Disater Preparedness

Disaster PreparednessA guide to family safety during disasters…

COL ALEJANDRO TEVES ESCAÑO GSC (PAFR)President Private Sector Disaster Management Network Inc (PSDMN)

Are you prepared?

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tropical cyclones, tsunamis and floods are

Constant threats to the country, making it one of the most disaster-prone

countries in the world.

The recurrent disasters that the Philippines faces inhibit the country’s

development. These obstruct our efforts to free our country from poverty

because the government must spend hundreds of millions of pesos to

rebuild destroyed communities and properties.

With resources getting fewer and vulnerable communities getting bigger,

Filipinos are left with no choice but to resort to a more practical approach to

Disaster management.

Why do we need to be prepared?

To be prepared is to anticipate what can happen to our families and communities during disasters.

Disasters can trigger or aggravate potential hazards in every situation we may happen to be in.

We need to identify the different hazards and disasters our communities are vulnerable to.

Hazards

TYPHOONS

According to the Office of Civil Defense,

typhoons have taken the lives of more than

29,000 people in the country during the 20th

century, 6000 of which happened in 1991

alone.

Modified Tropical Cyclone Warning System

1. Public Storm Signal No.1

Meteorological Conditions

A tropical cyclone will affect the locality.

Winds of 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours.

Precautionary Measures

People are advised to listen to the updates of the Severe Weather Bulletin, issued by PAGASA every 6 hours.


2. Public Storm Signal No. 2


A moderate tropical cyclone will affect the locality



The sea and coastal waters are dangerous to small sea craft.

Fishermen are advised not to go out to sea even as early as signal no.1.

Avoid unnecessary risk. Traveling by air and sea is not safe.

Stay indoors and secure properly.




A strong tropical cyclone will affect the locality.


Almost all banana plants may be destroyed and a large number of trees may be uprooted.

Rice and corn crops may suffer damage.

The majority of nipa and cogon houses may be unroofed or destroyed.

There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services.

In general, moderate to heavy damage may be expected in both the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Travel by sea and air is very risky.

Sea and coastal waters will be dangerous to all sea craft.



Stay inside strong buildings.

Evacuate from low-lying areas.

Stay away from coasts and riverbanks.

Watch out for the passage of the “eye of the storm.” Do not venture away

from the safety of the shelter.

Suspend classes in all levels amd make sure that the children stay in the

safety of strong buildings.




A very intense typhoon will affect the locality.

Very strong winds of more than 185 kph maybe expected in at least 12

hours.

Wind Impact

Coconut plantations may suffer extensive damage.

Many trees may be uprooted

Rice and corn plantations may suffer severe damage

Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely

damaged.



Cancel all travel and outdoor activities.

Stay in the safety of strong buildings or evacuation centers.

FLOODING

Flooding

Usually accompanies heavy rains.

Sometimes flooding occurs even if rains are not heavy, but continuous.

Although a detailed mapping of flood-prone areas in the Philippines has yet

to be accomplished, people within some communities need not be told

about vulnerability of their places for flooding because of their previous

experiences.

Destructive floods may also occur outside a defined river streams, such as

when dikes break.

FLASH FLOODS

Flash floods

Are caused by very hard rainfall over a limited area and effects can be Insurmountable if debris like rocks, mud, and fallen trees drawn to the lower streams will obstruct or choke river channels or tributaries.

These will eventually spread out to surrounding communities and will therefore result in damage to property and loss of lives.

Flash floods can develop rapidly, sometimes in just a few minutes.

What to do (FLOODING)

1. Before the flooding

a. Monitor TV and radio reports.

b. Avoid building on a flood plain, or else, make sure to elevate or reinforce your home.

c. If your house is near a river or creek, go to the nearest evacuation

center.

d. As soon as you hear a storm warming, it would be better to secure with strong ropes or cables the parts of your house which may be swept away by on rushing water or be blown away by strong winds.

e. Raise all electrical appliances if your area is prone to flooding.

f. Construct flood walls to stop flood water from entering your home.


2. During the flooding

a. Turn off the electrical supply in your home.

b. Boil drinking water from the faucets.

c. Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If this possibility exist,

move immediately to higher ground previously determined

by your local leaders.

d. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and other areas with or

without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rains.

e. If you need to evacuate your house, remember to turn off the main

electrical switch, close the LPG tank, lock all cabinets and drawers, as

well as the windows, doors and gates to your house.


3. After the flooding

a. Upon returning to your house after evacuation, check if there

are no cut or open electrical lines which may cause fires. If there

are, report immediately to the proper authorities.

b. In case the electrical outlets of your house have been reached

by floodwater, do not use them until an electrician has checked them

for safety.

c. Do not touch electrical appliances if you are wet or standing in water.

FLOOD FACTS

1. Do not walk through moving water.

a. Wading in six inches of water can make you trip and fall.

b. In case you need to walk in water, walk toward areas

where water is not moving.

c. Always use stick to guide you when walking in flood

waters in order to detect uneven surfaces or open

manholes.

FLOOD FACTS

2. Do not drive into flooded areas.

a. should the floodwater rise around your car, abandon your car

and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and your car may be

swept away if you do not do this.

b. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most cars, making them stall

and possibly even causing loss of control.

c . Cars can float on a foot-high flood.

d. Most vehicles, including sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks

can be swept away in two feet of rushing water.

What to do (LANDSLIDES)

1. Protecting yourself from landslides

a. Do not build structures near slopes, mountain edges, drainage

ways or natural erosion valleys.

b. Get a ground assessment of your property from national or

local government agencies

(MGB-DENR, PHILVOLCS, NAMRIA).

c. Consult an appropriate experts for advice on corrective measures.


2. Recognizing landslide warning signs

a. Changes occur in your landscapes, land movements,

small slides, the progressive leaning of trees.

b. Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.

c. Cracks appear for the first time on flooring and walls.

d. Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or

cemented roads and pavements.

e. Underground utility lines break.

f. Water breaks through to the surface in new locations.

g. Fences, electrical posts or trees tilt or move.


h. A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume becomes more noticeable as the landslide nears.

i. The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.

j. Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.


3. Before a landslide

a. Dig a canal around your house to direct the flowing soil away from it.

b. Make plans on how to evacuate should it be necessary. Better still, have at least two plans on how to do so.

c. Study and learn how to carry out your evacuation plan, together with the rest of your family.

d. Should you decide to evacuate, bring along items essential for your survival.


4. During a landslide or debris flow

a. Move away from the path of the landslide or debris flow as quickly as possible. b. Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.

5. After a landslide

a. Stay away from the slide area; additional slides might occur. b. Check for injured or trapped persons near the slide, without entering directly. Call for help.

EARTHQUAKES

An EARTHQUAKE is the abrupt movement of the earth’s crust caused by release of stress accumulated over a long time.

It accumulated over a long time. It occurs along geologic faults or due to volcanic activity.

WHAT TO DO (EARTHQUAKES)

1. Before an earthquake

a. Repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines and inflexible utility connections. Flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.

b. Bolt down or secure to the wall your water heaters, refrigerators and gas appliances.

c. Place heavier and larger objects on lower shelves, Fasten shelves, mirrors and large picture frames to walls.

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

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


2. During an earthquake

a. Protect yourself by getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding onto it while shaking occurs. Protect your head with your arms.

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

c. When in bed and earthquake strikes – stay there and hold onto the edges of the bed and protect your head with a pillow. If you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall, move to the nearest safe place.

d. Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is strongly supported.


e. Do not use elevators

f. If you are inside a moving vehicle, do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses or flyovers which may have been damaged. Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle.

g. If you are near the shore and feel an earthquake, it is safest to assume that a tsunami might occur. Move quickly to higher ground.

h. If you are outside, move to an open area. Stay away from power lines, poles and concrete structures that may fall or collapse.

i. Move away from mountainous areas or steep hill slopes where landslide may occur.

j. If trapped under debris, DO NOT light a match or move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you.


3. After an earthquake

a. Stay calm and don’t panic. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of the building in an early orderly and calm manner. Do not use elevators.

b. Check yourself and others for injuries. Administer first aid if trained to do so. Otherwise seek immediate assistance from nearby authorities.

c. Do not enter partially damaged building. Aftershocks might occur, causing these structures to collapse.

d. Check for spills of chemicals, toxic or flammable materials to avoid potentially disastrous situations.


e. Check for fires and if there are any, have them extinguished.

f. Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that might fall when opening.

g. Check water and electrical lines for damage; if any damage is suspected, shut off water and electricity.

h. Should you decide to evacuate, leave a note stating where you will go.

i. Follow official advisories and warnings.

j. Avoid needless telephone and road use to allow authorities unhampered use of these for relief and rescue operations.

VOLCANIC ERUPTION

A volcanic eruption is the abrupt occurrence of a forceful Discharge of volcanic materials and steam.

In the Philippines, we have identified 220 volcanoes and Registered 22 as active.

Eruptions are usually accompanied by a wide variety of destructive effects, or other volcanic hazards.

VOLCANIC HAZARDS

Ashfall

Volcanic ash that has fallen through air from an eruption cloud.

Lahar

An Indonesian word used by geologist to describe any type ofdebris or mud flow on a volcano. Lahars are powerful forcescapable of moving great quantities of debris. They look and behave like flowing concrete and destroy or Incorporate virtually everything in their path.

EarthquakesLandslides/Rock falls

VOLCANIC HAZARDS

Acid Rain

Rain containing acids in the atmosphere, produced when volcanicGas emissions especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide combine with water.

Fire

Lava flow is a serious fire hazard because of its extreme heat.Lava flow razes everything in its path. However, because of itsslow rate of flow, people can still move out of the way and seek safer grounds.

WHAT TO DO (VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS)

1. Before eruption

a. Plan ahead. Have emergency supplies, food and water stored.

b. Plan an evacuation route away from rivers or streams that may carry mud or debris flow.

c. Keep battery-operated radio handy at all times.

d. If there is an eruption predicted, monitor the radio or TV for evacuation information. Follow the advice given by authorities.

e. There are maps that show which places will be endangered by volcanic hazards. Before eruption occurs, it is best to get such a map for additional information. Follow the warnings and precautions stated therein, because these can save your life.


2. During eruption

a. Evacuate immediately from the volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases and lava flows.

b. Add a pair of goggles and a disposable breathing mask for each member of the family to your “family lifesaver kit”.

c. Residents living around an erupting volcano face volcanic hazards. These include pyroclastic flows, ashfall and lahars.

d. Hazard maps shows areas likely to be affected. These are available from proper authorities prior to eruption. Follow all advisories and warnings, as these can save your lives.

e. Avoid the declared permanent danger zones in your locality.


3. During ash fall

a. Don’t panic; stay calm.

b. If outside, seek shelter (e.g., car, building); use a mask or a handkerchief/cloth (a damp cloth is most effective).

c. If at work, go home if possible before ash begins to fall. If ash is already falling, stay indoors until the heavy ash is settled.

d. Go directly home; do not run errands.

e. Unless it is an emergency, do not use the telephone.

f. Stay tuned to your radio for the information on the ashfall.

How To Assemble A Family Survival Kit

•Medicines•Flashlight•Battery-powered radion•Bottled water•First aid kit

The rule in disasters is to be self-reliant. Act as if no help is coming.So the entire family must have sufficient supply of food, water, clothingmedicines and other supplies that can last for at least 3 days.

Family Survival Kit

The Family Survival Kit should be situated where every household member would have easy access to it. Make sure toInform everybody of its location. The Family Survival Kit should Include the following:

Water

1. It is recommended that the minimum demand of one person is 2 liters of drinking water per day. 2. It is recommended to buy bottles of mineral or distilled water that are sealed; do not open these until they are about to be used.3. If you are planning to store drinking water, make sure you thoroughly clean water containers with dishwashing soap and water. Make sure to rinse properly to take away residual soap before storing water.

Family Survival Kit

4. If the water you will store has been commercially treated with chlorine, then you do not need to add anything to make it clean. If the water you will be storing will come from a deep well or from a source that is not treated with chlorine, boil water first for 10 minutes before using , or put chlorine tablets.

5. Close the container tightly. Label the container as to when you filled it. Make sure you replace the water every six months.

Cont. Water

Family Survival Kit

FOOD

1. Stock canned goods and foodstuff that do not need refrigeration, cooking water or special preparation.

2. Make sure to prepare food for members of the family who need to observe special diets.

Family Survival Kit

CLOTHES

1. Since we are in a temperate climate, it is not necessary to pack thick and heavy garments. It is not necessary to pack thick and heavy garments. It is more convenient to have just one or two dry shirts, undergarments and shorts or pants per day. Make sure to wrap clothes inside a plastic bag to keep them dry.

2. Pack shoes with rubbers soles, slippers.

3. Pack items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers.

Other Items To Include

1. A first aid kit contain a surgical mask and sterile gloves, bondages,

antiseptics, cotton, gauze, paracetamol (500mg, 250mg, and 125mg/5ml), salbutamol, diphenhydramine, antihistamines, amoxicillin

(tablet and syrup), and oral rehydrating salts.

2. Sanitary items like napkins, toilet paper, soap, etc.

3. A flashlight with extra batteries

4. A battery-powered transistor radio with spare batteries

5. Matches

6. Photocopies of your important documents (passport, credit cards, IDs)

7. Money

8. Can opener, cooking utensils

9. Whistle

10. Mosquito net and blankets

11. Raincoat

Thank You…

Disater Preparedness

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