trees and shrubs trimmed. For floods, listen to your
weather bulletins and take all warnings and precautionary
measures seriously
Avoid building in flood prone areas such as riverbanks
or low-lying areas
For landslides, conduct a ground assessment of your
property and plant ground cover on slopes to stabilize the
land of your property
For fire safety, check faulty electrical wiring and repair
if necessary
For tsunamis, find out if your home lies within a
vulnerable area and look for something to use as a raft or
floatation device or go to a higher place if signs are
detected
For chemical hazard disaster, identify which hazardous
materials may pose a threat and learn to detect the
presence of a hazardous material
2. Hold a family meeting - meet with your family to
discuss why it is important to be prepared. In
this step:
Review the types of disasters that are most likely to
occur and explain what to do in each situation.
Consider each family member. Assign responsibilities if
possible, and plan to work together as a team. Be sure to
include your family pets in your plan.
Decide on meeting points where you will meet in case
a disaster strikes: outside your home and neighborhood
in case of a sudden emergency, such as an earthquake
or fire and outside your city in case you cannot return
home.
Discuss what to do in an evacuation and create a
family evacuation plan.
Document how your family will communicate if a
disaster strikes and create a family communications plan.
Explain clearly during the meeting and make sure that
everyone understands it.
JAS
3. Prepare - it’s time to prepare for what your
family will do during a disaster. Make sure to
have an area where you can easily grab in
case of an emergency.
- Assemble a disaster supply kit and document pack.
- Teach each family member how to use a fire
extinguisher and where to find one.
- Post emergency contacts (friends, family, neighbors,
police, fire, etc.) on the refrigerator. Make sure that
everyone has their own copy, especially kids and elderly.
4. Practice Your Plan - execute the plan with your
family. Make sure that each family member
knows what to do in case of an emergency.
- Practice your plan with your family on a regular basis
(every six months). Execute a dry run and a situation.
Evaluate every family member and check out for some
- Check your disaster supply kit every three months.
- Replace stored water and food every three months.
- Update any emergency contact info as changes occur.
- Always stay alert and informed.
During Disaster
Disaster prep emergencies have the potential to cause
serious harm to people, property, the economy, and the
environment. We should know who to call and what to
do during a disaster or an emergency.
4 Common Natural Disasters:
1. Storm/ Bagyo
Stay Calm / Stay Indoors.
Keep updated on the news.
Prepare the Go Bag (including all the essentials
needed) Explain to your family what to do when the
situation gets worse.
If evacuation is necessary, turn off the electricity, close
the gas tank, and lock the doors.
Make the children feel and explain to them that there
is nothing to be afraid of because the family is prepared.
2. Earthquake / Lindol
Stay calm and go to the safest spot in your house
immediately. Show the children what to do so they won't
be scared.
Do not go outside during an earthquake. Perform the
drop, cover, and hold in the safest spot in the house until
the shaking stops.
Stay away from glass or objects that could fall.
If you're outside the house, stay in your current
location. Protect yourself from debris or objects that
could fall.
3. Wildfire/ Sunog
Stay alert and aware of evacuation instructions from
EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, your local law, and fire
officials.
If you see a fire approaching or if you’re trapped, call
911;
Close all windows, doors and vents inside your home;
Move flammable furniture, especially outdoor furniture
into the center of the home away from windows and
doors;
To make your house more visible in smoke, turn on
outside lights and leave a light on in every room;
Wear N95 masks to protect your lungs from harmful
particles;
Stop, drop and roll if you or your family’s clothes catch
on fire;
Always stay with your family and pets and keep your
disaster safety kit on hand; and,
Remain calm and evacuate immediately: drive at
regular speeds with windows rolled up and headlights on.
4. Volcanic Eruption / Pagputok ng Bulkan
Stay calm. Stay indoors. Close the doors and windows.
If there is ash, wear goggles. Cover your nose and
mouth with a mask or damp cloth.
Do not let the ash contaminate the food.
If you are on the road, pull over your vehicle when
there is heavy ashfall.
Monitor official updates and advice from your barangay
or local government unit (LGU).
It is vital to stress the importance of staying alert during
natural disasters like storms, fires, earthquakes, and
volcanic eruptions. Your vigilance can be a lifesaver, both
for yourself and for those around you. So, please, take
this message seriously and stay alert when facing such
events. Your awareness can make a significant
difference.
After Disaster
A. Safety
Make sure you, your family members, and pets are
safe and accounted for. If family members are missing,
seek help from first responders.
Make sure everyone takes their go bag and your lock
box of essential and financial documents.
Attend to physical injuries and emotional distress.
If you have a home standing, but there is damage,
secure your property. This may mean making temporary
repairs.
Safety Issues
- Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster.
Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings,
contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged
electrical wiring, and slippery floors.
JAS

- Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose

power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you
have any doubts about safety, have your residence
inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural
engineer before entering.

- Inform local authorities about health and safety issues,

including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed
out roads, smoldering insulation, and dead animals.

- Keep a battery-powered radio with you for emergency

updates from local officials.

B. Shelter- Re Entry or Evacuate

Reminder: Do not enter your home or property if:

- any part of the structure has collapsed

- the structure is off its foundation
- the main power switch was not turned off prior to
flooding
- you smell gas Re entry
- If you can still live in your home, but it requires some
critical repairs, contact your insurance agent. Be sure to
take photos before work starts. Save all receipts related
to the repair for your claim. Remember to watch out for
home repair scams.
- If you do not have money to afford a place to shelter or
do not have insurance, go to a local community shelter.
Communities of faith and schools are often converted
into shelters following a disaster. Staying in these
shelters is of no cost to you.

Evacuate

- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy

shoes so you can be protected.
- Take your emergency kit.
Lock your home.
- Use travel routes specified by local authorities; don’t
use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable
or dangerous.
- Stay away from fallen power lines.
- Listen to local authorities. They will provide you with
the most accurate information specific to a disaster in
your area.
- Stay tuned to local radio and television for instructions.

C. Emotional Support

Monitor yourself and your loved ones for signs of

distress, which could include:

- difficulty sleeping
- emotional outbursts
- anxiety
- depression or unexplained physical issues

If any of these signs appear, make sure to talk about

them and seek advice from a professional. Get mental
health support.