DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

What Are We Preparing For?

DISASTER

“A disaster can be defined as any occurrence that cause damage,

ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and
health services on a scale, sufficient to warrant an extraordinary
response from outside the affected community or area”. (W.H.O.)
 
“A disaster can be defined as an occurrence either nature or manmade
that causes human suffering and creates human needs that victims
cannot alleviate without assistance” (American Red Cross )
TYPES OF DISASTER

 NATURAL DISASTER
A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of
the Earth; examples include floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanic
eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other geologic processes. A natural disaster
can cause loss of life or property damage, and typically leaves some economic
damage in its wake, the severity of which depends on the affected
population's resilience, or ability to recover and also on the infrastructure available.
 MAN-MADE OR HUMAN INDUCED DISASTER

Man-made disasters are the consequence of technological hazards or human

hazards. Examples include stampedes, fires, transport accidents, industrial accidents,
oil spills and nuclear explosions/radiation. War and deliberate attacks may also be
put in this category. As with natural hazards, man-made hazards are events that have
not happened—for instance, terrorism. Man-made disasters are examples of specific
cases where man-made hazards have become reality in an event
How Do We Prepare?
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce

the effects of disasters. That is, to predict and, where possible, prevent
disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond
to and effectively cope with their consequences.

Disaster preparedness activities embedded with risk reduction measures

can prevent disaster situations and also result in saving maximum lives
and livelihoods during any disaster situation, enabling the affected
population to get back to normalcy within a short time period.
Preparedness should be in the form of money, manpower and materials

 Evaluation from past experiences about risk

 Location of disaster prone areas
 Organization of communication, information and warning system
 Ensuring co-ordination and response mechanisms
 Development of public education program
 Co-ordination with media
 National & international relations
 Keeping stock of foods, drug and other essential commodities.
 TYPHOON
Be Prepared!
A typhoon, or tropical cyclone, is a weather system characterized by a large low-
pressure center and many thunderstorms, capable of producing strong winds and
heavy rains.
“Tropical” refers to the geographic origin of these storms, and their formation in
maritime tropical air masses.
“Cyclone” refers to the storms’ cyclonic nature with counterclockwise rotation in
the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere.
Depending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone is referred to by different
names, such as hurricane, typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical
depression, and simply cyclone.
In the Philippines, the name of any tropical cyclone is bagyo.
What to do Before, During and After
a Typhoon
BEFORE
1. Make your house typhoon proof
 Storm Shutter-to avoid shattering during the storm
 Roofs- 4 slide slope roofs can endure strong winds
 Durable materials-make your home typhoon-resistant by using
durable materials for the structure of your house
 Concrete – it can withstand water & wind
2. Prepare a First Aid Kit 5. Be updated about latest weather reports

3. Store “ no cook” food 6. Store an adequate supply of clean

drinking water

4. Prepare emergency lights 7. Pack emergency clothes

 DURING
1. Don’t Panic
2. If no advice to evacuate, then better to stay inside your house
3. Watch the lighted candles and lamps
4. Keep on monitoring the typhoon’s movement through your television, radio or the internet
5. If you see signs of water rising, then better turn off the sources of electricity
6. Store appliance and belongings on high ground
7. Don’t go through floodwater
8. Avoid the river
9. Beware of electrocution
10. If you are told to evacuate, then calmly comply
 AFTER

1. Check your loved ones

2. Boil water for 20 minutes before drinking
3. Don’t enter your destroyed house until it is safe
4. Report damaged electric cables and posts to
authorities
5. Dry the possible mosquito breeding grounds
 EARTHQUAKES
Be Prepared!
• Earthquakes are earth vibrations caused by the sudden movements of large
blocks of rocks in the earth’s crust.

• There are two classifications of natural earthquakes

 volcanic
 tectonic - caused by faulting which is due to the action of tectonic forces
below the surface of the earth
Magnitude and Intensity of an Earthquake
Magnitude -indicates the amount of energy released at the source (or
epicentre) and is measured by the open-ended Richter Scale.

Magnitude Earthquake Effects

Usually not felt, but can be
2.5 or less
recorded by seismograph.
Often felt, but only causes
2.5 to 5.4
minor damage.
Slight damage to buildings
5.5 to 6.0
and other structures.
May cause a lot of damage in
6.1 to 6.9
very populated areas.
Major earthquake. Serious
7.0 to 7.9
damage.
Great earthquake. Can
8.0 or greater totally destroy communities
near the epicenter.
 Intensity describes the perceived surface ground shaking and damage
caused by an earthquake. It is also derived based on ground accelerations
as measured by seismometers

It is determined from reported effects of the tremor on human beings,

furniture, buildings, geological structure, etc.

Intensity Scale Description

I Scarcely Perceptible
II Slightly Felt
III Weak
IV Moderately Strong
V Strong
VI Very Strong
VII Destructive
VIII Very Destructive
IX Devastating
X Completely Devastating
What to do
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
an Earthquake?
 What to do BEFORE an earthquake

The key to effective disaster

prevention is planning.
•Determine if site is along an active
fault and/or prone to liquefaction or
landslide.
•Use proper structural design and
engineering practice when
constructing a house or building.
•Evaluate structural soundness of
buildings and important
infrastructures; strengthen or retrofit if
found necessary.
Most causes of injuries during earthquakes
are from falling objects.

•Heavy materials should be kept in lower

shelves.

•Check the stability of hanging objects which

may break loose and fall during earthquakes.

•Prepare and maintain an earthquake survival

kit consisting of a battery-powered radio,
flashlight, first aid kit, potable water, candies,
ready-to-eat food, whistle and dust mask.
What to do DURING
an earthquake?

If inside a structurally
sound building, stay
there!
•Protect your body from
falling debris by bracing
yourself in a doorway or
by getting under a sturdy
desk or table.
•Duck ,Cover and Hold
•Turn-off anything that
might cause fire
•Look out for falling
object
If outside, move to an open area
•Get away from power lines, posts,
walls and other structures that may fall
or collapse

•Stay away from buildings with glass

panes

When driving a vehicle, pull to the

side of the road and stop
•Do not attempt to cross bridges or
overpasses which may have been
damaged
If along the shore and you feel an earthquake,
strong enough to make standing
difficult.....run away from the shore towards
higher grounds.

If unusual sea conditions like extreme

lowering of sea level are observed, it is best to
regard this as warning for an approaching
tsunami and immediately move towards high
grounds.

•Run away from the shore towards higher

grounds

If on a mountain, or near a steep hill slope,

move away from escarpments which may be
affected by landslides
What to do AFTER an earthquake

If inside an old, weak structure, take the fastest and

safest way out
•Get out calmly in an orderly manner. Do not rush to
the exit.
•Use the stairs. Do not use elevators.
•Check yourself and others for injuries
Check surroundings
•Clean up chemical spills, toxic
flammable materials to avoid any chain
of unwanted events

•Check for fire and if any, have it

controlled

•Check water and electrical lines for

defects. If any damage is suspected ,
turn the system off in the main valve or
switch
Help reduce the number of casualties from the
earthquake:
•Don’t enter partially damaged building, strong aftershocks
may cause these to collapse
•Gather information and disaster prevention instruction
from battery-operated radios
•Obey public safety precautions
Unless you need emergency help:
•Do not use your telephone to call
relatives and friends. Disaster
prevention authorities may need the
lines for emergency communications

•Do not use your car and drive around

areas of damage. Rescue and relief
operations need the road for mobility
 TSUNAMI
Be prepared!
 Tsunami are waves caused by sudden movement of the ocean due to
earthquakes, landslides on the sea floor, land slumping into the ocean, large
volcanic eruptions or meteorite impact in the ocean
 Rising to several feet or higher, they can strike the coast with devastating
force. People on beaches or in low coastal areas, such as estuaries and rivers,
need to be aware that a tsunami could arrive within minutes of a severe
earthquake – and the danger period can continue for many hours. Tsunamis
can occur any time of year, day or night
 In the Philippines, it occurs when the earthquake is at least magnitude 6.5 and
is shallow-seated, meaning the epicenter is less than 30 km below the
seafloor.
Natural signs of an approaching Local Tsunami

1.Earthquake is felt

2. Unusual sea level change: seawater suddenly retreats or rises

3. Rumbling sound of an approaching waves

What to do
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
a Tsunami?
 BEFORE
 Talk about tsunamis with your family so that everyone knows what to do in a
tsunami situation. Discussing ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for
younger children.
 Plan evacuation routes from your home, school, workplace and other places
you could be where tsunamis present a risk.
-If possible try to pick areas 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland.
- If you cannot get that high or far, go as high or far as you can. Every foot
inland or upward may make a difference. You should be able to reach the highest
ground possible on foot within 15 minutes.
 Practice your evacuation routes. Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow
your escape route at night and during inclement weather.
 Avoid building or living in buildings within several hundred feet of the
coastline. These areas are more likely to experience damage from
tsunamis, strong winds, or coastal storms. If you do live in a coastal area,
elevate your home to help reduce damage. Most tsunami waves are less
than 10 feet (3 meters).

 Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a tsunami watch or

warning being issued for your area. But remember, you may need to
evacuate immediately – don’t risk your safety to save your belongings.
 DURING
If You Feel a Strong Coastal Earthquake
• Drop, cover, and hold on to protect yourself from the earthquake.
• When the shaking stops, gather members of your household and review
your evacuation plan. A tsunami may be coming within minutes.
• Stay to a local radio or television station for updated emergency
information.
• Follow instructions issued by local authorities. Recommended evacuation
routes may be different from the one you planned, or you may be advised
to climb higher.
• If you hear an official tsunami warning or detect signs of a tsunami,
evacuate at once. A tsunami warning is issued when authorities are certain
that a tsunami threat exists, and there may be little time to get out.
• Take your emergency preparedness kit. Having supplies will make you
more comfortable during the evacuation.
• Get to higher ground as far inland as possible. Watching a
tsunami from the beach or cliffs could put you in grave danger.
If you can see the wave, you are too close to escape it.
• Avoid downed power lines and stay away from buildings and
bridges from which heavy objects might fall during an
aftershock.

• Stay away until local officials tell you it is safe. A tsunami is a

series of waves that may continue for hours. Do not assume
that after one wave the danger is over. The next wave may be
larger than the first one.
 AFTER
Stay Safe
• Stay out of the tsunami hazard or evacuation zone until local officials tell you it is safe.
The cancellation of a tsunami warning does not mean the danger has passed.
• Follow instructions from local officials. It is their job to keep you safe.
• Stay away from areas that have been damaged for your own safety and so emergency
responders can have full access.
• Stay out of any building that has earthquake or tsunami damage or has water around it
until a professional or local official tells you it is safe to enter.
• Avoid fallen power lines or broken utility lines and report those that you see.
Stay Informed

Keep listening to local radio or television or using your mobile device to get the latest
updates about when it is safe to return, areas to avoid, the location of shelters (if
available) and important safety instructions. Limit nonemergency phone calls to keep the
lines open for emergency communications
 LANDSLIDES
Be prepared!

A landslide is the rapid mass movement of soil,

mud and/or rocks downhill due to the pull of
gravity.
Landslides are very common and occur in a
variety of forms. Land may topple off in a big
chunk, or slip down in bits. Landslide may be
composed of mud or may contain rocks and other
debris. Most landslides occur gradually, but some
may be sudden
Natural causes of landslides include:

1)Heavy and/or prolonged rain

.

2) Tremors And Shakes

Human Induced Activities that produce landslides:

 Deforestation
 Quarrying/ Rock Mining
• Bad agricultural practices such as slash and burn agriculture
 BEFORE

• A ground assessment should be done of your property..

• Find out whether the area in which you live is prone to

landslides.

• If you live in a high risk area an evacuation plan should be

prepared.

• Plant trees and other types of vegetation that would help

to stabilize soil on the slopes of your property.
• Look for changes to your surroundings that may signal the
likelihood of landslide activity, such as leaning fences or walls.

• When driving along routes on hilly areas,, drive with your

windows down and without music. This should be done so that
you would hear any unusual sounds such as the knocking
together of rocks or the cracking of trees, which are warning
signs of the possibility of a landslide occurring.

• Also while driving along those areas, if you see an abnormal

amount of leaves from trees falling, it could be the signal that
a landslide is about to occur.
 
 DURING

 If you are inside of a building, stay inside; don’t leave your home
until it is officially safe to do so.
 If outdoors, try to get to the nearest high ground in the direction
away from the path of the landslide.
 If you are at a river, be prepared to leave the area immediately if
there are signs that a landslide has occurred higher upstream.
Don’t try to take your belongings, just leave the area as fast as
possible.
 If driving, remain alert and look out for collapsed pavements, mud
and fallen rocks.
 AFTER
 Don’t go into or return to an area that just experienced a landslide since there
may be additional landslides. Only return to the area once it is officially safe to
do so.
 Flooding may occur after a landslide since they might be caused by the same
factors.
 Provide assistance to neighbors and to any special needs individuals such as
children and to the elderly.
 Check your property for any structural damage.
 Check for any damaged utility lines or ruptured water mains. Report any
damage that may have occurred to the relevant utility company.
 Replant damaged ground immediately since soil erosion could be further
caused by loss of ground cover.
 FIRE
Be prepared!

 Fire is a :
– Chemical reaction brought about by the combining of fuel and
oxygen and the application of sufficient heat to cause ignition
– Rapid oxidation accompanied by light and heat
Triangle of Fire and Fire Tetrahedron

-The triangle of fire is a representation of the three factors of which a fire

starts and once started continues to burn.

-These three factors are :

•heat
•fuel
• oxygen
•On the other hand, fire tetrahedron is the
new representation of which a fire starts
and continues to burn.

•It has been believed for many years that

the fire triangle is the simplest way to
explain how a fire starts and propagates
not until it has a missing factor for its
sustainability-chemical chain reaction.

•Without anything to sustain it through the

process of combustion, all of the three
factors are just as it is.

• When the four components of the fire

tetrahedron come together, ignition
occurs.
CAUSES OF FIRE
•Natural
Example:
- Earthquake
- Typhoon
- Volcanic eruptions
•Accidental –thru human error
Example:
-Electrical misuse
-Burning rubbish
-Unattended cooking stove
- Unattended lighted candle/gas lamp
•Intentional
-Arson
To Hide Crime
Jealousy
Business rivalry
Pyromaniac
Terrorism
CLASSES OF FIRE
Class A 
-fires are those which involve ordinary combustible 
materials such as wood, paper or cloth. These fires 
should be extinguished by using a dry chemical 
extinguisher. Water is effective in extinguishing 
these type fires
 
Class B 
-fires are those which involve flammable liquids,
 gases, oil, paint and greases. Either dry 
chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers should be 
used to extinguish these type fires. Note: 
flammable liquids may re‐ignite after being 
extinguished. DO NOT USE WATER!  
 
 Class C
-fires are those which involve electricity. Either 
dry chemical or carbon dioxide 
extinguishers should be used to extinguish these
 type fires. DO NOT USE WATER!  
 
Class D
-fires are those which involve combustible 
metals such as magnesium or sodium. 
Water can react with sodium and other alkali 
metals explosively, therefore DO NOT USE WATER

Class K
-Fires that involve cooking mediums such as vegetable or animal oil
and fats in cooking appliances. Such fires are particularly difficult to
extinguish as they retain considerable heat allowing the chemical reaction
to restart.
 How to use a fire extinguisher
It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember
the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep

Pull the pin 

This will allow you to discharge the
extinguisher

Aim at the base of the fire. 

If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the
temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly right
through and do no good. You want to hit the fuel

Squeeze the top handle or lever. 

This depresses a button that releases the
pressurized extinguishing agent in the extinguisher
Sweep from side to side 
until the fire is completely out. Start using the
extinguisher from a safe distance away, then move
forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in
case it re-ignites.
Prepare before a fire:

 ALWAYS familiarize yourself to “where you are” and be sure to know

how to reach the TWO nearest EXITS.

 Remember that in a fire situation, smoke is blinding and will bank

down in the rooms and hallways. This condition may force you to
crouch or crawl to escape to safety. By ALWAYS being aware of your
surroundings, your knowledge of the nearest EXITS and having a
PLAN will greatly increase your ability to deal with sudden
emergencies.
What you should watch out for:

•Never leave your kitchen while cooking

•Matches and lighters should be in proper storage and

away from children’s reach

•Grease buildup is flammable. Keep your stove clean and

grease-free. Check your LPG for leaks with soapy water.

•When frying and your pan bursts into flame, DO NOT

douse it with WATER. Put the lid on or get a wet damp
cloth to cover the pan.

•Idle electrical appliances must be unplugged.

•Avoid overloading of outlets and use of worn cords.
•Do not store items above the stove top.

•Keep flammable liquids and other combustible items away from the stove
when cooking

•Ensure that your smoke alarms are working well and

replace batteries at least every six months.

•Do not use extension cords as permanent outlets.

Make sure that extension cords are not looped on sharp
objects that could cause it to fray.
•Make sure that curtains are away from electric fan
blades to prevent snagging which may lead to fire.

•Do not leave an electric fan switched on when it is

not rotating. Clean and oil them regularly.
•Defective appliances must be fixed immediately.

•Take extra care when using a flat iron or rice

cooker. Unplug them promptly after use.

•Never smoke in bed

•Put out candle lights before going
to bed.

•Place a lit candle in a holder. If you

have none, place it in the middle of
a basin partly filled with water.

•Keep your place clean at all times.

Remove dried leaves, cobwebs,
loose paper, and other easy-
burning debris.
• Keep areas clean and tidy with
items properly placed for storage.
 •Do not store large quantities of
flammable liquids in the house and
basement areas.
Gas/Kerosene
Paints and Solvents
Motor Lubricants
Floor Wax/Liquid Polishes
Adhesive (Rugby)
Alcohol Products
•Oily rags, newspapers and other trash must be
disposed in a safe waste bag or container.
•Clean up spilled oil and grease from vehicles
promptly.
•Plug your power tools straight to the wall socket. Use
only heavy-duty extensions when needed.
•Keep your garage well-ventilated to avoid buildup of
fumes and heat from tools.
What to do when a fire breaks out

•It takes just two (2) minutes for your house to be

filled with toxic fumes from a fire. These fumes are
deadly when inhaled, and may have long-term
effects in your body. Majority of deaths from fire are
caused by suffocation rather than the fire itself.

•A well-rehearsed emergency exit plan will greatly

alleviate the panic you may feel during the fire.

•Try to close the door of the burning room and close

all doors behind you as you leave. This will help
delay the fire and smoke.
•Before you open a door, feel it with the back of
your hand to determine if the room behind it is
burning.
•Fumes and hot air usually settle at the
ceiling. When the smoke is dense, the best
air that you could breathe is usually one to
two feet from the floor. Crawl to the exit
with a wet piece of cloth to cover your
mouth.
•Fire spreads at a very fast rate, doubling
its volume every thirty seconds. Get
everyone out first. Have a bug-out pack
with all your essentials. Saving your
possessions may weigh you down and get
you trapped.
•Never go back to your house unless a
firefighter declares it is safe to do so. You
could run into a potential roof collapse,
stumble on live wires, or could trigger a
dreaded backdraft.
What to do if you are trapped in the fire

•Try to position yourself in a room with windows

leading outside. That way, your rescue becomes
easier.

•Alert the people outside that you are still in the

burning building. Shout for help or get a light-
colored cloth and wave it outside the window. It is
more visible through thick smoke.

•Seal your room. Close the door/s and patch any

gaps with towels or sheets to prevent smoke from
coming in.
•When you are trapped in the upper floors of your house, try
to collect bedsheets and foam. These could help you when
escaping through the window.

•Do not run when your clothes catch fire. Instead, stop
moving, drop to the ground, and roll.

•Clear flammable debris from the window. Rip off the

curtains and anything else that could burn. Don’t break the
glass. You may need to close it against smoke entering from
outside. But, as long as the air outside is fresh, open the
window a bit and breathe it in
Disaster Preparedness Is Everyone’s
Responsibility
 THANK YOU!
Do we have to wait until a disaster overwhelms us before we make the radical
changes necessary to protect our world for future generations? If we act now there
is much that can be saved which will otherwise disappear forever.” ~ John Gummer