Mitigation, Definition

Mitigation and Prevention are used as synonyms. Some prefer to drop the term Mitigation and
use only Prevention. The term Mitigation can be comprised in the term Prevention. Mitigation
means to reduce the severity of the human and material damage caused by the disaster.
Prevention is to ensure that human action or natural phenomena do not result in disaster or
emergency.
Principal Objectives of Mitigation
The objective of prevention is to reduce the risk of being affected by a disaster. Even if the
hazard cannot be removed, vulnerability can be decreased and in case of an impact, the capacity
to withstand, to respond and to recover will be stronger

Prevention and Mitigation

The slogan "prevention is better than cure" was invented by the health sector. However, this
sector has been slow to adopt the concept of preventing deaths and injuries from disasters
through the mitigation (that is, reduction) of damage to its own facilities.
Reducing the physical vulnerability of infrastructure can take place on three different occasions:
 When reconstructing the infrastructure destroyed by a disaster. At that time, risk
awareness is high, political will is present, and resources are available.
 When planning new infrastructure. Reducing vulnerability is most cost-effective and
politically acceptable when it is included at the earliest planning and negotiation stage,
whether it involves a 1 to 2 percent additional cost for wind resistance or a 4 to 6 percent
additional cost for earthquake resilience. Full resistance to any damage is prohibitively
expensive.
 Strengthening of existing facilities (retrofitting). This most expensive measure has been
adopted by several developing countries (Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru,
and others) to protect their most critical health facilities. In the earthquake in Colombia
in 1999, partial retrofitting of the main hospital is credited for saving the installation.
How to stay safe when these natural disasters strike

Earthquakes are a common occurrence, rumbling below Earth's surface thousands of times
every day. But major earthquakes are less common. Here are some things to do to prepare for
an earthquake and what to doonce the ground starts shaking.
SAFETY TIPS
• Have an earthquake readiness plan.

• Consult a professional to learn how to make your home sturdier, such as bolting bookcases to
wall studs, installing strong latches on cupboards, and strapping the water heater to wall studs.

• Locate a place in each room of the house that you can go to in case of an earthquake. It
should be a spot where nothing is likely to fall on you, like a doorframe.

• Keep a supply of canned food, an up-to-date first aid kit, 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of water per
person, dust masks and goggles, and a working battery-operated radio and flashlights in an
accessible place.

• Know how to turn off your gas and water mains.

IF SHAKING BEGINS

• Drop down; take cover under a desk or table and hold on.

• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit.

• Stay away from bookcases or furniture that can fall on you.

• Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go
off during a quake.

• If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.

• If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the
ground.

• If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking
stops.
Floods are among Earth's most common, and most destructive, natural hazards.

BEFORE A FLOOD

• Avoid building in a floodplain.

• Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your home.

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

• If a flood is likely in your area, listen to the radio or television for information.

• Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. A watch means flooding is
possible. A warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon.

WHEN A FLOOD IS IMMINENT

• Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don't forget to
include needed medications.

• If advised to evacuate your home, do so immediately.

• If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.

• If possible, bring in outdoor furniture and move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical
appliances.

DURING A FLOOD

• Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of moving water
can make you fall.

• If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, 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 floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and
move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

AFTER 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.
Fire safety is the set of practices intended to reduce the destruction caused by fire. Fire safety
measures include those that are intended to prevent ignition of an uncontrolled fire, and those
that are used to limit the development and effects of a fire after it starts.
Fire safety measures include those that are planned during the construction of a building or
implemented in structures that are already standing, and those that are taught to occupants of the
building.
Threats to fire safety are commonly referred to as fire hazards. A fire hazard may include a
situation that increases the likelihood of a fire or may impede escape in the event a fire occurs.
Fire safety is often a component of building safety. Those who inspect buildings for violations of
the Fire Code and go into schools to educate children on Fire Safety topics are fire department
members known as Fire Prevention Officers. The Chief Fire Prevention Officer or Chief of Fire
Prevention will normally train newcomers to the Fire Prevention Division and may also conduct
inspections or make presentations.
 Disaster Prevention
and Mitigation

Group Member: Safety Engineering

Ted Kennedy Bayrante CEIT-05-402E

Edson Mediavilla W 01:30p – 03:30p

Harry Belicena Flores ITC - 219