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Disaster Readiness
&
Risk Reduction
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Exposure and Vulnerability

Compiler/Contextualizer: VIVIAN E. EMPING

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 First Quarter
Week 3-Module 3
Exposure and Vulnerability
Content Standard : The learners demonstrate understanding of various
elements that may be exposed to hazards; physical,
social, economic environmental vulnerability of each
exposed element.

Performance Standard : The learners conduct hazard hunts of exposed

elements and propose corresponding corrective
actions for one’s preparedness.

Competency/Code : 1. Explain the meaning of vulnerability;

2.Explain why certain sectors of society are more
vulnerable to disaster than others.

Learning Outcomes : Create an informative presentation using Multi-

Media or creative illustration on why certain sectors
of society are more vulnerable to disasters than
others.

What I Know

Instructions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct
answer and write it legibly in your answer sheet.

1. A disease that becomes usually widespread and even global in its reach is
referred to as .
A. epidemic B. hazard C. pandemic D. vulnerability

2. This is defined as the characteristics and circumstances of a community,

system or asset that make it susceptible to the damaging effects of hazards.
A. vulnerability B. hazard C. disaster risk D. exposure

3. High vulnerability and high hazard are associated with____.

A. low disaster risk C. medium disaster risk
B. no disaster D. high disaster risk

4. What is the population density of Cebu City, based on the data from 2015 census of
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is 922, 611, with the total land area of 315 km2?
A. 1,700 people/km2 C. 2,929 people/km2
B. 1002 people/km 2 D. 5, 348 people/km2

5. Which of the following is considered as demographic factors that affects vulnerability?

A. age and gender B. education C. insurance D. wealth

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6.Which of the following is not true about vulnerability to hazards in the environment?
A. Building codes should be considered in issuing building permits.
B. Training of emergency personnel should be done when a disaster has been
experienced already
C. Early warning systems should be technologically and scientifically well
monitored and updated.
D. The denser the population, the more efficient the response would be
considering the number of people that might be affected.

7. All the following are community preparedness factors to consider in reducing vulnerability
to disaster except.
A. emergency planning C. communication networks
B. population density D. building codes

8. Which of the following is not a recent global disaster trend?

A. Disasters affect those in poverty most heavily.
B. The number of disasters is increasing each year.
C. The number of people affected by disasters is decreasing.
D. Population movement is increasing in number and intensity.

9. It refers the degree to which the elements at risk are likely to experience hazard events
of different magnitude.
A. vulnerability B. hazard C. risk D. exposure

10. Assessment on the response of plants and animals to hazardous agents must be
given a serious consideration, this is an example of what type of vulnerability?
A. physical B. agricultural C. structural D. social

11. The extent to which a community, structure, service, or geographic area is likely to
be damaged or disrupted by the impact of particular hazards is termed as ____.
A. Capacity B. Vulnerability C. Risk D. Hazard assessment

12. Which is classified as physical/material vulnerability?

A. family structure C. land and water
B. leadership qualities D. initiative

13. The following are examples of capacity except___.

A. adequate income C. savings
B. local knowledge D. isolation

14. Statements below are examples of vulnerability as multi-dimensional in nature,

which of these statements does do not best describe vulnerability?
I. poor design and construction of buildings III. good governance
II. lack of public information and awareness IV. inadequate protection of assets
A. I B. II C. III D. IV

15. This is defined as “situation of people, infrastructure, housing, production capacities

and other tangible human assets located in hazard-prone areas”
A. Exposure B. Vulnerability C. Disaster Risk D. Capacity

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Lesson 1 Exposure and
Vulnerability
What I N eed To Know

Module 3 – Exposure and Vulnerability is all about knowing the hazard

present in your immediate environment and deciding what would you do to reduce
your vulnerability.

The module contains the following lessons for discussion:

• Exposure and Vulnerability
• Types of Vulnerability
• Factors that affect Vulnerability

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• explain the meaning of vulnerability;
• discuss why certain sectors of society are more vulnerable
to disaster than other; and
• create an informative presentation using Multi-Media
or creative illustration on why certain sectors of society
are more vulnerable to disasters than others.

What’s In

The impacts of disaster would depend on the level of vulnerability

and exposure to various hazards present in the immediate environment.
Understanding exposure and vulnerability is necessary in determining the
course of action that a community will do in dealing with disaster risk
management.

Name That Agency

Instructions: Identify the government agency that being described in each
number. Write your answer in your answer sheet.

1. Agency that is task ed to prepare for and respond to calamities.

2. Agency that promote scientific and technological research and
development in areas identified as vital to the country’s development.
3. Agency that is tasked to provide flood and typhoon warnings.
4. Agency that is mandated to mitigate disasters that may arise from
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other related
geotectonic phenomena.
5. Agency that plans and leads the guiding activities on the field of
communication, warning signals, emergency, transportation,
evacuation, rescue, engineering, health and rehabilitation.

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 What’s New
Looking at the illustration at the left,
there are four things that we have to
know and these are the following:
HAZARD - a dangerous phenomenon,
substance, human activity or condition
that may cause loss of life, injury or
other health impacts, property damage,
loss of livelihood and services, social and
economic disruption, or environmental
damage.

Illustration: Landslide VULNERABILITY -the characteristics

Image: Risk Venn Diagram
Source: researchgate.com
and circumstances of a community,
system or asset that make it susceptible
to the damaging effects of a hazard.
EXPOSURE - the degree to which the
elements at risk are likely to experience
hazard events of different magnitude.
DISASTER RISK - the potential disaster
losses in lives, health status, livelihood,
assets, and services, which could occur
to a particular community or a Society
over some specified future period of time.
(Definitions are taken from RA No. 10121).

Activity
Instruction: Match column A with Column B. Write the letter of the
correct answer in your answer sheet.
A B
1. Potential disaster losses a. Hazard
2. Susceptibility to the damaging effects of a hazards b. Vulnerability
3. A dangerous phenomena c. Disaster risk
4. Degree or magnitude of a hazard d. Exposure

What Is It

Exposure and Vulnerability

The severity of disaster impact in all elements at risk should be
examined based on the type of hazards, its exposure, and levels of
vulnerability. Hazard that is present in the immediate environment should
be examined on how often and how big it is. Knowing the type of hazards,
you are exposed to means understanding your level of risk.

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 Exposure refers to the elements-at-risk from a natural or man-made
hazard event this includes: individuals’ dwellings or households and
communities; buildings and structures; public facilities and infrastructure
assets; agricultural commodities; environmental assets; and business
activity (Australian Government-Risk and Impact). Vulnerability is the state
of being capable of being harmed or damaged. How a community assessed
the hazard found in their immediate environment, their level of exposure and
how they act on it, could either increase or decrease their vulnerability to
disaster.
High
Low High
Exposure Vulnerability
to
Hazard Low Low High

Capacity to cope

Low High

Vulnerability is location specific and hazard specific, those who are living in coastal
area does not have the same level of vulnerability to those living in mountain area when
tsunami or storm surge occurs.

Types of Vulnerability
1. Human Vulnerability
Variability of responses of the affected population would vary from each sector of
society, if given the same level of exposure some people may die, some maybe injured while other
survived without a scratch. The most vulnerable are the very young and very old in the population
due to weaken immune systems.
2. Agricultural Vulnerability
Agricultural crops and animals are also vulnerable to extreme condition of the
environment. Assessment on the response of plants and animals to hazardous agents must
be given a serious consideration.
3. Structural Vulnerability
Structural design of building and housing construction must be governed by building
codes that is intended to safeguard the life of occupants.
4. Social Vulnerability
Vulnerability is considered also as situation specific, this is influenced on the ability of
the people to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster (Aksha, SK, et,al. 2018).

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Factors that affect vulnerability
Looking at the picture in the left, who are these
sectors of society represents to?

Do you think these sectors of society must be given

important consideration in assessing vulnerability?

Would these sectors of society affect the level of

community preparedness and the ability to manage
Illustration: Sectors of Society disaster effects?

In section 3 of RA No. 8425, it identifies the 14 disadvantage sectors in the Philippine

society and these were the following: farmer-peasant, artisanal fisher folk, workers in the
formal sector and migrant workers, workers in the informal sector, indigenous people and
cultural communities, women, differently abled-persons, senior citizens, victims of calamities
and disaster, youth and student, children, urban poor, cooperatives and non-government
organizations.
Different sectors of society have different levels of vulnerability to disasters, this
could be:
1. Demographic Factors
a. Population density. This pertains to the number of people living in an area, the denser
the population the it requires amount of disaster preparedness, government support
and relief operations in the event of disaster. (Population Density = Number of
people/Land Area)
b. Age and gender– youngest and oldest of the population are the most vulnerable
because of they lack the physical and mental strength to endure, escape, and survive
the disaster. At home, you have to consider the age group living in the house because
they require different kind of attention or assistance in case there will be unexpected
event that might harm your family.
c. Distribution of Population –Concentrations of vulnerable population that settles in
disadvantage locations is a factor that increases vulnerability. Settlement planning
and relocation activities must be considered by the government.
2. Socio-Economic Factors
a. Education- equipped with knowledge people would be able to know what to do during
calamities. Educating the people on basic life support, how to conduct first aid and
familiarity of the signs and symbols of hazard would lessen the vulnerability rate.
Population with higher rate of literacy will have higher rate of survival, sharing
knowledge would basically save lives.
b. Wealth – Disadvantage families /low-income populations is likely to have a hard time
doing preparations due to lack of financial capacity to buy basic necessities.
c. Nature of Society - understanding the area is a prime consideration in planning
disaster risk management. The kind of governance also may affect the efficiency of
addressing pressing disaster concerns. Centralized government structure like the
Philippines may have advantages and disadvantages, if carefully planned actions we
taken and efficient emergency response were acted immediately this will contribute
to the success rate, but however bureaucracy and lack of autonomous decision may
slow down the distribution relief goods and emergency response efforts in case of
emergency.
3. Community preparedness
a. Building Codes – following the set of regulations governing the design and
construction of structures must be seriously by government in issuing building
permits.
b. Scientific monitoring and early warning systems- Effective early warning system
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 devices must be provided to rural areas so dissemination of accurate information
before, during and after the calamity will be properly coordinated.
c. Communication networks- accessibility to communication networks allows
information to be quickly shared.
d. Emergency planning – this prepares a person or a group for an event and take actions
based on data.
4. Dealing with the after-effects
a. Insurance cover- protection against financial losses from catastrophic event is
one way of being prepared.
b. Emergency personnel- availability of trained personnel should be taken
into consideration ask part of disaster risk mitigation, reductions, and management.

c. Aid requests- humanitarian help from outside organization is important during

disaster. It should be fast and efficient otherwise this will not reach to those
affected by disaster.

What’s More
Essay
Instructions: Answer briefly the questions below. Write your answer in a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Explain why some certain sectors of society are more vulnerable to disaster than others.
2. What role does education have in reducing vulnerabilities to disaster?

Let’s promote awareness

Instructions: Create an illustration through a poster on how to raise awareness why are
some sectors vulnerable to disasters.
Guidelines: Long size bond paper, landscape orientation, coloring materials could be crayon
or oil pastels.
Criteria for rating: Originality = 40%, Concept = 30% , Color harmony = 15%, Visual Impact
=15%

What I Have Learned

Instruction: Complete the concept diagram by filling up the needed words to complete the
concept.

Disaster
HAZARD ____________ __________ risk

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 What I Can Do

Knowing my Barangay exposure to various hazards

Instructions: Recall and try to remember what possible hazards are found in the 3 barangay
clusters or sitio nearest to your residence. Copy the sample template and write your answer
in your answer sheet.
Information Sheet
Name of Barangay: ________________________________________________________
Barangay Chairman: ______________________________________________________
(at least 3 sitio’s nearest you)
Barangay clusters (sitio) nearest to you Common hazard profiled
1.
2.
3.

Where to ask help?

Instructions: List the contact number of the following nearest to your place.
1. Fire Department
2. ERUF
3. Police station
4. Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council
5. Nearest Hospital

Assessment

Instruction: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer and write
your answer in your answer sheet.

1. This refers to the characteristics and circumstances of a community, system or

asset that makes it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard.
A. Epidemic B. Hazard C. Pandemic D. Vulnerability

2. Poor families may live in slum areas because they cannot afford to live in safer
areas (expensive subdivision), this situation is an example of what type of
vulnerability?
A. Economic Vulnerability C. Social Vulnerability
B. Environmental Vulnerability D. Physical Vulnerability

3. High vulnerability and high hazard are associated with__.

A. Low disaster risk C. Medium disaster risk
B. No disaster D. High disaster risk

4. Which of the following is considered as socio-economic factors of vulnerability?

A. Wealth B. Population C. Aid request D. emergency planning

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5. If the population density of a place would increase this would also mean that
there is/are____.
A people are transferring to another area
B. people are settling in the area
C. less area is occupied by the people
D. less population is recorded in the area

6. All the following are demographic factors of vulnerability except____.

A. Wealth C. Age and gender
B. Population density D. Distribution of population

7. It refers to the degree to which the elements at risk are likely to experience
hazard events of different magnitude.
A. Disaster risk B. Exposure C. Hazard D. Vulnerability

8. Demographic: Population density; Community preparedness: _____________.

A. insurance cover B. education C. building codes D. wealth

9. Which of the following examples best describes physical vulnerability to disaster?

A. Urban poor build their houses along riverbanks and makes them exposed
to hazards.
B. Wooden homes is likely to collapse in an earthquake but are more
vulnerable to fire.
C. Educated and well-informed citizens are more likely to survive when
disaster strikes.
D. Deforestation of mountains due to illegal logging is mainly the cause of
landslides and mudflows.

10. Who are the so-called most vulnerable sectors of society to disasters?
A. They are politicians that govern the disaster management.
B. They are group of people in the community that extend assistance in times
of disaster.
C. They are community members composed professionals who belong to the
high level of society
D. They are the community members whose capacities are low and not
sufficient to withstand the adverse effects of disaster.

11. An agency that is mandated to mitigate disasters that may arise from
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other related
geotectonic phenomena.
A. DOST B. PHILVOCS C. PAGASA D. NDRRMC

12. The extent to which a community, structure, service, or geographic area is

likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of particular hazards is termed as ____.
A. Capacity B. Vulnerability C. Risk D. Hazard Assessment

13. The following are examples of capacity except___.

A. adequate income C. savings
B. local knowledge D. isolation

14. Community preparedness involves all these activities except___.

A. Building Codes C. Communication networks
B. Emergency planning D. Emergency personnel

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15. Statements below are examples of vulnerability as multi-dimensional in nature,
which of these statements does do not best describe vulnerability?
I. good governance
II. poor design and construction of buildings
III. lack of public information and awareness
IV. inadequate protection of assets
A. I B. II C. III D. IV

Additional Activities

What role will we take?

Instruction: Talk with your family and discussed what possible role each member would take
in case if a hazard would hit you and your family badly. Identify only one most prevalent
hazard found in your place.

Hazard Family Age Health Family Member’s

members Profile Condition Responsibility
1.

Congratulations!
You are done with module 3 for this quarter!
REFERENCES
Books:
-Calilung, Froilan Cruz. (2016). Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction (for Senior High School). Books
Atbp. Publishing Corp. Mandaluyong City.
- Quebral, Villamor S. Ed.D. (2016). Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction. Lorimar Publishing, Inc.
Quezon City
Online Sources:
- Republic Act. No. 10121. An act strengthening the Phillipine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
System.signed May 27, 2010. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2010/05/27/republic-act-no-10121/.
- Risk and Impact –Australian government.https://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/community-safety/risk-and-
impact
- Aksha, SK. , et.al. 2018. An Anlaysis of Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in Nepal Using a
Modified Social Vulnerability Index. Virginia Water Resiurces Research Center, Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13753-018-0192-7
- How natural disasters affect women.(wed 17, June 2009). https://www.iucn.org/content/how-natural-
disasters-affect-women
- National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2011‐2028.
http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/41/NDRRM_Plan_2011-2028.pdf
- Asian Disaster Preparedness Center 2012 Annual Rep.
https://www.adpc.net/igo/category/ID85/doc/2013-p63Vn0-ADPC-lity
InADPC_Annual_report_2012_Final_Print_Rev4.pdf
- Disasters Through a Different Lens.https://www.unisdr.org/files/20108_mediabook.pdf
- Post-traumatic stress disorder associated with natural and human-made disasters in the World Mental
Health Surveys. Bromet, EJ et.al. published online August 30, 2016.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5432967/
- How natural disasters affect women.(wed 17, June 2009). https://www.iucn.org/content/how-natural-
disasters-affect-women
- National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) 2011‐2028.
http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/41/NDRRM_Plan_2011-2028.pdf
- Asian Disaster Preparedness Center 2012 Annual Rep.
https://www.adpc.net/igo/category/ID85/doc/2013-p63Vn0-ADPC-lity
InADPC_Annual_report_2012_Final_Print_Rev4.pdf
- Disasters Through a Different Lens.https://www.unisdr.org/files/20108_mediabook.pdf
- Post-traumatic stress disorder associated with natural and human-made disasters in the World Mental
Health Surveys. Bromet, EJ et.al. published online August 30, 2016.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5432967/

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What’s more
Rubrics for rating
Criteria Excellent (5) Good Needs
(4) improvement (3)
Organization Articulate ideas in Articulate ideas Articulate ideas in
of thought highly organized in a well – a poorly organized
manner organized manner manner
Content Demonstrate a Demonstrate a Demonstrate too
clear analysis of vague analysis of little analysis of
the topic the topic the topic
Penmanship Writes legibly and Writes legibly and Writes legibly
with no smudges with no smudges with smudges and
and erasures and with few lot of erasures
erasures
What’s new
Matching Type
1.Disaster risk 3. Hazard
2.Vulnerability 4. Exposure
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Answer Key