CHAPTER IX

Calamity and Disaster Preparedness

Objectives:

1. Describe the historical background of disaster preparedness;

2. Enumerate the objectives of the National Calamity and Disaster Plan and discuss its
concept;

3. Explain the various disaster coordinating councils;

4. Enumerate and explain preparations in case of disaster; and

5. Describe the steps for disaster preparedness.

A disaster is an event, natural or manmade, sudden or progressive, which impacts

with such severity that the affected community has to respond by taking exceptional
measures.

It is a serious disruption of the functioning of a society causing widespread human,

material, financial, and environmental losses which exceed the ability of the society to
cope using its own resources.

Philippines is oftentimes subjected to different natural disasters and calamities

because we are surrounded by water. The country is an archipelago composed of more
than 7,000 islands.

These ocean and seas that surround us are also considered blessings because they
are sources of marine wealth.

What are the common types of disaster?

The different disasters that Filipinos experience are:

1. Earthquake

2. Volcanic eruption
3. Tsunami

4. Tropical cyclone

5. Flood

6. Landslide

7. Bushfire

8. Drought

9. Epidemic

10.Major Accident

11.Armed conflict and civil unrest

TERRORISM

What can you do to prepare?

Finding out what can happen is the first step. Once you have determined the events
possible and their potential in your community, it is important that you discuss them with
your family or household. Develop a disaster plan together.

1. Create an emergency communications plan.

Choose an out-of- town contact your family or household will call or e-mail to check on
each other should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live far enough away
that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event, and they should
know they are the chosen contact. Make sure every household member has that
contacts, and each other's, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers (home, work,
pager and cell). Leave these contact numbers at your children's schools, if you have
children, and at your workplace. Your family should know that if telephones are not
working, they need to be patient and try again later or try e-mail. Many people through
flood the when telephone lines when emergencies happen but e-mail can sometimes
get through when calls don't.
2. Establish a meeting place.

Having a predetermined meeting lace away from home will save time and minimize
confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may even want to
make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency?
Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are not permitted in shelters and
some hotels will not accept them.

3. Assemble a disaster supplies kit

If you need to evacuate your home or are asked to "shelter in place", having some
essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable. Prepare a
disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic
trash an. Include "special needs" items for any member of your household (infant
formula or items for people with disabilities or older people), first aid supplies (including
prescription medications), a change of clothing for each household member, a sleeping
bag or bedroll for each, a battery It is also powered a good radio idea or to television
include some and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools. It is also a good idea to
include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates,
passports, and, licenses) in your kit.

Copies of essential documents -like powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates,
insurance policies, life insurance beneficiary designations and a copy of your will-
should also be kept in a safe location outside your home. A safe deposit box or the
home of a friend or family member who lives out of ton is a good choice.

4. Check on the school emergency plan of any school-age children you may have.

You need to know if they will keep children at school until a parent or designated adult
can pick them up or send them home on their own. Be sure that the school has updated
information about how to reach parents and responsible caregivers to arrange for pick
up. And, ask what type of authorization the school may require to release a child to
someone you designate, if you are not able to pick up your child. During times of
emergency the school telephones may be overwhelmed with calls.
IF DISASTER STRIKES

1. Remain calm and be patient

2. Follow the advice of local emergency officials

3. Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions

4. If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give the first aid and get help for
seriously injured people.

5. If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a
flashlight. Do not light matches and candles or turn of electrical switches. Check for fires,
fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water
healer. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows,
and get everyone outside quickly.

6. Shut off any other damaged utilities

7. Confine or secure your pets

8. Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening
emergency

9.Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

A WORD ON WHAT COULD HAPPEN

As we learned from the events of September 11, 2001, the following things can happen
after a terrorist attack:

• There can be significant numbers of casualties and/or damage to buildings and

the infrastructure. So, employers need up-to-date information about any medical
needs you may have and on how to contact your designated beneficiaries.

• Heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and federal levels follows a
terrorist attack due to the event's criminal nature.

• Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained
to their limits maybe even overwhelmed.
 • Extensive media coverage, strong public fear and international implications and
consequences can continue for a prolonged period.

• Workplaces and schools may be closed, and there may be restrictions on

domestic and international travel.

• You and your family or household may have to evacuate an area, avoiding roads
blocked for your safety.

• Clean-up may take many months

Evacuation

If local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this
request, and you should heed the advice immediately. Listen to your radio or television
and follow the instructions of local emergency officials and keep these simple tips in
mind:

1. Wear a log-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as
much as possible.

2. Take a disaster supplies kit.

3. Take you pets with you; do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in
public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative's or friend's home, or find a “pet-
friendly" hotel.

4.Lock your home.

5. Use travel routes specified by local authorities - don't use shortcuts because certain
areas may be impassable or dangerous.

6. Stay away from downed power lines.

Listen to local authorities.

Your local authorities will provide you with accurate information specific to an event in
your area. Staying tuned to local radio and television, and following their instructions is
your safest choice.
If you're sure you have time:

• Call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to
arrive.

• Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so. Leave natural
gas service ON unless local officials advise you otherwise. You may need gas for
heating and cooking, and only a professional can restore gas service in your
home once it's been turned off. In a disaster situation it could take weeks for a
professional respond.

Shelter-in-place fact Sheet

If you are your advised by local office officials and protect to "shelter yourselves in
place" what they mean is for you to remain inside your home or office and protect your
self there. Close and locks all windows and exterior doors. Turn off all fans, heating and
air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Get your disaster supplies kit, and
make sure the radio is working. Go to an interior room without windows that's above
ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable
because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the
windows are closed. Using duct tape, seal all cracks and the door and any vents into
the room. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you
are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest
risk in your community.

Additional Positive Steps You Can Take

Raw, unedited footage of terrorism events and people's reaction to those events can
be very upsetting especially to children. We do not recommend that children watch
television news reports around such events, especially if the news reports show images
over and over again about the same incident. Young children do not realize that it is
repeated video footage, and think the event is happening again and again. Adults may
also need to give themselves a break from watching disturbing footage. However,
listening to local radio and television reports will provide you with the most accurate
information from responsible governmental authorities on what's happening and what
actions you will need to take. So, you may want to make some arrangements to take
turns listening to the news with other adult members of your household.

Another useful preparation includes learning some basic first aid. To enroll in a first-
aid contact your local Red Cross chapter. In an emergency situation, you need to tend
to your own well-being first and then consider first aid for others immediately around you,
including possibly assisting injured people to evacuate a building if necessary.

People who may have come into contact with a biological or chemical agent may
need to go through a decontamination procedure and receive medical attention. Listen
to the advice of local officials on the radio or television to determine what steps you will
need to take to protect yourself and your family.

First Aid Primer

If you encounter someone who is injured, apply the emergency action steps: Check
Call- Care. Check the scene to make sure it is safe for you to approach. Then check the
victim for unconsciousness and life-threatening conditions. Someone who has a life-
threatening condition, such as not breathing or severe bleeding, requires immediate
care by trained responders and may require treatment by medical professionals. Call
out for help. There are some steps that you can take, however, to care for someone
who is hurt, but whose injuries are not life- threatening.

Control bleeding

• Cover the wound with a dressing and press firmly the wound (direct pressure)

• Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart if you do not suspect that the
victim has a broken bone

• Cover the dressing with a roller bandage

• If the bleeding do not stop:

Apply additional dressings and bandages

Use a pressure point to squeeze the artery against the bone

• Provide care for shock

Care for Shock

• Keep the victim from getting chilled and overheated

• Elevate the legs about 12 inches (if broken bones are not suspected)

• Do not give food or drink to the victim

Tend Burns

• Stop the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water

• Cover the burn with dry, clean dressings or cloth

Care for Injuries to Muscles, Bones and Joints

• Rest the injured part

• Apply ice or a cold pack to control swelling and reduce pain.

• Avoid any movement or activity that causes pain

• If you must move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try to
immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving.

Be Aware of Biological/ Radiological Exposure

• Listen to local radio and television reports for the most accurate information from
responsible governmental and medical authorities on what's happening and what
actions you will need to take.

Reduce Any Care Risks

The risk of getting a disease while giving first aid is extremely rare. However, to reduce
the risk even further:

• Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids

• Use protective equipment, such as disposable gloves and breathing barriers

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care.
It is important to be prepared for an emergency and to know how to give
emergency care.
WHAT TO DO:

• In case of TYPHOONS

• Stay indoors and keep calm.

• Monitor TV and radio reports.

• Secure your home.

• Trim trees near dwellings.

• Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

• If your house is in for a flood emergency prone area, go to the nearest

designated evacuation center.

• Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries.

• Stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries and first aid supplies.

• In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your

• home.

• Stack furniture above the expected flood level. Keep appliances, valuables,
chemicals, toxic substances and garbage beyond reach of floodwaters.

• Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs and
foothills. Rains can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides.

• Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

• Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood.

• Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.

In case of TSUNAMI

• A strong earthquake is a natural tsunami warning. Do not stay in a low-lying and

seashore areas after an earthquake. A tsunami might occur within minutes.

• Other natural sign includes sudden lowering of the sea level or an unusual rise
and fall of the sea level.

• Fish and d other marine life may be exposed when the sea retreats: Never go
down to the beach to collect these. Tsunami waves might rush back anytime and
carry you out to sea with great force.

• Tsunamis are also preceded and/or accompanied by unusual sounds. Be alert

for these signs, too.

• Immediately vacate and seek higher ground. Stay here until all signs of danger
have passed.

In case of EARTHQUAKES

• If you are in a structurally sound building protect yourself by getting under a

sturdy table or desk and holding on to it while shaking occurs; or you can also
protect your head with your arms.

• If you are inside a moving vehicle, do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses,
or flyovers which may have been damaged.

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

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

• Move away from mountainous areas or near a steep hill slope where landslides
might occur.

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

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Administer first aid if trained to do so.
Otherwise, seek immediate assistance from nearby authorities if necessary.
 • Do not enter partially damaged buildings after an earthquake - strong aftershocks
may cause these structures to collapse.

• Check for spills of chemicals, toxic and flammable materials to avoid potentially
disastrous situations.

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

• Check water and electrical lines for damage; if any damage is suspected, switch
of water and electricity.

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

• Bring along items essential for your survival. Do not overburden yourself.

• Follow official advisories and warnings

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

In case of VULCANIC ERUPTIONS

• Residents living around an erupting volcano are faced volcanic hazards that may
ensure, these include pyroclastic flows, ash-fall and lahars.

• Hazard maps that show areas likely to be affected by any of these hazards are
available from proper authorities prior to eruption. Follow all advisories and
warnings, as these can save your lives.

• Avoid the declared permanent danger zones in your locality. Also, rivers where
hazardous volcanic substances can flow should be avoided.

• Should ash-fall occur, cover your nose with a wet cloth to allow for better
breathing.

• Food should always be covered to prevent collapse.

• If you are inside a moving vehicle, eek shelter immediately.

• If you are along the path of potential lahar flows, move to higher ground or to a
designated evacuation site immediately.
WHAT TO HAVE:

1. First Aid Kit - includes medicines and essentials for primary treatment of fever,
LBM, cough, colds, wounds, and other ailments.

2. Flashlights, candles, matches and fresh, spare batteries

3. Portable Radio and Spare batteries

4. Potable drinking water in sealed containers, store water for everyday use in other
pails and drums

5. Basic equipment for the needs of infants, the elderly and the disabled

6. Non- perishable foodstuffs sufficient for three days

7. Blankets, clean clothes, raincoats, rubber boots, tissue paper, and other sanitary
supplies

8. Bring some money, including loose changes

9. Large and sturdy plastic bags that can be used to store and protect various
important documents

What are the general effects of disaster?

1. Loss of life

2. Injury

3. Damage of destruction and property

4. Damage to and destruction of subsidence and cash crops

5. Disruption of production

6. Disruption of lifestyles

7. Loss of livelihood

8. Disruption of essential services

9. Damage of national infrastructure and disruption of governmental systems

10. National economic loss, and

 11. Sociological and psychological after-effects

In the face of these different calamities presented, there is a need for calamity and
disaster preparedness so that people will be aware of how they will, at least, manage
their families correspondingly during these calamities.

What is disaster preparedness?

These are measures, which enable government agencies, organizations,

communities, and individuals to respond rapidly and effectively to instances of disaster.

What are the general disaster counter- measures?

1. Development of possible warning indicators

2. Land use regulations

3. Building regulations

4. Relocation of communities

5. Public awareness and education programs

6. Evacuation plans and arrangements

7. Fire prevention regulations

8. International cooperation in information and technology

What are the Philippine approaches to disaster management?

1. Prevent/ mitigate;

2. Prepare;

3. Take adaptive action; and

4. Take corrective action.

What are the common problems in disaster management?

1. Lack of appreciation for Disaster Preparedness Program by local officials

themselves;

2. Lack of a strong and effective Disaster Coordinating Council installed in the LGU;

3. Absence of Disaster Preparedness Planning;

4. Lack of effective linkages for disaster operation;

5. Absence of a functional Disaster Operation Center; and

6. Erroneous disaster reporting and monitoring.

What are the components of Disaster Management?

1. Prevention. These are the actions or programs designed to impede the

occurrence of disaster or its harmful effects on communities and key installations.

2. Mitigation. These are programs intended to reduce the ill effects of disaster.

3. Preparedness. These are measures, which enable governments, organizations,

communities and individuals to respond rapidly and effectively to disaster
situations.

4. Disaster Impact. This is the effect of disasters and is varied according to

different types of disasters.

5. Response. These are measures taken immediately prior to and following

disaster's impact.

6. Recovery. This is a process by which communities and organization assist

people in returning to their proper level of functioning following a disaster.

7. Development. This provides the link between disaster- related activities and
national development.

What are the Disaster Management Policies?

1. Self-reliance through self-help and mutual assistance.

2. Maximum utilization of resources in the affected areas.

 3. Planning and operation to be done on the barangay level, in an interagency
multisectoral basis to optimize existing resources.

4. Documentation of plans of DOC members.

5. Local leadership to take charge at their respective levels.

6. National government to support local government efforts.

7. Exercise and periodic drills to be conducted, principally at the barangay level, to

ensure readiness by all concerned.

What are the different tasks of the National Disaster Coordinating Council?

1. Advises the President on the status of disaster preparedness programs, disaster

operations and rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the government and the
private sector.

2. Establishes policy guidelines on emergency preparedness and disaster

operations involving rescue, relief and rehabilitation.

3. Establishes priorities in the allocation of funds, services, disaster equipment and

relief supplies.

4. Advises the lower-level Disaster Coordinating Councils through the Office of the
Civil Defense in accordance with the guidelines on disaster management.

5. Recommends to the President the declaration of a state of calamity in areas

effectively damaged and submits proposals to restore normalcy in the affected
areas.

6. Creates an Action Group composed of permanent representatives from the

member departments and other government agencies with the Executive Officer
as head; and

7. Utilizes the facilities and serves the Office of Civil Defense discharging its
functions.
Who are the members of the Council?

The Chairman is the Secretary of the Department of National Defense. The members
are:

1. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

2. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

3. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

4. Department of Agriculture (DA).

5. Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS)- now it is the Department

of Education (DepEd)

6. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

7. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

8. Department of Trade and Industry (DT))

The different coordinating councils have personnel stationed in their respective

operation centers, composed of the following:

1. Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Unit.

2. Emergency Management Information Service unit

3. Vulnerability Risk Reduction Management Unit

4. Plans and Operations Unit; and

5. Resource Unit

Each council shall provide operating units for:

1. Communication, Transportation Service and Early Warning Device,

2. Health Services,

3. Auxiliary Fire and Police Service,

 4. Relief and Rehabilitation Services,

5. Public Information Services, and

6. Rescue, Evacuation, and Engineering Services.

What are the objectives of Disaster Management?

1. To avoid or reduce physical and economic losses,

2. To reduce human personal sufferings and personal losses,

3. To achieve rapid and durable recovery.

What does the National Disaster Management Program contain?

1. Disaster preparedness,

2. Construction of disaster reduction facilities,

3. Disaster response and short- term rehabilitation,

4. Public information,

5. Research and development.

What are the suggestions to enhance community preparedness?

1. Appreciation of the fact that any disaster can occur with or without warning.

2. Awareness on the characteristic and corresponding effects of calamities.

3. Identification of vulnerable and disasters prone areas in the locality,

4. Readiness in responding to the threats of natural and man- made hazards,

5. Capability to do and what must be done and when to do it in case disaster strikes,
and

6. Application of counter-measures to cushion the impact of the calamity.

Activity 1

Directions: Answer the following item/s briefly but completely on your worksheet.

1. What is a disaster? How does it affect our lives?

2. Discuss briefly what to do during disaster.

3. How can you be of help to your community during a disaster? Discuss this briefly
but completely.