SUBJECT: DISASTER READINESS AND RISK REDUCTION

PREPARED BY: VIDA V. GUNNAWA, MST

OTHER RELATED GEOLOGICAL HAZARD

Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the different geological hazards
2. Analyze the causes of geological hazards
3. Recognize signs of impending geological hazards
4. Interpret different geological maps
5. Apply mitigation strategies to prevent loss of lives and properties
Geological hazards are natural phenomena that cause major problems all over
the world. The expansion and development of cities lead to an increase in impact and
damage due to geological hazards. In general, most of the geological hazards are
related to natural conditions, although some may be due to human activities. Aside
from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which are the common geological hazards
causing massive devastation, there are other related hazards that may also cause minor
to major destruction to people and community. These are the following: landslides,
avalanches, flash floods, mud flows and erosion.

Most of these hazards are sudden phenomena, which mean, that it is hard for an
ordinary person and having technical knowledge, to predict their occurrence.
However, after some studies and technical observations, experts were able to observe
some signs, specifically for an impending landslide or signs that an area is a potential
sinkhole. Recognizing these signs will give a person or a group great advantage as to
how the risk of a landslide or sinkhole could be reduced or mitigated.
Assessment Tasks
Answer the following questions:
1. Discuss briefly the two geological hazards.
A. LANDSLIDES
B. SINKHOLES
2. List down some causes of each geological hazard.
3. Check out your own house and go around your place and try to look for signs that
indicate whether it is prone to landslide or not. Record your observation.
4. Try also to look for observable signs if your area is a potential sinkhole or not.
Record your observation.
5. Prepare your own FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN in case of a landslide.

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL HAZARDS
Learning Outcomes
1. Distinguish and differentiate among different hydrometeorological hazards
2. Recognize signs of impending hydrometeorological hazards
3. Apply appropriate measures/interventions before,during and after
hydrometeorologiclal hazards
4. Intrerpret different hydrometeorological hazard maps

Hydrometeorological hazards are processes or phenomena of atmospheric,

hydrological or oceanographic nature that may cause loss of life, injury or other health
impacts, property damages, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic
disruptions, or even environmental damages.
 The Philippines, being archipelagic in its geographical nature and situated in
Pacific Ring of Fire is prone to different kinds of hazard including
hydrometeorological hazard, such as: tropical cyclones (also known as typhoons and
hurricanes), thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, heavy snowfall,
avalanches, storm surges, floods including flash floods, drought, heat waves and cold
spells.

The country is also affected by El Nino and La Nina - the two complex weather
patterns resulting from variations in ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.

In this regard, there is an ardent need for every Filipino, especially the younger
generations, to be properly educated on disaster preparedness and mitigation.

ASSESSMENT TASKS
Answer the following questions:
1. Discuss briefly the different hydrometeorological hazards.
2. Differentiate a tropical depression fro a typhoon.
3. What is the difference between a flood and a flashflood?
4. Explain the signs of impending hydrometeorological hazards.
5. Prepare your own FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN in case of a Super Typhoon and
Flood in your area.

FIRE HAZARD

Learning Outcomes
1. Familiarize oneself with the elements of the fire triangle in different situations
2. Enumerate the different causes of fire
3. Observe precautionary measures and proper procedures in addressing a fire incident
4. Apply basic response procedures during a fire incident
5. Know and implement the fire emergency and evacuation plans

Fire hazards include all types of live flames, causes of sparks, hot objects, and
chemicals that are potential for ignition, or that can aggravate a fire to become large
and uncontrolled. Fire hazards also include all types of potential threats to fire
prevention practices, fire fighting, built-in fire safety systems and situations that
restrict the escape of people from an affected building or area in the event of a fire.

Fire is an event rather than a thing, it naturally occurs when the three elements,
namely heat, fuel and oxygen are present and combined creating a chemical reaction.
This is what is termed as the Fire Triangle. There are several causes of fire, but on top
of the list are cooking equipment, smoking and heating equipment.

In America, home fire is the number one disaster threat, it kills more American
than earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined.

In the Philippines, fire is also listed as one of the most common hazards that cause
death, especially in Metro Manila. The month of March is even declared as Fire
Prevention Month in this country. Ironically, it is during this month that are so many
fire problems. Fire, like other hazards should be addressed properly to reduce its risk
and damage that it may cause to life and properly. It should be a part of disaster
preparedness plan for every school and family.

ASSESSMENT TASKS
Answer the following questions:
1. Identify the three elements of the Fire Triangle and explain how fire is created.
2. Enumerate the different causes of fire. Identify the top three most common causes
of fire and explain why?
3. Summarize the basic response procedures during fire incident.
4. Prepare a Fire Emergency and Evacuation Plan.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT

Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the key concepts, principles, and elements of Disaster Risk Reduction
(DRR)
2. Realize the importance of DRR in one’s life
3. Synthesize different community-based practices for managing disaster risk to
specific hazards
4. Develop a community preparedness plan
5. Prepare survival kits and materials for one’s family and for public information and
advocacy

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) defined as a” systematic approach to identifying,

assessing and reducing the risks of disaster. It aims to reduce socio- economic
vulnerabilities to disaster as well as deal with the environmental and other hazards
that trigger them” (Asian Disaster Reduction Center - ADRC). DRR is very wide -
ranging . its scope is much broader and deeper than conventional emergency
management. There is potential for DRR initiatives in just about every sector of
development and humanitarian work.

The most commonly cited definition of DRR is the one used by UNITED
NATIONS agencies such as UNISDR, also known as the UN Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction, and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) “ The conceptual
framework of elements considered with the possibilities to minimize vulnerabilities
and disaster risks throughout a society, to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigation
and preparedness) the adverse impacts of hazards, within the broad context of
sustainable development.”

Even though disaster risk reduction seems to be a relatively new issue, it has existed
for centuries where the elderly gathered and found solutions to their problems. Local
community solutions and indigenous knowledge applied over the years often can help
handle current situations. Community based disaster risk reduction is a key to ensure
safety for all.

To approach hazards, it is necessary to conduct a vulnerability analysis as well as

consider potential hazards in the area. To ensure sustainability, the whole community
should be involved and their voice heard in the process. Often, projects can fail
because the community itself does not know how to maintain the investments made or
because the international organizations involved do not address community needs.
 Disaster risk reduction is more than implementation of projects. It calls for a change
of attitude and for understanding that one’s way of living might need to change. Many
actors from many sectors should be involved, including the local government,
education and ,media sectors. As children often are among those most affected by
disasters and as they also represent the future, they are a key to bringing about a
change of outlook in the approach to disaster risk reduction.

Education is known to be the chief agent of change. The young generation who are
exposed to current and future hazards should be properly guided as to how they
prepare, mitigate, respond to and recover from disasters that hazards may bring.

ASSESSMENT TASKS
Answer the following questions:
1. Discuss briefly the key concepts, principles and elements of disaster risk reduction.
2. Explain briefly the importance of disaster risk reduction on one’s life.
3. Discuss briefly the different components of a community-based emergency plan.
4. Prepare your own SURVIVAL KIT.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE STATE AND THE CITIZENS

Learning Outcomes
1. Explain DRR related laws and policies
2. Abide by public policies on DRRM

The Philippines is highly exposed to natural hazards because it lies along the Pacific
Typhoon Belt and is within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is compounded by
uncontrolled settlement in hazard-prone areas, high poverty rate, failure to implement
building codes and construction standards, and degradation of forests and coastal
resources, among others.

The brunt of these natural hazards is felt by 27,6 million Filipinos who are among
the poorest and marginalized. They are often trapped an a seemingly never-ending
cycle of disaster, displacement and rebuilding (Asian Disaster Reduction Center-
ADRC).
For a country like the Philippines, a proactive risk management approach is
imperative. ADRC indicates that more than 40% of Filipinos (37 million) are under
18 years old. Children are the most affected in any disaster and by this alone, their
participation in DRR is very essential.
The creation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council
(NDRRMC) is a product of the national government’s initiative to protect the Filipino
citizens from disasters brought by natural hazards. This Council is composed of the
different government departments/agencies tasked to undertake the four elements of
disaster risk reduction and management, namely preparedness, mitigation, response
and recovery.
Nevertheless, the citizens should also do their share to protect themselves and their
families from the negative effects of disaster. They have to participate in different
activities, and respond to the programs that the government is implementing,
effectiveness of such programs depends on the responsiveness of the citizens being
served. One key aspect of responsiveness is knowing how to avail of the services that
the government is offering.
ASSESSMENT TASKS
Answer the following questions:
1. Give the essence of at least 4 DRR- related laws and policies.
2. Explain briefly how the NDRRMC has evolved into what it is now.
3. Prepare an Emergency Directory List for your Family.
4. As a young citizen of the Philippines, what are your roles in disaster risk reduction
and management?

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Read and answer carefully the questions below.

_____ 1. Which of the following is NOT a sign of a possible landslide?

A. paved driveways or parking lots slowly beginning to crack
B. door/window jams for the first time
C. two full moons two nights in a row
D. trees or walls shifting
_____ 2. These are many ways to help prevent damage to your home and family from
landslide. First, you must establish how much your home is at risk. Which of these is
a big sign of danger?
A. large winds C. higher traffic rate in your area
B. extreme erosion D. colder weather
_____ 3. Another step in being prepared for a landslide is the same as with the danger
of fire; making an evacuation plan. When is it best to make this evacuation plan?
A. As soon as possible, if not done already.
B. Whenever you have time, the chances of a landslide are very slim.
C. While your home is slipping down a hill.
D. I don’t need an evacuation plan.
_____ 4. Assuming you are not in immediate danger, which of these is a sensible
thing to do before leaving when evacuating your home because of landslide?
A. panic and scream, causing chaos and disorder
B. get distracted by television or radio
C. rum extremely fast
D. turn off all electrical items and the main switch
_____ 5. After the danger has passed, make sure to check your local radio or weather
station for updates on the landslide. Which of the following do you NOT have to do
after returning home?
A. check foundation and chimney for damage
B. keep all electronics turned off for a month
C. stabilize land as soon as possible
D. replant ruined land
_____ 6. What are underwater sinkhole called?
A. fish hole C. red holes
B. blue holes D. cold holes
_____ 7. How can man- made sinkholes form?
A. rugged road C. bridges
B. mines D. earthquake
_____ 8. Is it safe to go diving in underwater sinkholes?
A. always C. never
mostly D. often
_____ 9. What type of sinkholes tend to develop gradually where the covering
sediments are permeable and contain sand?
A. Cover – subsidence sinkholes
B. Dissolution sinkholes
C. Cover – collapse sinkholes
D. None of the above
_____ 10. Which of the following protective measures you should consider from the
effects of landslide or debris flow?
A. Ground assessment of your property should be conducted.
B. Appropriate professional/ expert’s advice should be sought on
corrective measures.
C. Avoid building near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near
drainage ways or natural
erosion valley.
D. All of the above
_____ 11. Which of these would not be caused by a thunderstorm?
A. Flash flood C. Storm surge
B. Lightning D. Tornado
_____ 12. Which of the following types of storm can cause a storm surge?
A. Hurricane C. Drought
B. Tornado D. Avalanche
_____ 13. Which of the following will NOT affect the readings on a seismograph?
A. force C. size
B. distance D. direction
_____ 14. What happens if a tsunami reaches shallow water or land?
A. The speed decreases but the height of the wave increases.
B. The speed increases and the height of the wave increases.
C. The speed increases but the height of the wave decreases.
D. The speed decreases and the height of the wave decreases.
_____ 15. What does a bolt of lightning produce?
A. sudden rain C. stronger winds
B. light and sound D. wind and rain
_____ 16. What is a hurricane called in the Indian Ocean?
A. Typhoon C. Cyclone
B. Hurricane D. Willy - willy
_____ 17. Which of the following catastrophic events could a tsunami most likely
cause?
A. Drought C. Hurricane
B. Flood D. Avalanche
For items number 8-9: Refer to the following choices below.
Classification of Cyclones:
A. Tropical Depression C. Typhoon
B. Tropical Storm D. Super typhoon
_____ 18. Wind speed is between 64-118kph.
_____ 19. Wind speed is between 35-63kph.
_____ 20. Wind speed is greater than 200kph.
_____ 21. Mrs. Flores was frying fish in the kitchen when the phone in the hall rang.
What should she do?
A. Rush out to answer the call immediately.
B. Turn off the stove before going to answer the phone.
C. Turn down the fire before going to answer the phone.
 D. Do nothing.
_____ 22. Which of the following is the safest type of clothing to wear when cooking
at a stove?
A. t-shirts and shorts C. raincoat made of plastic material
B. gown D. blouse with long, wide sleeves
_____ 23. After a barbecue, I should____________.
A. throw the smoldering charcoal and embers into the nearby dust bin
B. leave the charcoal and embers burning on the pit
C. throw some water over the smoldering charcoal and embers to
extinguish them
D. do nothing
_____ 24. Where should lit candles, oil lamps and joss sticks be placed?
A. on top of a piece of paper so that the altar table will not get dirty
B. on a non – flammable surface, and away from flammable objects
C. they can be placed anywhere on the table
D. all of the above
_____ 25. Which of the following elements of fire is an essential substance that
burned on any matter capable of burning?
A. fuel C. oxygen
B. heat D. wood
______26. In what general classifications of fuel is metallic fire?
A. Class A C. Class C
B. Class B D. Class D
_____ 27. Which of the following forms of energy produced through the movement of
molecules by friction?
A. heat C. carbon
B. fuel D. vapor
_____ 28. Which of the following stages of fire where in there is smoke but no flame?
A. Incipient stage C. Flame stage
B. Smoldering stage D. Heat stage
_____ 29. What type of portable fire extinguisher is used in a “Class A fire only”?
A. Water pump/tank extinguisher
B. Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
C. Aqueous film forming foam
D. Dry powder extinguisher
_____ 30. What type of portable fire extinguisher is used in a “Class D fire only”?
A. Water pump/tank extinguisher
B. Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
C. Aqueous film forming foam
D. Dry powder extinguisher
E.
For items 31-34. Refer to the following choices below: Disaster Risk Reduction
Continuum
A. Early Warning C. Mitigation
B. Preparedness D. Prevention
_____ 31. It is an activity to avoid the adverse impact of hazards.
_____ 32. It is a provision of timely and effective information to avoid or reduce risk.
_____33. It is an activity and measures taken in advance to ensure effective response.
_____ 34. Structural/ non – structural measures undertaken to limit the adverse
impact.
 For items 35-38. Refer to the following choices below:Post Disaster to Continuum
A. Recovery C. Risk assessment
B. Reconstruction D.Ongoing development activities program
_____ 35. It is a diagnostic process to identify new risks that communities may again
face.
_____ 36. Continued actions of development program.
_____ 37. It is an action taken after a disaster with a view to restoring infrastructures
and services.
_____ 38. It is an action taken after a disaster to ensure resettlement/relocation.
_____ 39. Which of the following is a key concept of Disaster Risk Reduction
(DRR)?
A. DRR is a matter of decision.
B. DRR is about choices.
C. DRR is everyone’s business.
D. All of the above
_____ 40. Which of the following is defined as “a systematic approach to identifying,
assessing and reducing the risk of disaster”?
A.Disaster Risk Reduction C. Disaster Rehabilitation andRecovery
B.Disaster Response D. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation

TRUE/FALSE: Indicate whether the sentence or statement is true or false.

_____ 1. A drought can cause a wildfire.

_____ 2. There is NO warning time for a tsunami.
_____ 3. A blizzard occurs every time it snows.
_____ 4. All wildfires are caused by human activity.
_____ 5. A tsunami is only one wave.
_____ 6. Unused items outside homes are a potential fire hazard.
_____ 7. It is dangerous to keep paper towels and cooking oil near the stove.
_____ 8. At a public place, it is ok to remove the fire extinguishers.
_____ 9. The building management of public places should not lock up the exit doors
when the buildings is
is occupied or being used.
_____ 10. It is safe to smoke in a permeable environment.
_____ 11. Some sinkholes are created by nearby mining operations.
_____ 12. Sinkholes never grow.
_____ 13. Sinkholes are formed when the land surface above collapses or sinks into
the cavities of bedrock.
_____ 14. Heavy rainfall can be an indicator of a landslide to come, and you should
stay alert during these Times.
_____ 15. Landslides occur when the slope changes from a stable to an unstable
condition.

MATCHING TYPE. Search on the different government agencies in the

Philippines responsible for the implementation of Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Match the
 specific government agencies on column A to the
emergency services they provide on column B.

ColumnA: Government Agencies Column B: Services

___ 1. Department of Science and A. Disaster Preparednes
Technology (DOST)
___ 2. Department of Interior and B. Disaster Response
Local Government (DILG)
___ 3. Department of Social C. Mitigate disasters that may arise
Welfare and Development from volcanic eruptions,
(DSWD) earthquakes, tsunami and other
related geotectonic phenomena
___ 4. National Economic and D. Disaster Rehabilitation and
Development Authority Recovery
(NEDA)
___5. PAGASA E. Enforces maritime safety, security,
and search and rescue operations
___ 6. PHIVOLCS F. Issues updates on relief and rescue
efforts in areas by a Natural
Calamity
___ 7. Philippine Coast Guard G. For announcements regarding
power concerns
___ 8. Philippine Information H. Provides updates on
Agency announcement by LGU on class
suspensions in different areas of
the country
___ 9. National Grid Corporation I. Provides real-time reports on road
Of the Philippines travel conditions in Metro Manila
___ 10. Department of education J. Provides real- time updates about
weather and typhoon alerts
K. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation