GROUP 2

 A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the

functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, and
economic or environmental losses that exceed the community’s or
society’s ability to cope using its own resources. Though often caused
by nature, disasters can have human origins.

 It occurs when a hazard impacts on vulnerable people.

 Hazard- Threatening event, or probability of occurrence of a
potentially damaging phenomenon within a given time period
and area.

 Natural hazards are naturally occurring physical phenomena

caused either by rapid or slow onset events which can be
geophysical (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis and volcanic
activity), hydrological (avalanches and floods), climatological
(extreme temperatures, drought and wildfires), meteorological
(cyclones and storms/wave surges) or biological (disease
epidemics and insect/animal plagues).
 Technological or man-made hazards (complex
emergencies/conflicts, famine, displaced populations, industrial
accidents and transport accidents) are events that are caused by
humans and occur in or close to human settlements. This can
include environmental degradation, pollution and
accidents.Technological or man-made hazards (complex
emergencies/conflicts, famine, displaced populations, industrial
accidents and transport accidents)
 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, at local, national and international
levels.
 It is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of risk
reduction activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity
by itself. It requires the contributions of many different areas—ranging from
training and logistics, to health care, recovery, livelihood to institutional
development.
 It also provides a platform to design effective, realistic and coordinated
planning, reduces duplication of efforts and increase the overall
effectiveness of National Societies, household and community
members disaster preparedness and response efforts. 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.
 Learn evacuation routes. Contact your local officials and find out how
you should get out of your area if you need to.

 Have a family emergency plan. Sit down and talk about the
emergencies that are most likely to happen in your area. Determine
how your family will react in each situation. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency has tools to help you put together an emergency
preparedness plan.
 Assemble an emergency kit. In a tote or other easy-to-carry bag, store
copies of important documents such as birth certificates, photo
identification, medical cards, cash and extra checks, spare keys, a list of
important phone numbers, an extra supply of prescription medications,
a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food (don't forget pet
food), a first aid kit, a flashlight, matches, blankets, and changes of
clothing.
 Keep your gas tank filled. Since you will likely need your automobile to
evacuate your area, it is a good rule of thumb to always refill your gas
tank when it dips below half.
Here are emergency preparedness specifics for each of the following
types of disasters:
 Earthquake. "Drop, take cover, and hold on." This means you should
drop to the ground, get under a sturdy shelter, maybe a desk or table,
and hold on until the ground stops shaking. When the earthquake is
over, follow the instructions of local authorities and put your family's
emergency plan into place.

 Explosion. Take shelter under a desk or table during the explosion,

and exit the building as soon as possible once it’s over. Avoid using
elevators and be careful of hot doors, since there may be fire on the
other side.
 Fire evacuation. Have a fire evacuation plan for your family with
multiple routes of escape from all rooms of the house. If you live in a
multi-level home, consider installing escape ladders in the upper levels.
If a fire occurs, get out immediately. Do not put yourself in danger by
placing a phone call or gathering your valuables.

 Flood. Listen to the TV or radio for information on where the flooding

is happening. In the case of a flood warning in your area, you may be
advised to evacuate; in this case, do so immediately. If you are under a
flash flood warning, seek higher ground immediately.
 Hurricane. If you live in a coastal area, have a hurricane plan in place
with supplies to cover your home's windows and secure outdoor
objects. If a hurricane is approaching, listen to a local TV or radio
station to stay informed, and be prepared to evacuate. Before you leave
your home, remember to turn off your utilities and propane tanks as
recommended.
 Terrorist attack. Watch TV, listen to the radio, and check online news
sources to determine how authorities suggest you react. If you are in
immediate danger, quickly leave the area and contact local authorities
to find out what you should do next.
 Tornado. You should be prepared for a tornado no matter where you
live. In a tornado situation, take shelter in a basement, storm cellar, or
the most interior room of your home. Stay away from windows, doors,
and exterior walls. If you are outside and cannot get to shelter, lie flat in
a ditch or other low location.
 Simply, you should prepare because a disaster can strike without
warning, forcing you to go for days without basic necessities or to
evacuate your home.

 Moreover, the threat is real – disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of

lives every year and each disaster has lasting effects, both to people
and property.

 Preparing for the unknown does take some time, but you do not have
to prepare for and do everything. Just figure out what aspects of
information and procedures are relevant to your locale, lifestyle and
family.
 There are some very important reasons why you should prepare
for a disaster:
 Saves Lives – Different disasters require different responses. Being prepared
for various disaster emergencies can make a huge difference in saving lives as
well as money.
 Reduces Danger – Knowing the steps to take during a disaster – whether
flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes or another crisis – can greatly reduce the
danger and distress your family may face.
 Reduces Uncertainty – Not having a complete understanding of a hazard
threat can leave you frightened and uncertain of what to doto protect yourself
and your loved ones. Being prepared by knowing what to do reduces
uncertainty.
 Helps Cope with Stress – Disasters are stressful events over
which we have little or no control. The sudden disruption of
everyday life, the experience of fear, feelings of uncertainty
and a lost sense of safety are the common factors that make
all disasters very stressful.

 Speeds Recovery – How quickly you can recover from a

disaster depends on how well you have planned and
prepared for one.

 Establishes Sense of Safety and Security – Children take

their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives.
Adults can help children cope first and foremost by
establishing a sense of safety and security.
 Your Responsibility – Preparing for a disaster is simply part
of providing for and protecting your family.

 Your Civic Duty – Preparing for an emergency allows first

responders to help those who truly need assistance instead of
helping you who knows better and is prepared.