Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction 6. Which of the following is the main objective in creating DRRM?

I. building a resilient community

Quarter 4 – Week 6-8 II. increasing the risk of disaster
III. proposing law and policies to prevent disaster
1. Disaster Risk Reduction IV. increasing the number of community ready for disaster
7. Which of the following is an important practice that is being implemented not
This lesson is intended to help you understand the key concepts of disaster only in schools but also in community for awareness and to save lives and
risk reduction, importance and its key principles. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is properties?
the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through analysis and I. drills B. seminars C. training D. workshops
management of the causal factors of disasters.
8. Which of the following are the two post event elements of disaster risk
This consists of the following learning competencies. reduction?
1. Discuss the key concepts and principles and elements of DRR; I. adaptation and response C. preparedness and prevention
(DRR11/12-IIg-h-42), and II. mitigation and recovery D. Recovery and response
2. Recognize the importance of DRR on one’s life. (DRR11/12-IIg-h-43) 9. A pre-event disaster risk element which is the outright avoidance of adverse
Pre-Test impacts of hazards is called _______________.
I. adaptation B. mitigation C. preparedness D. prevention
Multiple Choice. Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the 10. Which of the following is the correct sequence of pre-event elements of disaster
chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
risk reduction?
1. Which of the following refers to concept and practice of reducing disaster risk I. Preparedness II. Prevention III. Adaptation IV. Mitigation
through analysis and management of the casual factors of disaster? A. I, II, III, IV B. II, IV, III, I C. III, II, I, IV D. IV, III, II, I
A. disaster C. disaster risk reduction 11. It is a post event disaster risk element wherein the provision or emergency
B. disaster impacts D. disaster prevention and mitigation services and public assistance during or immediately after a disaster.
2. It is often described as a result of the combination of several things; exposure A. adaptation B. mitigation C. recovery D. response
to hazard and condition of vulnerability and insufficient capacity measures. 12. Which of the following examples relate to “dangerous thing’?
I. disaster B. exposure C. hazard D. Vulnerability A. earthquake B. convention C. rallies D. team building
3. Which of the following is not part of the negative consequences of a disaster? 13. Which of the following is the KEY element to avoid confusion in an
I. disease B. drought C. economic growth D. loss of life organization for disaster risk reduction awareness?
4. All of the following show effect of practice of reducing disaster risk reduction A. coordination with each member
EXCEPT__________. B. daily reporting of accomplishments
I. destruction of assets C. proper monitoring and supervision
II. improved preparedness for adverse events D. proper planning and harmonizing messages
III. lessening of vulnerability of people and assets 14. What would be the BEST possible consequence when the disaster risk
IV. effective management of land and the environment organization has clear and simple risk communication?
5. Which of the following Republic Act (RA) provides a comprehensive, all hazard, A. environmental degradation
multi-sectoral, inter-agency, and community-based approach to disaster risk B. reduction on the number of affected families
management? C. less disaster will affect the community
I. RA 10121 B. RA 11012 C. RA 20121 D. RA 20220 D. increase confidence in acting to make them safer

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15. Which of the following reasons explains why DRR is important during and
after emergencies?
I. DRR approach helps us consider our emergency response activities.
II. It enables us to design or adjust our activities so that people and
communities become safer.
III. It expands enabling conditions for sustainable poverty alleviation and
development.
IV. It gives negative effects on human, physical, mental and social
well-being.
A. I and II B. I, II, III C. II and IV D. II, III, IV
A.
A. Concepts of Disaster Risk Reduction
In our previous discussions, we highlighted important terms and how they
are described in most situations. Let us recall those important lessons we had
about disasters.
Disaster - a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society
involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and
impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to
cope using its own resources.
Disasters are often described as a result of the combination of several things: the
exposure to a hazard; the conditions of vulnerability that are present; and
insufficient capacity or measures to reduce or cope with the potential negative
consequences.
Disaster impacts may include loss of life, injury, disease and other negative
effects on human, physical, mental and social well-being, together with
damage to property, destruction of assets, loss of services, social and
economic disruption and environmental degradation.
The word “risk” has two connotations: in general usage the
RISK emphasis is usually placed on the concept of chance or
possibility on an event and its negative consequence, such as
in “the risk of an accident”; whereas in technical settings the
emphasis is usually placed on the consequences, in terms of
“potential losses” for some particular cause, place and period.
The term disaster risk therefore refers to the potential (not
actual) disaster losses, in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets
and services, which could occur in a particular community or
society over some specified future time period.
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HAZARD Defined as a “dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity
or condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health
impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social
and economic disruption, or environmental damage”.
Hazards can be single, sequential or combined in their origin and
effects. Each hazard is characterized by its location,
intensity, probability and likely frequency.
The hazards of concern to disaster risk reduction are hazards that
arise from a variety of geological, meteorological, hydrological,
oceanic, biological, and technological sources, sometimes acting
in combination.
Defined as the characteristics and circumstances of a community,
VULNERABILITY
system or asset that make it susceptible to the damaging effects
of a hazard.
Vulnerability is a set of prevailing or consequential conditions
arising from various physical, social, economic and
environmental factors which increase the susceptibility of a
community to the impact of hazards.
Vulnerability also comprises various physical, social, economic,
political and environmental factors that affect the ability of
communities to respond to events.
CAPACITY Defined as the combination of all the strengths, attributes and
resources available within a community, society or organization
that can be used to achieve agreed goals.
Capacity may include infrastructure and physical means,
institutions, societal coping abilities, as well as human knowledge,
skills and collective attributes such as social relationships,
leadership and management.
It is important to differentiate hazard from disaster. The phrase “natural
disaster” which is widely used often causes confusion and has been the subject of
debates.
“Strictly speaking there are no such things as natural disasters, but
there are natural hazards. A disaster is the result of a hazard’s impact on society.
So, the effects of a disaster are determined by the extent of a community’s
vulnerability to the hazard (conversely, its ability, or capacity to cope with it). This
vulnerability is not natural, but the result of an entire range of constantly changing
physical, social, economic, cultural, political and even psychological factors that
shape people’s lives and create the environments in which they live.” Twigg (2001).
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 Interaction between Risk, Hazard, Vulnerability and Capacity Hazards do Activity 1 Fill ME In!
not necessarily constitute disaster. Disasters are usually described in terms of the Direction: Fill in the box with the correct letter/s being described in each item.
effects which a hazard has on lives, property, environment and the cost of recovery Write your answer in your answer sheet.
or rehabilitation.

Disaster Risk or Risk can be

mathematically described as the product
of the combination of three elements that
were discussed: hazard, vulnerability
and capacity, and it given by the formula.

Hazards will always be present; therefore, disaster reduction strategies primarily

include vulnerability and risk assessment.

The following are some factors that can affect the vulnerability of a community:
1. Political factors
I. A community’s vulnerability can be linked to political will and commitment to
developmental concerns
II. Lack of access to resources, infrastructure, basic services and information can
increase vulnerability
2. Economic factors
I. Poverty has the single most important influence to vulnerability
II. Economic status also relates to the capacity of a community to cope and recover
from adverse effects
III. Poverty eradication and creation of sustainable livelihoods are essential part of
disaster risk reduction
3. Physical factors
I. Access to suitable land, proper housing design, building materials and accessibility
of emergency services
II. Poor physical environment exposes people to hazards such as landslides, floods,
fires, wind, disease and epidemics.
4. Social factors
I. Level of education, training, safety and security, information and awareness, cultural
beliefs, traditional values contribute to social wellbeing
II. Lack of awareness and access to information can result in increase of vulnerability
5. Environmental factors
I. Scarcity of resources in a community can reduce the coping solutions and recovery
from a disaster.
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What is It
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is a term used for reducing and preventing disaster
risks. It is founded on the principle that while hazards are inevitable, its adverse
effects like lost lives and/or destruction of property are not. There are steps that we
can do to ensure reduction of risks. DRR actions can be political, technical, social
and economic.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is the concept and practice of reducing disaster
risks through analysis and management of the causal factors of disasters.
It leads to:
❖ reduced exposure to hazards
❖ lessening of vulnerability of people and assets
❖ effective management of land and the environment
❖ improved preparedness for adverse events
2. DRRM policies, laws, and regulations can save lives if properly and
strictly implemented in the community. Action is the key component of
DRRM. Policies, laws, and regulations are useless if it is not properly
implemented. Earthquake drills, fire drills, lock-up drills are very important not
only in schools but also in the community because the community is the front
liner of DRRM. The ultimate purpose of DRRM is to save lives and properties.
3. The main objective of DRRM is to build a resilient community. If community
members are well prepared and equipped with sufficient knowledge, the impact
of disaster can be lessened (Rimando, R. E. 2015).
Key components of DRR and Management

Disaster risk reduction usually requires long-term planning across sectors and
must be integrated into general national and regional development strategies. DRR
strategies usually begin with plans for assessing the:
(a) Hazards and risks that threaten the target area,
(b) Extent of harm that would occur to communities and infrastructure,
(c) Vulnerable people’s capacities to cope with and recover from possible
disasters (Ochoa, 2018).

B. Key Principles of DRRM

The key principles of DRR justify why certain changes have to be made and
explain the urgency of creating a DRRM plan. Key principles should be able to make
people realize why disaster plans must be a priority in every community especially
those that are vulnerable to hazards. All DRRM are created on the following
premises:

1. Development can either increase or decrease disaster risk.

When development takes place, disaster risk is always a threat but it can be
avoided if localities have effective and functional disaster prevention and
mitigation plans.

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Elements of Disaster Risk Reduction Some Activities under the Elements of DRRR

Source: Ochoa, Carmela. Concepts, Principles, and Relevance of Disaster Risk Reduction.
Accessed on January 25, 2018. Retrieved from https://carmelaochea.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/conceptsprinciples-and-
relevance-of-disaster-risk-reduction/

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Activity 2: What’s the Sequence? Preventive measures by the Philippine government

Direction: Arrange the sequence of the elements of Disaster Risk Reduction The Philippine government is taking several steps to control the spread
from pre-event to post event by writing the element on the proper box provided. of the virus, including travel restrictions, closure of schools and colleges, as
well as training schools of the Philippines National Police. Educational
institutes in the country are announced to be closed from 09 March to 15
1 MITIGATION 2 3 March, whereas in Metro Manila the classes will be suspended until 12 April.
Stringent social distancing measures will be in place in the National
Capital
Region (NCR) for 30 days from 15 March.
RESPONSE 4 The government announced earlier on 2 February 2020 that all persons
except Filipino citizens and permanent resident visa holders were temporarily
barred from entering the country. A temporary ban on Filipinos from travelling
What I Can Do to China or its special administrative region was also imposed. A mandatory
14-day quarantine for Filipinos returning to from China or its special
Activity 3: “We are Ready” administrative region was announced.
Direction: Write the elements of DRR and opposite them are the activities observed or has Further, visa upon arrival for Chinese nationals has been temporarily
been practiced in your own barangay. Write at least ONE activity for each element. suspended.
Elements of DRR Activities An adviser to the President of Philippines as advised that the government
should move to a barangay-based quarantine system after the lock-down on
Luzon ends to save the economy. He noted that employees involved in
production will not be required to carry passes or IDs and security checkpoints
should be removed to enable cargo to move freely.
https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/coronavirus-affected-countries-philippines-
measures-impacttourism-economy/

Preventive measures:
1
C. Importance of DRRR on one’s Life 2
3
Awareness is the most important component of education; however,
disaster risk reduction is at its most effective and valuable state when it invests on 4
individuals and communities to become important actors in disaster reduction 5
strategies. Education is the key to this empowerment.
Disaster Risk Reduction: Why is it important?
What’s New Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) education is crucial for all communities
Activity 1: “Preventive Measures” living in disaster prone areas. Asia Pacific Region, where Philippines is located,
Direction: Enumerate the steps conducted in the given situation below, list down is considered as the most disaster-prone region in the world, facing numerous
the preventive measures being implemented. hazards, from severe flooding to storms to volcanic eruptions to tsunamis and
earthquakes.

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 https://projectchild.ngo/blog/2017/01/23/the-importance-of-drr-education-
empowering-communities-tomitigate-natural-hazards/
A disaster risk reduction assists us to consider our emergency response
activities in light of existing and new disaster risks. This enables us to design or
adjust our activities so that people and communities become safer and more
disaster-resilient, as well as safeguarding efforts to create and expand enabling
conditions for sustainable poverty alleviation and development.
Building resilience: Is the main importance of disaster risk reduction. Disaster
risk reduction is vital for building a more equitable and sustainable future.
Making investments in prevention and preparedness, including through civil
defense exercises, is a necessary part of systematic efforts to increase resilience
to disaster.
Five priorities identified for action are:
1) to ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority;
2) to identify, assess, and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning
systems;
3) to use knowledge, innovation, and education to build a culture of safety
and resilience at all levels;
4) to reduce the underlying risk factors; and
5) to strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response and recovery at
all levels, from the local to the national.
Responsibility for disaster risk management does not lie with disaster
managers alone. It is rather a concern for everyone - from citizens who must be
empowered to make decisions which reduce risk, to political leaders, government
institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and
scientific and technical institutions. (Clark, Helen 2012)
https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourperspective/ourperspectivearticles/2012/08/15/buildingr
esilience-the-importance-of-disaster-risk-reduction.html
Risk communication must be clear and simple. In our current times, to
communicate risks effectively with populations, communities, families and
individuals is essential for everyone to be better prepared when disaster and crisis
hit. This is a challenging task, as normally people don’t want to hear about
“dangerous things”. Some are afraid of even thinking about the possibility of an
earthquake, a tropical cyclone, floods, landslides, tsunamis or even the most
common household hazards, such as fire, hitting their homes.
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Every organization and government engaged in disaster risk reduction awareness
must plan and communicate harmonized messages – a key element to avoid
confusion. As a consequence, we increase people’s confidence in acting to make
themselves safer. It starts with one individual, a family, neighbors, the whole
community, a city, a country and even the whole region.
From a development perspective, therefore, disaster risk reduction is vital for
building a more equitable and sustainable future. Making investments in prevention
and preparedness, including through civil defense exercises, is a necessary part of
systematic efforts to increase resilience to disaster.
Why disaster risk reduction is important during and after emergencies:
➢ A disaster risk reduction approach helps us consider our emergency response
activities in light of existing and new disaster risks. This enables us to design
or adjust our activities so that people and communities become safer and
more disaster-resilient, as well as safeguarding efforts to create and expand
enabling conditions for sustainable poverty alleviation and development.
➢ DRR approaches and tools will prevent relief work from rebuilding the
vulnerabilities that made people prone to similar disasters. DRR provides
valuable insights into the underlying factors of vulnerability to hazards and the
features of those hazards. It helps us identify and map local capacities to cope
with these DRR hazards. Ultimately, the DRR approach helps us conduct
effective disaster response while reducing risks that similar disaster will
reoccur. It also ensures that our emergency response does no harm by replacing
or reinstating critical vulnerabilities.
https://www.careemergencytoolkit.org/topics-issues/34-drr/1-introduction/1-4-why-disaster-risk-
reduction-isimportant-during-and-after-emergencies/
What I Can Do
Activity 2: “E-say Mo”
Direction: Write an essay with the title “DRR’s Importance in my Life”. (The
essay must not exceed to 10 sentences but not less than 5 sentences in a
paragraph)
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