MODULE 3 DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Overview:

The Philippines is one of the countries most at risk when it comes to disasters. It is exposed
to a plethora of hazards such as floods, earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, and so on.
Also, according to the World Bank (2005), the Philippines is one of the most natural hazard-
prone countries in the world. The social and economic cost of natural disasters in the
country is increasing due to population growth, change in land-use patterns, migration,
unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation, and global climate change.

The UNDRR Status Report (2019) said that our country ranked third with the highest
risk worldwide according to the World Risk Report 2018, with index value of 25.14% (World
Economic Forum, 2018). At least 60% of the country’s total land area is exposed to multiple
hazards, and 74% of the population is susceptible to their impact (GFDRR, 2017). Moreover,
the Philippines is at risk because of its geography, climate, and human-induced calamities.
Some factors that make people more vulnerable to disaster include poverty, limited access
to medical services, and corruption.

Objectives:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

• define Disaster Risk Reduction Management;
• differentiate hazard with disaster;
• discuss the DRRM aspects; and
• analyze the different strategies on how to prevent disasters.

Course Materials:

Unit 1: Definition of Disaster Risk Reduction Management

The Global Assessment Report 2015 states that the policy objective of anticipating
and reducing risk is called Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Disaster Risk Management
(DRM) can be thought of as the implementation of DRR, since it describes the actions that
aim to achieve the objective of reducing risk. Disaster risk is an indicator of poor
development, so reducing disaster risk requires integrating DRR policy and DRM practice
into sustainable development goals.

Further, UNESCO defines Disaster Risk Reduction as the concept and practice of reducing
disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and reduce the causal factors of
disasters.

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 Towards the end of the 20th century it was increasingly recognized that disasters are not
natural (even if the associated hazard is) and that it is only by reducing and managing
conditions of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability that we can prevent losses and alleviate
the impacts of disasters. Since we cannot reduce the severity of natural hazards, the main
opportunity for reducing risk lies in reducing vulnerability and exposure. Reducing these two
components of risk requires identifying and reducing the underlying drivers of risk, which are
particularly related to poor economic and urban development choices and practice,
degradation of the environment, poverty and inequality and climate change, which create
and exacerbate conditions of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Addressing these
underlying risk drivers will reduce disaster risk, lessen the impacts of climate change and,
consequently, maintain the sustainability of development (UNISDR, 2015a).

DRR is a part of sustainable development, so it must involve every part of society,

government, non-governmental organizations and the professional and private sector. It
therefore requires a people-centered and multi-sector approach, building resilience to
multiple, cascading and interacting hazards and creating a culture of prevention and
resilience. Consequently, DRM includes strategies designed to:

-avoid the construction of new risks

-address pre-existing risks

-share and spread risk to prevent disaster losses being absorbed by other development
outcomes and creating additional poverty

This part is optional:

Please Watch:
10 things you should know about disaster risk reduction at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=y16aMLeh91Q

Disaster Risk Reduction and Environmental Degradation at https://www.iom.int/disaster-

riskreduction

Please Read:
Disaster risk reduction & disaster risk management at
https://www.preventionweb.net/risk/drr-drm

What is Disaster Risk Reduction? at https://eird.org/esp/acerca-eird/liderazgo/perfil/what-

isdrr.html

Unit 2: Differences between Hazard and Disaster

Hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. A hazard can take many
forms. It could be a substance, an energy source or an existing work practice or process.
Moreover, according to Leo Buscaglia, hazard is a risk. Examples of hazards are such
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things as substances e.g. chemicals, energy sources e.g. machinery with moving parts, work
practices e.g. working at height from a ladder or moving materials with a forklift truck.

Hazards can be geophysical, like possible earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones,

storms floods and droughts. All having the power to cause disasters. Hazards can be
biological, like disease and infestation. Plagues that have the potential to cause mass
devastation and disaster. Hazards are determined by their severity in different situations.
They have the potential to threaten life, health, property, and the environment. Hazards can
strike unpopulated areas and are not considered disasters if they are not a threat to
humanity.

The severity of a Hazard is measured by:

Duration: the longer the hazard is experienced the greater the danger. For example, an
earthquake lasting for a minute is more severe than one that lasts 2 seconds.

Magnitude: the strength of the hazard which is measured on the Richter scale or the VEI,
Volcanic Explosivity Index.

Predictability: some hazards give warning signs prior to their arrival. Volcanoes can show
signs of smoke prior to eruptions and tropical storms can be predicted with weather stations
and forecasts.

Regularity: Some hazards are regular occurrences and this makes people aware of their
arrival and prepared to face the risk of damages.

Frequency: some hazards subject people to more danger because they occur often making
living conditions very difficult.

Speed of onset: a hazard that arrives with very little warning becomes a disaster as no one
is prepared for the devastation.

Areal extent: a widespread hazard will easily turn into a disaster if the area is not contained
and assistance offered.

Hazards can also be part of day to day situations as there are apparent hazards all
around urban areas. Homes, schools, and recreational places are vulnerable to hazards.
Children need to be taught to watch out for hazards. Electrical points, road safety and safe
practices around sports areas all need warning signs of potential hazards. Vehicles are
provided with hazard lights and potentially hazardous areas require barrier tape and warning
signs. Hazards can also be natural phenomena like sudden rain storms with lightning and
swollen rivers. These kinds of small hazards are not likely to become national disasters
although to the people involved at that time it may feel as if disaster has struck.

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 Disasters, on the other hand, are the kind of risks that subject mankind and his
natural world to all kinds of tragic events that can end up taking everything. A disaster is a bit
like a stage or degree of a hazard that has become more threatening. The real disaster is
evident when a hazard is part of a vulnerable situation. When hazard and vulnerability meet
the outcome is usually a disaster.

What makes communities and the environment vulnerable?

-Poverty

-Population explosion

-Lack of skills and social services

-A fragile community

-Weak economy

When these vulnerable aspects of society meet storms, floods, volcanic eruptions,
war, earthquakes, and economic crisis the combination leads to disaster areas. Synonyms
for disaster link the word to catastrophe, calamity, affliction, collision.

The world’s most deadly disasters range from earthquakes to plagues famines and
floods. Drought conditions in Africa and India have resulted in huge loses of population and
livestock. Flu pandemics took the lives of over a hundred million people in 1918 and 1919.
Torrential rains and floods on the Yangtse River in China in 1931 claimed the lives of 51
million people. These shocking facts put the enormity of real disasters into perspective.

The word disaster has often been used as an expression of frustration in daily living
but looking at the real disasters of a geophysical and biological nature, where millions of
people lose their lives, it is easy to see that using the term in day to day events is definitely
an exaggeration.

In our time now, people can shine in the face of disaster and the disasters are
capable of bringing out the best in mankind, during the worst of times and most hazardous of
events. It could be said that a disaster can define some positive characteristics as mankind
reacts and comes to help. Hazards, on the other hand, make people aware of a possible
disaster and a reluctance to become involved.

This part is optional:

Please Watch:

Natural Hazards vs. Disasters at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaU1-vEHACo DRRM:

Hazard vs Disaster at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Qnu6VJK4A

Please Read:

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The Geographer Online at https://www.thegeographeronline.net/hazards-and-disasters--risk-
assessment-and-response.html Hazard, Risk,Vulnerability and Disaster? at
http://adpc.net/CASITA/Bangkokworkshop/Day%202/Introduction_to_Hazard_Vulnerability_
and_Risk.pdf

Unit 3: DRRM Aspects

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) is the systematic process of

using administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to
implement strategies, policies, and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the
adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster. Prospective disaster risk
reduction and management refers to risk reduction and management activities that address
and seek to avoid the development of new or increased disaster risks, especially if risk
reduction policies are not put in place (DRRM Act of 2010).

It has 4 priority areas with 4 long term goals; 14 objectives; 24 outcomes; 56 outputs;
and 93 activities.

The priority area on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation provides key strategic
actions that give importance to activities revolving around hazards evaluation and mitigation,
vulnerability analyses, identification of hazard-prone areas and mainstreaming DRRM into
development plans. It is based on sound and scientific analysis of the different underlying
factors which contribute to the vulnerability of the people and eventually, their risks and
exposure to hazards and disasters.

Disaster Preparedness provides for the key strategic actions that give importance
to activities revolving around community awareness and understanding; contingency
planning; conduct of local drills and the development of a national disaster response plan.
Risk-related information coming from the prevention and mitigation aspect is necessary in
order for the preparedness activities to be responsive to the needs of the people and
situation on the ground. Also, the policies, budget and institutional mechanisms established
under the prevention and mitigation priority area will be further enhanced through capacity
building activities, development of coordination mechanisms. Through these, coordination,
complementation and interoperability of work in DRRM operations and essential services will
be ensured. Behavioral change created by the preparedness aspect is eventually measured
by how well people responded to the disasters. At the frontlines of preparedness are the
local government units, local chief executives and communities.

It is the knowledge and capacities developed by governments, professional response

and recovery organizations, communities, and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond
to, and recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent or current hazard events or conditions.
Preparedness action is carried out within the context of disaster risk reduction and
management and aims to build the capacities needed to efficiently manage all types of
emergencies and achieve orderly transitions from response to sustained recovery.
Preparedness is based on a sound analysis of disaster risk and good linkages with early
warning systems, and includes such activities as contingency planning, stockpiling of
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equipment and supplies, the development of arrangements for coordination, evacuation and
public information, and associated training and field exercises. These must be supported by
formal institutional, legal, and budgetary capacities.

Disaster Response gives importance to activities during the actual disaster

response operations from needs assessment to search and rescue to relief operations to
early recovery activities are emphasized. The success and realization of this priority area
rely heavily on the completion of the activities under both the prevention and mitigation and
preparedness aspects, including among others the coordination and communication
mechanisms to be developed. On-the-ground partnerships and the vertical and horizontal
coordination work
between and among
key stakeholders will
contribute to
successful d
disaster response
operations and its
smooth transition
towards early and
long-term recovery
work.

The Rehabilitation and Recovery priority area cover areas like

employment and livelihoods, infrastructure and lifeline facilities, housing
and resettlement, among others. These are recovery efforts done when people are already
outside of the evacuation center.
This part is optional:

Please Watch:
Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Advocy Video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPcHKp9UWPY

DepEd Philippines Laging Handa Jingle at www.facebook.com DepEd Philippines Videos

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Unit 4: The Philippine National DRRM

Historically, Philippines is a disaster-prone country. Floods and storms have been the
most frequent hazard. The geology of the country explains the prevalence of earthquake and
landslides. The Philippines is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, thus, it is highly prone
to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The frequency and intensity of many hazards
compelled the need for the nation to adopt disaster risk reduction management.

A risk report published by the United Nations looked into the four components of risk
(exposure, susceptibility, coping, and adaptive capacities) the Philippines is the third most
disaster risk country worldwide.

The Philippine government joined other countries in Japan for the World Conference on
Disaster Reduction. Th Philippines also ratified the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster
Management and Emergency Response in 2009. On June 2010, the Disaster Risk
Reduction (2009-2019) was adopted.

Part of it states the following:

-Adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive,
integrated, and proactive in lessening the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of
disasters including climate change, and promote the involvement and participation of all
sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially the local community;

- Develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) that aims to strengthen the capacity of the
national government and the local government units (LGUs), together with partner
stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of communities, and' to institutionalize
arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks, including projected climate risks,
and enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities at all levels;

- Adopt and implement a coherent, comprehensive, integrated, efficient and

responsive disaster risk reduction program incorporated in the development plan at various
levels of government adhering to the principles of good governance such as transparency
and accountability within the context of poverty alleviation and environmental protection;

- Mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change in development processes

such as policy formulation, socioeconomic development planning, budgeting, and
governance, particularly in the areas of environment, agriculture, water, energy, health,
education, poverty reduction, land-use and urban planning, and public infrastructure and
housing, among others;

- Mainstream disaster risk reduction into the peace process and conflict resolution
approaches in order to minimize loss of lives and damage to property, and ensure that
communities in conflict zones can immediately go back to their normal lives during periods
of intermittent conflicts;

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- Ensure that disaster risk reduction and climate change measures are gender
responsive, sensitive to indigenous know ledge systems, and respectful of human rights;

The Philippine National DRRM was formerly known as the National Disaster Risk
Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC). Before that, it was also known as the
National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). It is a working group of various
government, non-government, civil sector and private sector organizations of the
Government of the Republic of the Philippines established by Republic Act 10121 of 2009. It
is administered by the Office of Civil Defense under the Department of National Defense.
The Council is responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of the people during
disasters or emergencies (UNSpider.org).

The Philippine National DRRM adheres to the national disaster risk reduction and
management plan (NDRRMP) 2011-2028. It is a plan which serves as the national guide on
how sustainable development can be achieved through inclusive growth while building the
adaptive capacities of communities; increasing the resilience of vulnerable sectors; and
optimizing disaster mitigation opportunities with the end in view of promoting people’s
welfare and security towards gender-responsive and rights-based sustainable development.
It outlines the activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of the national government and
the local government units (LGUs) together with partner stakeholders, to build the disaster
resilience of communities and to institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing
disaster risks, including projected climate risks and enhancing disaster preparedness and
response capabilities at all levels.

The plan highlights, among others, the importance of mainstream disaster risk
reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in the
development processes such as policy formulation, socioeconomic development planning,
budgeting and governance particularly in the area of environment, agriculture, water, energy,
health, education, poverty reduction, land-use and urban planning and public infrastructure
and housing among others. It also highlights the need for institutionalizing DRRM policies,
structures, coordination mechanisms and programs with continuing budget appropriation on
DRR from national down to local levels.

Finally, the plan adheres to the principles of good governance within the context of
poverty alleviation and environmental protection. It is about partnerships and working
together – engaging the participation of CSOs, the private sector and volunteers in the
government’s DRRM programs towards complementation of resources and effective delivery
of services to the citizenry.

This part is optional:

Please Watch:
DRRM and CCA in the Philippines at
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https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=f90a58a2b96346cb8efd6cc9b2
139381

Please Read:
http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/41/NDRRM_Plan_2011-2028.pdf

Unit 5: Strategies on How to Prevent Different Disasters

Disasters are everywhere. The key is preparedness in all aspects. Here are common
disasters and some measures that you can follow to prevent them.

A. Floods. Global statistics show that floods are the most frequently recorded
destructive events, accounting for about 30% of the world’s disasters each year. The
frequency of floods is 40 increasing faster than any type of disaster. Much of this rise
in incidence can be attributed to uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation, and more
recently, the effect of El Niño. Floods may also accompany other natural disasters,
such as sea surges during hurricanes and tsunamis following earthquake.

Before a Flood, you should:

• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

• Elevate water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains
of your home.

• Construct barriers (beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.

• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

• Learning swimming skill is helpful.

During a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or television for information.

• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move
immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. • Be aware of streams,
drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can
occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

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If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an
upper floor.

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical
appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you
have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the
firmness of the ground in front of you.

• Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood-waters rise around your car, abandon the car and
move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

After a Flood:

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.

• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may
also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

• Avoid moving water.

• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and
could collapse under the weight of a car.

• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power authorities.

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in
foundations. • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as
soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage
and chemicals.

B. Earthquakes. Earthquakes are sudden slippages or movements in a portion of the

earth's crust accompanied by a series of vibrations. Aftershocks of similar or lesser
intensity can follow the main quake. Earthquakes can occur at any time of the year.
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 An earthquake is generally considered to be the most destructive and frightening of
all forces of nature. Earthquake losses, like those of other disasters, tend to cause
more financial losses in industrialized countries and, as the developed countries
have better early warning systems and lifesaving means, more injuries and deaths
occur in undeveloped countries.

Protective Measures

Before an Earthquake:

• Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas cylinders, and inflexible utility connections.

• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Fasten shelves, mirrors, and large picture
frames to walls.

• Store bottled foods, glass, china clay, and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets
that fasten shut.

• Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.

• Be sure the residence is firmly anchored to its foundation. Install flexible pipe fittings to
avoid gas or water leaks. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.

• Locate safe spots in each room under a sturdy table or against an inside wall.

• Hold earthquake drills with your family members: Drop, cover, and hold on!

During an Earthquake: minimize your movements during an earthquake to a few

steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are
sure exiting is safe.

I. If you are indoor:

• Take cover under a sturdy desk, table, or bench or against an inside wall, and hold
on. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms
and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could
fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

• Stay in bed - if you are there when the earthquake strikes - hold on and protect
your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In
that case, move to the nearest safe place.

• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a
strongly supported, load bearing doorway.

• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during
earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering into or
exiting from buildings.
11
 • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may
turn on.

• DO NOT use elevators.

II. If you are Outdoors:

• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.

III. If you are in a moving vehicle:

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near
or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped, watching for road and
bridge damage.

IV. If you are trapped under debris:

• Do not light a match. Do not move about or kick up dust.

• Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing. • Tap on a pipe or wall so

rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last
resort - shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

After an Earthquake: be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves

are usually less violent than the main quake, but can be strong enough to do
additional damage to weakened structures.

• Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

• Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically
requested by police, fire, or relief organizations.

• Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas.

C. Fires. There are two types of fire disasters. They are domestic and wild fires. Fires
can be triggered or exacerbated by lightning, high winds, earthquakes, volcanoes,
floods and deliberate setting of fire by human beings. Lightning is the most
significant natural contributor to fires affecting the building environment. Buildings
with rooftop storage tanks for flammable liquids are particularly susceptible.
12
Before a Fire (mostly for developed countries)

Smoke Alarms

• Install smoke alarms. Properly working smoke alarms decrease your chances of dying in a
fire by half.

• Place smoke alarms on every level of your residence. Place them outside bedrooms on the
ceiling or high on the wall (4 to 12 inches from ceiling), at the top of open stairways, or at
the bottom of enclosed stairs and near (but not in) the kitchen. • Test and clean smoke
alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms
once every 10 years.

• Have record of fire brigades’ telephone in safe and accessible to member of the family.

• Making aware the people about care (prevention), escape mechanisms.

Escaping the Fire

• Review escape routes with your family. Practice escaping from each room.

• Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut. Make sure security gratings on
windows have a fire safety opening feature so they can be easily opened from the inside.

• Consider escape ladders if your residence has more than one level, and ensure that
burglar bars and other antitheft mechanisms that block outside window entry are easily
opened from the inside.

• Teach family members to stay low to the floor (where the air is safer in a fire) when
escaping from a fire.

• Clean out storage areas. Do not let trash, such as old newspapers, magazines, other
materials and equipment accumulation.

With regards to Flammable Items

• Never use gasoline, benzene, naphtha, or similar flammable liquids indoors.

• Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated storage areas.

• Never smoke near flammable liquids.

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• Discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids after you have
used them. Safely discard them outdoors in a metal container.

With regards to Matches and Smoking

• Keep matches and lighters up high, away from children, and, if possible, in a locked
cabinet.

• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated. Provide smokers with deep, sturdy
ashtrays. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.

With regards to Electrical Wiring

• Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician.

• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs.

• Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.

• Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high-traffic areas.

• Do not overload extension cords or outlets. If you need to plug in two or three appliances,
get a UL-approved unit with built-in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits.

• Make sure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring.

During a Fire:

If your clothes catch on fire, you should:

• Stop, drop, and roll - until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire burn faster.

To escape a fire, you should:

• Check closed doors for heat before you open them. If you are escaping through a closed
door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack
between the door and door frame before you open it. Never use the palm of your hand or
fingers to test for heat - burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e.,
ladders and crawling).

• Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first
along the ceiling.

• Close doors behind you as you escape to delay the spread of the fire.

14
• Stay out once you are safely out. Do not reenter.

After a Fire

• If you are with burn victims, or are a burn victim yourself, cool and cover burns to reduce
chance of further injury or infection.

• If you detect heat or smoke when entering a damaged building, evacuate immediately.

• If you are a tenant, contact the landlord.

• If you have a safe or strong box, do not try to open it. It can hold intense heat for several
hours. If the door is opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into
flames.

• If you must leave your home because a building inspector says the building is unsafe, ask
someone you trust to watch the property during your absence.

D. Typhoons

A typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone, or severe tropical storm. They form in almost all
ocean basins. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern
Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth's surface (clockwise in
the Southern Hemisphere). (Weather Underground)

Typhoon Preparedness Checklist:

-Build an emergency kit and make a family emergency plan.

-Know your surroundings.

-Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone, which will
help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are
forecasted.

-Identify dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you. -Learn

community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground.

-Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

Make plans to secure your property:

--Cover all of your home's windows with permanent storm shutters or 5/8-inch marine
plywood, cut to fit and ready to install (tape does not prevent windows from breaking!).

15
-Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.

-Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind

resistant. -Clear loose and clogged rain gutters.

-Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and
expensive structural damage.

-Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything else that is
not tied down.

--Determine how and where to secure your boat.

If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor

-Consider building a safe room.

During a Hurricane or Typhoon

-Listen to the radio or TV for information and keep your weather radio handy.

Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.

-Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its
coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

-Turn off propane tanks.

-Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

-Moor your boat if time permits.

-Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets: fill the
bathtub and other larger containers with water.

-Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

-If you are directed by local authorities to do so, and be sure to follow their instructions.

-If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure — such shelter is particularly hazardous
during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.

-If you live in a high-rise building — hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
16
-If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river or on an island waterway.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one,
follow these guidelines:

-Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

-Close all interior doors, secure and brace external door.

-Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the
storm and winds will pick up again.

-Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.

-Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

-Avoid elevators.

E. Epidemic/Pandemic

The emergence of a novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV in Wuhan December 2019 has

led to a global response to the first epidemic of this decade. It has also highlighted two key
issues: First, China's rapid and efficient capacity to identify and investigate a newly
emerging disease; and second, our continued global vulnerability to epidemics and
pandemics. From the date of the first cluster of cases admitted to a local hospital on
December 27, 2019, Chinese scientists identified this disease as a new syndrome,
discovered the pathogen as the cause, and reported its genetic sequence to the world in
less than 14 days.

Here, are three key steps to helping reduce the risk of a future epidemic similar to
that caused by the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV:

1). Surveillance of wildlife for high-risk pathogens;

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 2). Surveillance and risk
reduction in people at high
risk of contact with wildlife;
and,

3). Improve biosecurity

of the wildlife trade and
animal markets (Daszak,
2020).

The World Health

Organization released its
strategic preparedness and
response plan outline the
public health measures that
the international community
stands ready to provide to
support all countries to
prepare for and respond to
COVID-19. The document
talks about the virus and
translates that knowledge
into strategic action that can
guide the efforts of all
national and international
partners when developing
context-specific national and
regional operational plans.

Other organizations
recommend the following:

1. Mitigation. In the mitigation strategy, the virus is allowed to spread within the
population at a more controlled rate. Mitigation has two objectives. The first is to slow
the spread of the virus to delay and reduce the height of the epidemic's peak, which
is often referred to as "flattening the curve". The aim is to stagger the onset of
infections (i.e., prevent too many infected individuals from appearing at the same
time), reducing the chances that the health care system will be overwhelmed. The
second is create a large pool of people who have acquired immunity to the virus, an
outcome that would help interrupt the virus's spread over the longer term. When R0
is 2.35, around 60% of the population would need to be immune to achieve this goal.

The Netherlands has opted for a mitigation strategy, as stated by their prime
minister on March 16, 2020. Various mitigation measures include isolating people
who are sick (except those who are asymptomatic, of course), quarantining
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 households where infections have occurred, closing schools and universities, and
practicing social distancing exclusively around the most vulnerable members of the
population.

2. Suppression. The suppression strategy attempts to directly stop the virus's spread
within the population. The goals are to rapidly flatten the epidemic's curve, prevent
the health care system from being overwhelmed, and eradicate the virus. The main
suppression measures are generalized social distancing and the lockdown of the
entire population (i.e., not just the segment of the population that is symptomatic).

Another way to suppress virus transmission is to conduct widespread testing

in high-risk areas to identify infected individuals, rapidly trace their contacts, and
immediately quarantine them, which was the method used in South Korea.

Virus suppression is a strategy that seeks to buy time to:

(1) develop therapeutic drugs
(2) develop and make publicly available a vaccine that can protect the most
vulnerable members of the population or those who have not yet been infected
(however, this process could take as long as 18 months)
(3) carry out broad-scale serological testing to estimate the percentage of the
population with acquired immunity

Further, here are some smart ideas to discuss with friends, family, and your
personal doctor should a pandemic strike again:

-Make a plan of what you'll do if you or someone in your family falls sick. Will
you keep kids at home with you? Who will look after you? Your pets?

-Prepare for disruption to the kinds of services that are most vulnerable in
your community - experts suggest stocking up on two weeks of drinking water and
preserved food. The rule of thumb is around 3.7 litres (1 gallon) of clean drinking
water per person per day for cleaning, cooking, and drinking. Canned foods and a
manual can opener could be helpful. Buy things you know you'll eat, including
snacks, protein, carbs, fruits, and vegetables. Don't forget pet food if you have
animals to take care of. There's no need to be excessive or hoard supplies, you can
simply buy a few extra items each time you go to the supermarket.

-Have ready access to necessary medical records and details on your

personal health needs, if possible, in a hard copy.

-Ensure essential prescription drugs are topped up.

-While you're at it, check your first aid kit and make sure you've got a good
supply of non-prescription medications - ibuprofen and paracetamol could make you
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 feel a lot less sick if you do become unwell. Note: aspirin is not recommended to be
used on children with a fever.

-Stock up on cleaning supplies, as well as sanitizers and tissues.

-If a suitable vaccine is publicly available and recommended by local health

authorities, get jabbed.

When disease breaks out in your neighborhood, you should already be

practicing good hygiene. It shouldn't take a pandemic to prevent a pandemic.

Here are some tips:

-Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, preferably with a tissue
you can then discard hygienically, or with your elbow.

-If you choose to wear a face mask, keep in mind its effect depends on the type of
mask, and is probably not as effective at protecting you (or others) as you might
think.

-Wash your hands properly and frequently, preferably with an alcohol-based

sanitizer.

-If you get sick, do everything you can to avoid passing it on to work colleagues,
community members, and loved ones. Isolate yourself if possible, and if you need to
be out, do your best to keep your hands to yourself, and stay at least 3 meters (9.8
feet) away from other bodies. This is when wearing a mask can be useful - if you do
need to go out in public, wearing a mask and a face shield can stop droplets
reaching others.
This part is optional:

Please Watch:

How to Prepare for Covid-19 Pandemic at

https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/publichealth-topics/pandemic-preparedness.aspx

Doctor Explains How to Prepare for a Pandemic |

WIRED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1aXn8_F3I

Please Read:

Preparing for Pandemics at

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/272253/WHOWHE-IHM-GIP-2018.1-
eng.pdf?ua=1

What to do in a Pandemic? at https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-prepare-for-

apandemic-4797894

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