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Dr. A.S.K. NAIR SCIENTIST-E2 Centre for Earth Science Studies, Akkulam, P.B.No:7250, Thiruvananthapuram-695 031. askearth2004@yahoo.com.sg
Disaster Preparedness
Pre-disaster Preparedness Post-disaster Preparedness
Efficient action at all levels to save lives Reduce sufferings & Minimize damage to property
Comprehensive Effort
Public Education on all types of disasters through awareness campaigns Provision for issuing early warnings Organization of People Disaster Management Training & Emergency food stock
a) Database
On various resources, skills, & services required for relief at short notice. It will have information on safety equipments, oxygen cylinders & various other equipments, skills and other information required to deal with emergency.
b) Logistics
One of the most difficult problems to be handled is the organization of supply chain for relief. This system could not be integrated with the GIS system so that supplies could be tracked right upto the village.
This needs to be done. Likewise, other elements of logistics need to be put in place.
c) Technological Needs
Whole range of technical questions regarding buildings, cutting concrete slabs, rescue and relief emerged which needed to be solved on the spot. The best practices have to be put in use.
d) Self Reliance
The community self-reliance, lot of aid led to excessive inventory at the household level leading to reduced incentives for work and self-help. Likewise, there were areas where communities came together to help each other. The lessons of community self-help need to be put together. A database of volunteers who can move at short notice will need to be developed.
e) Communication Infrastructure
This is a serious problem and has to be resolved once for all. It will require network of ham radios, use of All India Radio, Television Channels & setting up help lines, etc.
We will also have to create information dissemination system and develop mechanism for capacity building.
f) Emergency Preparedness
Drills will have to be organized to keep society prepared for dealing with such emergencies.
One will have to learn from the experience of other similar drills.
g) Forecasting
Wherever possible, disasters which can be anticipated over time or space need to be looked into.
For instance, buildings erected on land fill areas which were wetlands or low lying areas were more likely to get damaged, as was borne out by the recent evidence.
Disaster Preparedness
Knowledge and Preparation are the keys to survival in the event of a catastrophe.
A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days.
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately.
You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.
Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home. Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
A duffle bag.
Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles, etc. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store 10 Ls of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (30 Ls for drinking, 30 Ls for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno.
Antiseptic
Thermometer Tongue blades (2) Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Non-Prescription Drugs
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset) Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center) Laxative Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Tape
Compass Matches in a waterproof container Aluminum foil Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Special Items
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
For Baby*
Formula Diapers Bottles Powdered milk Medications
For Adults*
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs Denture needs
Entertainment
Games Books
Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months.
Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
ESCAPE PLAN
In a fire or other similar emergency, evacuate on a moments notice.
Develop an escape plan by drawing a floor plan of your residence
CAUTION!
Are you ready for a Flood/Flash Flood?
Are you ready for an Earthquake? Are you ready for a Hurricane?