The Perception of Disaster Preparedness Among Filipino Nursing Students

7/28/2019 The Perception of Disaster Preparedness Among Filipino Nursing Students

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Our Lady of Fatima University

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

For the past century, disasters have always been very alarming. Just by watching the news

telecast one could obtain news that are mostly related to different disasters. Philippines in disaster

belt: An average of 20 typhoons ravages the country, affecting millions of Filipinos and leaving a

trail of deaths, injuries and damage to property worth billions of pesos. The country also lies in

the Pacific Ring of Fire where 80% of earthquakes occur. At least 21 of the countrys 220

volcanoes are considered active and scattered all over the archipelago (Khor & Lim 2001). Living

in a vulnerable country could be a lot of trouble comprising natural disasters plus the man-made

disaster made possible by works of man.

Recently, the researchers experienced the one of the products of natural disasters,

notorious typhoon Ondoy. This tropical typhoon swept Manila and neighboring regions of Luzon

on September 26, 2008 with heavy rains causing flashfloods, landslides, submerging many parts

of these areas affecting 880,175 families, 4,320,699 persons, 1,902 barangays, 155 municipalities,

32 cities, and 25 provinces in 12 of 16 regions of the country with a total damage of Php10.5

billion in infrastructure and agriculture (Shawl, et al,. 2010). Although biologic, chemical, and

radiologic events are not every day events, they can occur at any facility (Brunner & Suddharth,

2010).

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These series of unfortunate events are most likely to happen in every part of the world and

they happen to give evidence of mass casualties, leaving us all dumbfounded at the cost of being

unprepared. To live in a disaster-prone area, preparedness is a must. Preparedness will enhance

student nurses to be ready with the unexpected disasters and will introduce them to be aware and

be equipped with proper knowledge and skills needed. It is believed that nurses who are prepared

and trained for disasters can play an important role and cope better when they occur (Fung, et al.,

2008). Moreover nurses are one of the community's most vital resources in dealing with

unforeseeable disasters; their preparedness and involvement in disaster management and after

care are crucial for the health and welfare of the community (Fung, et al., 2008). Being prepared

can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Communities, families, and

individuals should know what to do in the event of a disaster (Purpura, 2007).

A disaster is any event that leads to a response beyond which the affected community can

deal with locally. Disasters like emergencies, can be man-made or natural. Natural disasters often

strike without warning, though most areas know what it is normal for their areas and prepare

for such occurrences. There are some man-made disasters that occur and can occur with some

warning, such as knowing that the dam is weak and, without proper mitigation, it will break

releasing a flood. However, the most serious man-made disaster are the result of unexpected

accidents or deliberate acts of terrorism (Adelman & Legg 2008).

All the more so as in disaster terms the world gets worse, not better. The spread of

conflicts, often based on ethnic tensions, leads to increasing flows of refugees and displaced

persons. The past few years have seen almost every type of natural disaster somewhere in the

world, devastating communities, killing thousands and leaving millions even more vulnerable to

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the next disaster (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 1993).

The researchers country, according to Khor & Lim (2001) ,the Philippines is said to be a

disaster-prone country and that an average of 20 typhoons ravages the country, affecting millions

of Filipinos and leaving trail of deaths, injuries and damage to property worth billions of pesos.

An example of which is the typhoon Ondoy that according to Shawl et. al. (2010) typhoon Ondoy

has swept manila and neighboring regions of Luzon on September 26, 2008 with heavy rains

causing flash floods, landslides, submerging many parts of these areas affecting 880,175 families,

4,320,699 persons, 1,902 barangays, 155 municipalities, 32 cities, and 25 provinces in 12 of 16

regions of the country with total damage of 10.5 billion in infrastructure and agriculture.

Preparedness for disaster is critical for households, business, and communities but many

remain unprepared. As recent disasters serve to highlight the need for individual responsibility,

local coordination, and continuity plans to ensure the ability to respond to and recover from major

events, the federal government has prioritized national preparedness as a goal without developing

a system to achieve and maintain it.

According to Purpura (2007) Nurses are one of the communitys most vital resources in

dealing with unforeseeable disasters; their preparedness and involvement in disaster management

and after care are crucial for the health and welfare of the community.

Nurses are often called upon to provide aid and care during a variety of disaster events,

including war environments, complex emergencies with displaced populations, large-scale

disasters that disrupt the normal variety of health care to the community, nurses utilize their

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unique skills, abilities, and understanding the community to the betterment of the population by

striving to deliver highest attainable level of care that adverse circumstances allow (Daily &

Powers 2010).

Nowadays, leave the Filipinos results such as traumatic experiences, lost of lives and

properties due to unawareness and unpreparedness. Surely, researches related to disaster

preparedness will become useful in enhancing preparation and handling times of disaster,

especially student nurses who ought to become competent nurses someday.

Hence, the study on Disaster Preparedness and Concerns among Filipino Student Nurses:

Culled from Self Made Brochures is conducted to determine their level of preparedness in

attending to different conditions regarding disaster.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to determine the disaster preparedness among Fatima student nurses.

Qualitatively, this study seeks to answer the central question: What characterizes the disaster

concerns of the students as evident on their brochures?

Quantitatively, what are the common icons and pictures related to disaster management

utilized by the students in conceptualizing their brochure?

Significance of the Study

The outcomes of the study will directly and/or indirectly affect the following:

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Student Nurses. This research can help student nurses to improve their skills when it comes in

handling emergency situation that may lead to flexibility, calm under duress, and strong

preparation skills.

Nurses. The study can give a big help to the nurses as care provider to enhance their knowledge

regarding on disaster preparations. Also, it can help them in developing more new strategies on

how to dwell on a certain emergency situation.

Clinical Instructors and Lecturers. The outcome of this study may help the health educators to

assess the limitation of the student when it comes in facing a disaster. It will also help them to

enhance their knowledge and skills in disaster preparation.

Educational Institutions. The study may assist the institution to monitor the health team is able

to promote the disaster preparedness in the society. Through that they can compensate what is

lacking with the health team.

Society. Community, as the recipient of nursing care, will benefit in this study due to the skills

preparation that the health team provide in them. They will be able to survive in times of the

calamity through the skills and knowledge they learn.

Further Studies. The study can aid future student nurse researchers about Disaster Preparedness

to be more equipped. The outcome of the research will present a new connection with the

investigated variables with which increase the promotion of disaster preparedness.

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Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study is limited in assessing the perception of Filipino Nursing Students on their

preparation during disasters. Students from Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will serve as

the corpus of data. The study is a qualitative research approach, the researchers will gather one

hundred twenty (120) Nursing Students enrolled in onr University in Metro Manila, School Year

2011 2012 (New Curriculum).

Primary Data is limited from the answers of the participants based on the self made

questionnaire of the researchers. The researchers will conduct the study this December, 2011 to

January, 2012 data will be gathered through survey questionnaires by using the standardized tool.

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CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Disaster Preparedness

The frequency of natural disasters, the individuals affected by them, the economic costs

associated with loss have been steadily increasing over years (Veenema, 2006). Disaster affects

the health status of a community in the following ways: It causes premature deaths, illness and

injury. The affected community generally exceeding the capacity of the local health care system.

It may destroy local health care infrastructure. That will therefore be unable to responds to the

emergency. It can cause environmental imbalances, due to the increasing risk for communicable

disease and environmental hazards. Psychological, emotional, and social well-being of the

population will be affected. It is depending on the nature of the disaster. (2) Lack of food

resources will be present and can lead to malnutrition. Refugees will start a mass movement

creating a burden on other health care systems and the community (Veenema, 2007).

The past few years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of large-scale

disaster events and the ubiquitous threat of weapons of mass destruction. These events have

heightened recognition of the role of the nurse in disaster management and response. Enhanced

capacity to respond to disasters and other public health emergencies will require a nursing work-

force that is clinically experienced and possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to respond

with confidence and authority (Veenema, 2007).

Disasters have been integral parts of the human experience since the beginning of time,

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causing premature death, impaired quality of life, and altered health status. The risk for disaster is

ubiquitous .The recent dramatic increase in natural disasters, their intensity, the number of people

affected by them, and the human, and economic losses associated with this events have placed an

imperative on planning for disaster preparedness (Veenema, 2007).

Disaster affects community and their populations in different ways. Damage and collapsed

building are evidence of physical destruction. A substantial percentage of the population may be

rendered homeless and force to relocate temporarily or permanently (Veenema, 2007).

Disasters damage and destroy business and industry, agriculture and economic foundation

of the community. The health effects of the disasters may be extensive and broad in their

distribution across the populations. In addition to causing illness and injury, disaster disrupts

access to primary care and preventive services. Depending on the nature and location of the

disaster, its effects on short- and long- term health of a population may be difficult to measure

(Veenema, 2007).

Disaster affects the health status of a community in the following ways: It causes

premature deaths, illness and injury. The affected community generally exceeding the capacity of

the local health care system. It may destroy local health care infrastructure. That will therefore be

unable to responds to the emergency. It can cause environmental imbalances, due to the

increasing risk for communicable disease and environmental hazards. Psychological, emotional,

and social well-being of the population will be affected. It is depending on the nature of the

disaster.

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College students may soon be required to attend a 25-hour course on disaster preparedness

and national security before selecting the National Service Training Program (NSTP) component

they will enroll in. Its other components are the Civic Welfare Training Service, which

encourages students to participate in developmental programs, and the Literacy Training Service,

which trains students to become teachers of school children and other sectors that need

educational training. The 25-hour module is relevant as it would make students knowledgeable

about disaster response measures. The NSTP replaced the mandatory Reserve Officers Training

Corps (ROTC), making it just one of the three programs open to students. The mandatory ROTC

program was abolished in 2002 after President Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9163, which

established the NSTP (Romero, 2010).

Natural Disaster Reduction: National Response and International Cooperation.

The Pacific Rim is not only a community of the fastest growing and most dynamic nations

in the world. It is also the area exposed to a wide range of natural disaster. The Philippines

archipelago, located near the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, is in the direct path of seasonal

typhoons and monsoon rains which bring floods, storms, storm surges, and their attendant

landslides and other forms of devastation. The Philippines also sits on the "ring of fire" where the

continental plates collide and thus experience periodic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The

Philippine exposure to natural disasters may be characterized as frequent, varied, and severe; a

combination which has made the country particularly attentive to disaster reduction (Capistrano,

2011).

Data shows an upturned of disasters as the decade of the 90's loomed. Impact of which

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exact tremendous toll on lives and properties, notwithstanding rollback gains in the economy out

of proportion. Coinciding with the inception year of the IDNDR, the Philippines was hit by a 7.8

magnitude earthquake on July 15, 1990 killing 1,283 people and leaving three (3) cities in Luzon:

Cabanatuan City, Dagupan City and Baguio City devastated at about P12.2 Billion estimated

damages. In the same year, eight (8) strong typhoons hit the county, claiming 670 lives but

registered at P12.8 Billion high in damages. Not to be outdone, 1991 was the year when Mount

Pinatubo erupted after 400 years of slumber where 850 people died. Dubbed as a disaster of

global magnitude, it altered climatic conditions worldwide, and continues to reconfigure the

terrain and landscape of the central plain of Luzon through the flows of lahar (Lahar I, and )

brought about by the eruption. The geological changes caused by this volcanic eruption continues

to bring disasters I Central Luzon with every rainy season. Cities of Olongapo and Angeles,

where Clark Air Base and Subic Bay economic zones situated were greatly affected. On the other

hand, though the smaller in damages amounting to P1 Billion, the tragic Ormoc City flashfloods

left 5,101 people dead. So short a time, and with thin forest cover to serve as breakers, rain water

brought about by tropical storm "Uring" gushed downstream, washed out and drown city folks

into the sea. Destructive typhoon, crossed the country, thirteen (13) in 1993 with 794 people dead

and estimated P20 Billion damages. Again, in 1995, nine (9) of them killed 1,204 and destroyed

P15 Billion worth of damages. Floods and landslides have also hit the country. In 1995, floods

and landslides affected the islands of Mindanao and Negros (Capistrano, 2011).

The recent destructive natural phenomena that afflicted the Philippines 1998, is the impact

of the El Nio Phenomenon. Around 985,000 families have suffered from starvation due to the

severe lack of water affecting mostly farmers which subsequently reduced their income unable to

purchase food at the household level in critical areas. In the first half of the 90's, natural disasters

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have hit the country with destructive force. This recent experience has made the Philippines

society and government extremely sensitive to the challenge of disaster reduction (Capistrano,

2011).

The Philippine response towards disaster reduction has been progressively developed and

grown more extensive with every disaster the country has encountered. This report presents the

many dimensions of this purpose in terms of four key aspects, namely: the institutional

infrastructure for disaster management; the legal framework for disaster prevention and response;

the national disaster management program; and the response of disasters by the civil society

(Capistrano, 2011).

It is not an understatement to say that the total capacity of the Philippine government and

society is the real foundation of national disaster management. The design of the institutional

infrastructure for disaster management assumes that the country and its component communities

will mobilize all its available institutions to protect lives and property and ensure collective

survival in the face of natural disasters. Thus the basic Philippine law on disaster management,

Presidential Decree (PD) 1566, promulgated in 1978, provides for the organization of multi-

sectoral disaster coordinating councils at every level of government, from the national level to the

barangay (or village) level. Thorough these disaster coordinating councils, which are able to link

with all relevant government agencies and civic organizations, Philippine communities mobilize

resources and capabilities needed to manage disasters (Capistrano, 2011).

The disaster coordinating council approach enables the country to utilize all available

means for disaster response, means that are ordinarily used for military and police missions,

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public service or commercial purposes, but may be rapidly converted into disaster reduction

capabilities. It also allows for routine cooperation, sharing of resources, and dissemination of

information during periods of extreme stress and emergencies. At the same time, the disaster

management co-ordination approach provides for dedicated technical capabilities for specialized

disaster management services as well as confuting attention to disaster preparedness. At

whatever scale of disaster, whether national, regional, provincial, municipal, village, or any levels

in between, an appropriate disaster coordinating council is established, organized and trained to

respond. The National Disaster Coordinating Council or NDCC, is the policy-making and

coordinating body for disasters management at the national level. It directs all disaster

preparedness planning, as well as disaster response operations and rehabilitation, both in the

public as well as private sectors. It advises the President on matters related to natural calamities

and disasters, including recommendations for the declaration of a state of calamity in disaster-

affected areas. It is composed of the heads of fourteen national ministries, the Chief of Staff of the

Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Secretary-General of the Philippine National Red Cross, and

the Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense. The Defense Minister, or Secretary of National

Defense, serves as the Chairman of the NDCC, with the Civil Defense Administrator as

Executive Officer (Capistrano, 2011).

Each of the administrative regional of the country, including the autonomous regions, a

regional coordinating council performs similar functions as NDCC for the regions. Equivalent

officials of various agencies at regional level serve in these councils which are headed by regional

chairmen designated by the President. In each local government of the province, city or

municipality, the local disaster coordinating council is headed by the elected chief executive, such

as the governor or mayor. In these local disaster coordinating councils, local as well as central

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government agencies operating at the local level cooperate with civic and non-government

organizations under the leadership of the highest elected local official. Thus, disaster management

is imbedded deeply into the democratic of governance of the Philippines (Capistrano, 2011).

According to Capistrano (2011) a set of laws and regulations have established the

standards and safeguards essential for preventing damage and death due to disasters. The most

important laws include PD 957 or The Subdivision Law, which regulate land developments for

housing and commercial use; PD 1096 or The Building Code, which prescribes all pertinent

requirements and standards for building structures; PD 1151 or The Environmental Policy Law,

which protect natural endowments that serve as protection from erosion, strong winds and floods;

PD 1185 or the Fire Code, which provided for fire prevention and protection measures; PD 1515

or the Watersheds Law, which provided for the preservation of natural watersheds and allowances

for public easement in seas, rivers and lakes.

These laws and many others related to assuring the safety of life and properties as well as

the protection natural buffers against disasters have been established. Occasionally, some failures

in compliance have occurred. But by and large, these laws and their proper implementation have

succeeded in providing a reasonable degree of protection to people and property in the event of

disasters. Despite typhoons earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and floods, the vast majority of man-

made structures and communities have withstood the ravages of these disasters largely because of

the prudent application of these laws (Capistrano, 2011).

The Philippine disaster management program has a broad scope covering disaster

preparedness, organization and training, construction of disaster reduction facilities, disaster

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response and rehabilitation, public information, and research and development. (Capistrano,.

2011) The Organization and training are continuing disaster preparedness tasks which are

performed by the various disaster coordinating councils. Over the past few years, various

emergency services necessary during disasters have been developed in all the regions and

provinces. Designated organizations have been oriented in their various roles in disaster

management. Local chief executives, particularly those elected to their posts for the first time,

have been provided training on disaster management to equip them to effectively lead their local

disaster coordinating councils. Specialized skills in search and rescue, evacuation, disaster

medicine, vulnerability analysis, damage assessment and (1) first-aid have been widely

undertaken. In 1995 alone, 159 training sessions on various aspects of disasters management have

been conducted an over the country (Capistrano, 2011).

The Philippines conducted 103 drills were conducted in 1998 alone. Other disaster

preparedness measures have also been undertaken such as disaster drills and exercises, and the

establishment of disaster management operations centers. Disaster management operations

centers have been established with capabilities for a wide range of emergency services which

include rescue, evacuation, and emergency housing and relief services (Capistrano, 2011).

The Philippines has also devoted considerable resources to the construction and provision

of disaster reduction facilities such as river dikes and sea walls, as well as non-structural

measures like warning systems for typhoons, floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruption and lahar flows.

Flood control projects and watershed management projects, in addition to the broader

reforestation effort, are all geared to mitigate the worst effects of natural disasters. (Capistrano,.

2011). In the event of disasters, plans and capabilities prepared beforehand are activated. The

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improved quality of planning, coordination and high state of preparedness have been responsible

for rapid and comprehensive disaster response capabilities in various areas of the country.

Volunteer workers with proper training, and reaction teams with proper equipment and skills have

been invaluable in the disasters response effort. They have complemented the professionals in the

various military and civil agencies of government as well as those in the private sector. In

addition, the communications and warning capabilities of the government have also been

augmented by the media organizations and the corporate communication capabilities of large

Philippine enterprises. Together these resources have provided which are the essential safety

margins during disasters of uncertain and unexpected destructive force (Capistrano, 2011).

The Public information before, during and after disasters is an important aspect of disaster

management in the Philippines. Both through training and public education campaigns the

disaster coordinating councils maintain and enhance public awareness of disaster reduction.

Manuals and bulletins provided to media professionals help keep disaster preparedness in the

public agenda. Special events like civil defense day, fire prevention month, disaster consciousness

week, and the day for the international decade for natural disaster reduction help to mobilize civic

consciousness (Capistrano, 2011).

The knowledge base of disaster management remains inadequate, the Philippines has also

included research and development in disaster reduction techniques as part of its national disaster

management program. Current priorities in this area include meteorological and hydrological

disaster researches being conducted by the Philippine weather bureau (PAGASA) such as the

tropical cyclone research on typhoon movement prediction, typhoon surface structure research,

typhoon formation and intensification research and meteorological and hydrological hazard

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assessment. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is also

conducting studies on the seismicity of Luzon and Visayas islands as well as the volcanic hazards

of Mindanao island (Capistrano, 2011).

Disaster response in the Philippines is truly a multi-sectoral and mass-based endeavor. A

major contingent to the disaster management structure is composed of civic organizations, non

government organizations, people's organizations, and all forms of religious and social voluntary

groupings. Partly because of their democratic political experience, the high public awareness of

the destructiveness of disasters, and partly because the institutional framework for disaster

management has encouraged it, popular participation of the Filipino people in disaster response is

very broad, sustained, enthusiastic, organized and ultimately decisive (Capistrano, 2011).

Private organizations have filled gaps in the government response as well as augmented

strained official capacities. These include services such as medical care, search and rescue,

emergency housing and feeding, and many other needs. Initiatives in resource mobilization have

allowed the country to tap aid from unaffected areas to flow to affected areas. Many social

institutions like the Church, the schools, the media, and professional associations have become

channels for popular participation in disaster management (Capistrano, 2011).

This broad response of the civil society provided the Philippine disaster response with a

depth and strength gained only from the cruel lessons of recent disasters. This may be an

important silver lining to the dark clouds of disaster which had threatened the nation (Capistrano,

2011).

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The NDCC through the Office of Civil Defense has taken new directions in the field of

disaster reduction. This is in accordance with the thrust of the new NDCC Chairman, Defense

Secretary Orlando S. Mercado for excellence in disaster prevention and control shall implement

developmental and impact programs in four major areas, namely: (1) emergency management; (2)

vulnerability reduction and risk management; (3) human resource development, and (4) advocacy

for civil protection (Capistrano, 2011).

Along these framework of action that the NDCC has been pursuing program component

and impact activities in partnership with the non-government organizations and the local disaster

coordinating councils (LDCCs), to wit: Brigada Kontra Baha. This is a concerted multisectoral

initiative to declog critical esteros and waterways, drainage system and tributaries floods and to

mitigate their effects on the people and communities. Initially, this project has been launched in

key cities of Metro Manila, Cebu City and Davao City to be sustained by the local residents

through advocacy and community mobilization. Oplan Bangun Mindanao. Around 985,000

families have suffered from situation in Southern and Central Mindanao due to the impact of the

El Nio Phenomenon. In response, the government launched this coherent and integrated

multisectoral rehabilitation program for El Nio-affected areas. It has five strategies: (1)

generating livelihood and household income, (2) enhancing health and nutrition services, (3)

protecting vulnerable communities from the anticipated impact of La Nia, (4) agricultural

development and modernization, (5) reinforcement of DCCs. Laban La Nia. With the anticipated

impact of La Nia Phenomenon, War Plans of vulnerable regions and communities were being

formulated and simulated in pilot areas. This contingency plan has four (4) major components: (1)

hazard and risk maps for flood/lahar, (2) communities and lifelines at risk, (3) capacity and

vulnerability assessment, and (4) strategic interventions. Linis Bayan Program. As embodied m

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Administrative Order No. 32 by the President of the Philippines, this is the institutionalization of

a nationwide clean-up campaign to encourage the promotion and practice of cleanliness in all

government offices, schools, communities and homes aimed at declogging of critical esteros,

elimination of mosquito larvae (kiti-kiti) and breeding sites, and cleaning of offices, schools,

public grounds and roads, among others (Capistrano, 2011).

While the Philippines has largely relied on its own resources to manage the disasters it had

encountered, it has also benefited from tremendous international, and particularly Asian,

cooperation in this field. The similarity in the types and severity of disaster exposure shared by

Asian countries make cooperation among them particularly useful and important. For the

Philippines, this cooperation has contributed to the rapid development of national and local

disaster management capabilities (Capistrano, 2011).

In terms of strengthening the disaster-reduction organization and capabilities, the

Philippines had benefited from international cooperation in the development of the flood

forecasting and warning systems for three Luzon River Basins; namely the Agno, Bicol and

Cagayan river basins; and the installation of the lahar warning and monitoring systems at the Mt.

Pinatubo and Mt. Mayon areas (Capistrano, 2011).

In terms of transfer of technology and training in disaster reduction, the Philippines has

benefited from international cooperation in such examples as training of Filipino experts in Japan

on disaster prevention technology and administration, improving cyclone warning response, and a

seismic engineering; in Thailand on disaster management at the Asian Disaster Preparedness

Center, and in Australia on radiological emergencies (Capistrano, 2011).

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In terms of increasing awareness in disaster reduction, the Philippines has participated in

such international conferences as the 1994 world conference on IDNDR; ASEAN experts

meeting on disaster management; sessions of the Typhoon Committee (Capistrano, 2011).

In terms of sharing relevant information, the Philippines has developed its own disaster

information system; participated in networks for sharing weather satellite images and data

communications to access UN-DHA and other international disaster organizations (Capistrano,

2011).

In terms of receipt of disaster relief assistance, the Philippines has benefited from the

generosity and kindness of many governments and nations. The extent of this foreign assistance is

such that the Philippines has developed and implemented guidelines for the smooth and

expeditious handling and receipt of food, clothing, medicines and equipment donated by foreign

governments and civic organizations for disaster relief and rehabilitation. The Office of the

President serves as the primary conduit for all these donations to be channelled to the affected

communities (Capistrano, 2011).

The illustrative examples cited point to the catalyzing role of international cooperations. It

brings new and added capabilities which may not have been fully developed yet in the country.

And it also increases the benefits of sharing so that the benefactor as well as the recipient gain

something from their cooperations. While international cooperations in disasters reduction has

been extensive and gratifying thus far, there could be other areas of possible improvements in this

filed of international cooperation (Capistrano, 2011).

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From the perspective of the Philippine disaster management experience, there are a

number of areas which offer good prospects for international cooperation in disaster reduction.

Strengthening collapsed building rescue capabilities: This specific area of disaster management is

a priority area of the Philippines because of its high exposure to earthquake risks. While a

Philippine task force trained and equipped for collapsed building rescue currently exists, its

capabilities need to be strengthened and broadened in terms of advanced specialized training,

equipage and more exposure to varied real-life rescue operations. Developing a national center

for disaster research and training: In the light of the frequency, variety and severity of disasters in

the Philippines, the government has seen the need for a specialized technical center for training

and research in various aspects of disaster management. This center can specialize in those areas

of concern to the Philippines and may be linked with other similar centers abroad (Capistrano,

2011).

The mobilizing information technologies for disaster management: A broad class of

information technologies such as geographic information systems, database management systems

and other rapid analysis and presentation systems are currently available and useful for disaster

management. The hardware, software and model uses of such technologies that can be made

available to Philippine disaster management organizations will provide a tremendous boost its

disaster preparedness and disaster reduction endeavors (Capistrano, 2011).

The Systematic disaster capabilities planning: Current knowledge about the nature of

disaster risks in various communities and areas of the Philippine could be matched by a set of

appropriate disaster management capabilities that may need to be developed In those areas or

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communities. This could serve as the basis for upgrading current disaster preparedness plans.

Such a systematic effort could be undertaken with international cooperation and a special support

program so that a better matching of risks and capabilities is achieved (Capistrano, 2011).

These are just a few of the current priorities of Philippine disaster management authorities

for possible international cooperation. Filipinos have learned that disasters do happen, but their

destructive force can be mitigated with good planning, prompt action, and constant preparation.

International cooperation and support has helped improve Philippine response in all these fronts.

It is hoped that such cooperation will continue to be satisfying to all its participants, and that all

nations gain by helping each other (Capistrano, 2011).

Disaster nursing involves a systematic application of knowledge and skills specific to

disaster situations as well as implementation of activities that minimize health hazards and life

threatening damage caused by disasters (Veenema, 2007).

The work of disaster nursing is performed in collaboration with many other specialized

disciplines, yet concepts fundamental to all of nursing practice assist with disaster preparedness

and response and include a focus on prevention, treatment, caring, advocacy, and education.

Nurses need to be present at the disaster preparedness planning tables examining and creating

policies and procedures for disaster response (Cox & Briggs, 2004).

Man-made Disasters

Man-made or natural disasters are occurring more frequently in the United States and

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around the world. It is important that all nurses in all specialties be prepared to care for people

affected by disasters. This article reports a descriptive study that sought to explore nursing

students' perceptions about disaster nursing and to use the findings to suggest recommendations

for building the discipline of disaster nursing. Results of this study indicate that nursing students

had the following gaps of knowledge regarding disaster nursing: (1) an incomplete definition of

disaster nursing; (2) lack of recognition about the importance of knowing community resources,

having mock disaster drills, and utilizing disaster planning models; and (3) lack of perception that

all nurses could play a significant role in disaster situations. The authors recommend that disaster

nursing be taught by nursing faculty as a specialty in nursing programs (Jennings-Sanders, Frisch

and Wing, 2005).

Despite considerable effort and expenditure on public hazard education, levels of disaster

preparedness remain low. By integrating and expanding on natural hazards and health research on

protective behaviour, this paper proposes a social cognitive model of disaster preparedness. The

model describes a developmental process that commences with factors that motivate people to

prepare, progresses through the formation of intentions, and culminates in decisions to prepare.

Following their critical appraisal, variables implicated at each stage are identified and their role in

the preparedness process described. The implications of the model for the conceptualization and

assessment of preparedness is discussed, as is its implications for risk reduction and

communication strategies (Paton, 2003).

The NDCC is the highest policy-making and coordinating body for disaster management

in the country. It directs all disaster preparedness planning, as well as disaster response operations

and rehabilitation, both in the public as well as private sectors. It advises the President on matters

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related to natural calamities and disasters, including recommendations for the declaration of a

state of calamity in disaster-affected areas. It is composed of the heads of fourteen national

ministries, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Secretary-General of the

Philippine National Red Cross, and the Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (Palacio,

2007).

The NDCC through the Office of Civil Defense has taken new directions in the field of

disaster reduction. This is in accordance with the thrust of the new NDCC Chairman, Defense

Secretary Orlando S. Mercado for excellence in disaster prevention and control shall implement

developmental and impact programs in four major areas, namely: (1) emergency management; (2)

vulnerability reduction and risk management; (3) human resource development, and (4) advocacy

for civil protection (Palacio, 2007).

Along these framework of action that the NDCC has been pursuing program component

and impact activities in partnership with the non-government organizations and the local disaster

coordinating councils (LDCCs), to wit (Palacio, 2007).

The promulgation of PD 1566 in 1978 created the National Disaster Coordinating Council

(NDCC) which provided for the Strengthening of the Philippine Disaster Control Capability and

Establishing a Community Disaster Preparedness Program Nationwide. The NDCC is the

highest policy-making and coordinating body for disaster management in the country. It is

chaired by the Secretary of National Defense with 14 Department Secretaries, the Chief of Staff,

AFP, and the Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency as members. The

Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense is the NDCC Executive Officer and the OCD serves

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as the secretariat and executive arm of the NDCC. As further provided for by PD 1566, a National

Calamities and Disaster Preparedness Plan (NCDPP) has been developed by the OCD which

defines the functions of each NDCC member agency and provides the planning guidance for

disaster management activities in the country. The NDCC does not have an annual budget

allocation but it operates through the member-agencies and the local disaster coordinating

councils (DCCs). The membership of the local DCCs (17 regional, 80 provincial, 117 city and

1496 municipal DCCs) replicates that of the NDCC at the national level. The NDCC Technical

Working Group chaired by the OCD Administrator and NDCC Executive Officer meets regularly

to discuss and resolve disaster management issues, which include policy review and formulation

(Palacio, 2007).

In 2002, a comprehensive disaster management framework was developed by the NDCC

to serve as a guide of all DCCs in pursuing disaster management activities in the four phases of

disaster management - Mitigation and Preparedness phases in the pre-disaster stage, and

Response and Recovery and Rehabilitation phases in the post-disaster stage. To make this

framework functionally operational, the NDCC Technical Working Group was organized into

national committees on preparedness, response, and recovery and rehabilitation. Each committee

is organization-led: Preparedness by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);

Response by the-Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Rehabilitation by the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); and, Mitigation by the Department

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The overarching objectives of these committees

are to review existing policies, plans and activities and come up with operational strategies that

will cover the countrys needs in each disaster phase. The operational strategies that will be

formulated in each of the disaster phase shall serve as the national strategy for preparedness,

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response, rehabilitation and mitigation. The formulation of functional national strategies remains

a challenge for the National Committees (Palacio, 2007).

Public Information Campaign on Disaster Preparedness - Development and

implementation of a strategic communications plan to increase awareness of the public on natural

hazards and communicate effectively preparedness measures that can be undertaken by the

community in case these hazards translate into emergencies (Palacio, 2007).

Capacity Building for Local Government Units in Identified Vulnerable Areas - Provide

technical assistance to local government units of identified vulnerable communities in

formulating and developing programs particularly in the area of mitigation and preparedness

(Palacio, 2007).

Mechanisms for Government and Private Sector Partnership in Relief and Rehabilitation -

To come up with a mechanism that will promote of government private sector-community

participation synergy, and improve coordination to achieve a seamless interface of local and

national interventions through effective logistics management, information management and

redundant communications systems (Palacio, 2007).

Rainfall and water level gauges have been installed in the provinces of Surigao del Norte

and Surigao del Sur in eastern Mindanao; Quezon and Aurora provinces in mid-eastern Luzon;

and, Southern Leyte in eastern Visayas. These provinces are some of the 27 identified disaster-

prone provinces lying along the countrys eastern seaboard. The installation of these rain gauges

significantly boosted local capacities in monitoring rainfall and providing accurate early warning

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information to threatened communities (Palacio, 2007).

The regular conduct of nationwide synchronized Building Emergency Evacuation Plan

(B.E.E.P.) drills, Tsunami Drills, and Earthquake Drills has substantially increased awareness of

communities, including the various sectors of society (Palacio, 2007).

The airing of Safe Ka Ba? (are you safe?) public awareness program and the Disaster

Management School-on-Air has reached the consciousness of the general public. The increasing

trend and momentum on awareness needs to be sustained and complemented by other programs

focusing on other aspects of preparedness. The organization of the Private Sector Disaster

Management Network (PSDMN) composed of private organizations, INGOs and NGOs was a

positive step forward. This network can make available rapid technical assessment capacities

when the need arises utilizing expertise of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, the

Philippine Mines Safety and Environmental Association, and the PHK9 SAR, among others

(Palacio, 2007).

Vulnerability Assessment remains an ongoing concern. While initiatives, in partnership

with the UNDP and AusAid, have been started to undertake comprehensive risk and vulnerability

assessments of priority areas, a lot of work remains to be done to comprehensively cover the

entire country. This would require substantial resources to complete (Palacio, 2007).

As an initial step to address these issues, the NDCC is implementing a five-year (2006-

2010) Hazards Mapping and Assessment for Effective Community-Based Disaster Risk

Management (dubbed as READY) in partnership with UNDP and AusAid. This project aims to

institutionalize and standardize DRM measures and processes at the national level as well

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empower the most vulnerable local municipalities and cities in the country. This project is an

offshoot of the REINA Project in Quezon province which covered three municipalities (Real,

Infanta and Nakar) that were affected by a destructive flashflood (Palacio, 2007).

The READY Project targets 27 high risk provinces and has three main components,

namely: Multi-hazard Identification and Disaster Risk Assessment: Development of multi-hazard

mapping for landslide, flood, earthquake, storm surge, and other related hazards (Palacio, 2007).

Community-based Disaster Preparedness: Development of Information and Education

Campaign strategies and materials for specific target groups and Installation of Community-

Based Early Warning Systems (rain/tide/water level gauges and landslide/tsunami signages)

(Palacio, 2007).

Mainstreaming/Institutionalization of Risk Reduction into the Local Development

Planning Process: Building a platform for efficient donor coordination to facilitate mobilization

of resources (financial, capability upgrade, and technical expertise) (Palacio, 2007).

The READY Project has initially accomplished the installation of community based

early warning system (CBEWS), rain gauges, water level gauges, tide gauges; improvised bells

made from empty LPG tanks (batingaws) and tsunami and landslide signages. The CBEWS

dry-run for floods and tsunami was also conducted in Surigao del Sur. Multi-hazards mapping are

ongoing.

Planning has always been a work-in-progress kind of activity. Efforts are now underway

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in mainstreaming disaster management into the development planning processes at different

levels of governance. Capacity-building in the area of contingency planning is an ongoing

process. The key challenge that remains is in coming up with functional contingency plans at the

lower levels of governance where ownership of the process have been clearly established on the

part of the communities (Palacio, 2007).

The institutional framework has been in place through the DCC network as provided for

by the countrys disaster management law, PD1566. Most recent disasters such as the last quarter

typhoons of 2006 indicated that horizontal coordination at various levels is in place and applied

most of the time. Vertical coordination however needs to be improved in both pre- and post-

disaster situations (Palacio, 2007).

On the resource base, stockpiling in particular, the DSWD1 maintains a stockpile of 5,000

and 1,000 family packs at the national and regional levels, respectively. Each family pack

consists of food and non-food items worth P300. Non-food commodities include clothing for a

family of 5-6 members, blanket, toiletries, sleeping mats, kitchen wares and utensils. DSWD

support mechanisms include, among others, a MOA with NFA for the withdrawal of rice during

emergency relief operations and standby funds amounting to P300,000 at the Regional Offices

subject for replenishment should the need arises. Stockpiling of relief commodities is mandated

at barangay, municipal, city and provincial levels. Evacuation of residents, opening of evacuation

centers and LGUs request for augmentation of relief supplies are the triggers for emergency

distribution of relief supplies (Palacio, 2007).

The NDCC, being a collegial body, does not have a regular budget to disburse. However,

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a portion of the annual national budget is set aside as National Calamity Fund (NCF) which is

appropriated for aid, relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and other works and services in

connection with calamities which may occur during the budget year or those that occurred within

the past two years from the budget year. To support the initial phase of disaster response

operations of NDCC response agencies, a Quick Response Fund is appropriated from the NCF. In

addition to the NCF, Republic Act 8185 mandates local government units to set aside 5% of its

Internal Revenue Allotment as Local Calamity Fund (LCF), which can be tapped for disaster-

management related programs and activities (Palacio, 2007).

However, during emergency relief operations, emergency procurement, warehousing and

transport of relief supplies become a challenge. These reflect the need to improve institutional

arrangements at the regional and provincial level in establishing common warehouse facilities for

bulk deliveries and transport of much needed supplies to remote areas such as island provinces

and municipalities (Palacio, 2007).

Getting the right package of assistance to the right people at the right time is also a key

issue. This has been recognized in past major disasters such as the 2004 Flashfloods in Quezon

and the last quarter typhoons of 2006. This may be due to the lack of a functional database at the

provincial and municipal level that will reflect the most vulnerable groups or listing of poorest of

the poor families that would need assistance the most. Tracking and monitoring donations is even

a greater challenge. Some donations go straight to the communities while some donations go

straight to the LGUs or NGOs without any getting through the DCC channel (Palacio, 2007).

One of the main challenges in alerting and disseminating information to the right audience

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at the right time using multiple channels of communication lies on spurring communities into

action as a result of an early warning information such as alerts or advisories. In some instances,

advisories issued are ignored by communities for a variety of reasons-information are not well-

understood because of technical terms; people disseminating it are perceived as not credible; and,

messages are not culturally sensitive. To ensure that people act accordingly following an

advisory, the concept of risk communication needs to be integrated into the early warning systems

at all levels. There is likewise a parallel need to orient local officials and the community in

identifying existing risks in their localities, develop early warning systems to redundant channels

of information dissemination and how to respond effectively (Palacio, 2007).

On response mechanisms, the Office of Civil Defense operates and maintains the NDCC

Operations Center (NDCC OPCEN). It is a 24/7 facility that provides and disseminates disaster

response and population preparedness guidelines and facilitates effective management of the

consequences of potential, ongoing and past disasters or emergency situations that require

interventions of national agencies in order to minimize adverse effects of disasters on lives and

properties by employing adequately supported, continuously trained and highly-motivated

competent people backed-up by adequate equipment, stable systems and sound procedures. It is

also the facility that links with international response systems like the United Nations Disaster

Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) System, the International Search and Rescue Advisory

Group (INSARAG), the virtual onsite operations and coordination center (OSOCC), and other

arrangements within the ASEAN region during situations where international response has been

requested (Palacio, 2007).

During disaster situations, the NDCC OPCEN is activated into an Emergency Operations

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Center (EOC) - which requires all NDCC member agencies with disaster response mandates to

send focal persons to the facility for the duration of the activation to speed up coordination and

information management functions. This NDCC facility is the center for coordination, resource

mobilization and main information hub during emergencies (Palacio, 2007).

The core functions of the NDCC OPCEN are: 1) alert and monitoring; 2) multiagency

operational coordination, 3) response resource mobilization, 4) information management; and, 5)

program coordination for operations centers capability upgrade. The main challenge for an EOC

especially at the regional and provincial level is to maintain its 24/7 operations after the impact of

disasters (Palacio, 2007).

On public education and training, the ADPC2, in partnership with concerned NDCC

member-agencies and with the support from the DIPECHO, is spearheading the Priority

Implementation Project on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into the Education

Sector. The objectives of the project are to develop DRM modules for integration into the

secondary school curriculum and to undertake research on the impact of disasters to the education

sector. The Department of Education (DepEd) takes the lead in implementing the said project.

Parallel to this, a Memorandum of Agreement was also signed by DepEd and nine partner

agencies and private organizations to formalize their involvement in the five-year project Disaster

Preparedness through Educational Multi-Media which is aimed at instilling in the minds of the

youth, parents and community a culture of preparedness. Through this project, DepEd shall

distribute copies of educational multi-media disaster preparedness instructional materials

covering both human-made and natural hazards (Palacio, 2007).

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Since October 1998, the ADPC, in collaboration with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

Department (MDFRD) and the Office of United States Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of

USAID, implemented a 5-year agenda called Program for Enhancement of Emergency Response

(PEER) Phase 1 to improve the performance of Medical First Responders (MFR) and Collapsed

Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) personnel and agencies in the countries of India, Nepal,

Indonesia and Philippines. PEER Phase 2 implements activities in Philippines under the

coordinating authority of the NDCC which has a Memorandum of Understanding with the

National Society for Earthquake Technology - Nepal. All NDCC member-agencies with search

and rescue and medical first response mandates are de facto partner agencies of PEER. The

designated training institutions for MFR and CSSR Courses are the Fire National Training

Institute (FNTI) and Amity Public Safety Academy (APSA). On the other hand, the designated

training institution for Hospital Preparedness for Emergencies (HOPE) is the Department of

Health. The NDCC oversees the implementation of activities of these institutions (Palacio, 2007).

Apart from earthquake drills, fire drills and evacuation drills, the NDCC has carried out

communication preparedness exercises involving its 17 regional centers. An Asia-Pacific

earthquake simulation exercise was held in January 2004 in the country jointly organized by the

NDCC and the INSARAG where about eight international USAR3 teams and 10 local response

teams participated (Palacio, 2007).

Mobilizing needed resources and bringing them to the most-in-need in the most

expeditious manner is the key challenge in emergency preparedness planning in terms of resource

mobilization. Mobilization procedures, protocols, standards and SOPs are being reviewed, tested

and updated (Palacio, 2007).

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In the event that the countrys resources are overwhelmed by the evolving needs of the

post-disaster situation, or should the President approves the acceptance of offers of assistance

from international humanitarian community and foreign governments, the NDCC follows the

International Humanitarian Assistance Network (IHAN) procedures which define the

responsibilities of government agencies concerned aimed at establishing an efficient system, with

clearly defined procedures and arrangements for the entry and processing of international relief

teams. Complementing this is the draft Standard Operating Procedures for Regional Standby

Arrangements (SASOP), a mechanism under the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management

and Emergency Response (AADMER). The SASOP provides the guide for deploying and

mobilizing assets from the assisting entity to the points of borders of the requesting party in the

ASEAN Region (Palacio, 2007).

At the country level, the NDCC is pushing for the creation of the NDCC Preparedness

Center that will cater to the capacity-building needs of the country, including systems that ensure

these capacities cascade to the community level.

Much remains to be done but the growing awareness of the population and various sectors

of society on the need to invest more on mitigation and preparedness than on response is gaining

ground. The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) has provided a clear framework of what

countries need to focus on to achieve the HFAs objective of making communities resilient to

disasters by 2015. Looking at the future, a lot of cross-fertilization of experiences, best practices,

and capacity-building approaches will take place. Many actors will jump into the bandwagon and

additional challenges will emerge, including preserving national standards for capacity-building

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priorities. Nevertheless, the road ahead has been paved and the direction has been set (Palacio,

2007).

Arson

Most of these fires could have been prevented. Deaths due to arson are particularly

avoidable. Following these simple tips can boost survival dramatically. For example, having a

working smoke detector more than doubles your chances of surviving a fire. Be aware that arson

is murder by fire. It injures people, destroys homes and destabilizes neighborhoods. Ask law

enforcement and fire authorities to identify buildings at risk for arson. Monitor run-down and

vacant buildings. Report any suspicious activity. Keep boxes, trash, wood and other combustibles

away from buildings. In case of arson, seconds count. Make sure everyone in the family knows

two ways to escape from their home. Buy a collapsible ladder for escape from upper-story

windows. Have a flashlight by your bed to help you see and whistle to alert your family.

Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department. Install a smoke detector on every level

of your home and check the batteries every month. Never open doors that are hot to touch.

Practice feeling your way out of your home with your eyes closed. Teach your family to stop,

drop to the ground and roll if their clothes catch fire. Designate a meeting place outside and take

attendance (The Disaster Handbook, 1998 National Edition).

Terrorism

Devastating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the

Pentagon, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States

and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing

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stress levels. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce

the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory

action can reassure you and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face

of such events. In the age of terrorist attacks, that advice isn't just for children. Law enforcement

officials, raising the threat level Friday, handed it out to parents in particular. A little advance

planning, they say, could protect families and property if an attack knocks out access to home,

food and money. 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 (Purpura, 2007).

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the

criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists

often use threats to: create fear among the public, try to convince citizens that their government is

powerless to prevent terrorism, and get immediate publicity for their causes. Acts of terrorism

include threats of terrorism; assassinations; kidnappings; hijackings; bomb scares and bombings;

cyber attacks (computer-based); and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological

weapons (Purpura, 2007).

High-risk targets for acts of terrorism include military and civilian government facilities,

international airports, large cities, and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large

public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, terrorists are

capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the

mail (Purpura, 2007).

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Within the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire, and

other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would

prepare for other crisis events (Purpura, 2007).

The following are general guidelines: be aware of your surroundings; move or leave if you

feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right: Take precautions when traveling. Be

aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave

luggage unattended. You should promptly report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended

packages, and strange devices to the police or security personnel; Learn where emergency exits

are located in buildings you frequent. Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency; Be

prepared to do without services you normally depend onelectricity, telephone, natural gas,

gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs, and Internet transactions; Work with building owners to

ensure the following items are located on each floor of the building: Portable, battery-operated

radio and extra batteries; several flashlights and extra batteries; first aid kit and manual; hard hats

and dust masks; fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas (Federal Emergency Management

Agency and the American Red Cross, 2011).

Three-Day Supplies

Households should have on hand three days worth of water and food; an emergency

supply kit for both home and automobile; radios with extra batteries; and plastic sheeting and duct

tape to seal windows and doors. (Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red

Cross, 2011).

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CDC recommends that people make an emergency plan that includes a disaster supply kit.

This kit should include enough water, dried and canned food, and emergency supplies

(flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, prescription medicines, matchbox, and a digital

thermometer) to last at least 3 days. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than

candles, gas lanterns, or torches (National Center for Environmental Health, 2011).

Earthquake

Indoors: Stay inside; drop, cover, and hold on! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe

place. Take cover under and hold onto a piece of heavy furniture or stand against an inside wall.

Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows and

doors; never take an elevator; if you are in bed, hold on, stay there, protect your head with a

pillow (Earthquake: Survival and Preparedness, 2011).

Outdoors: Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines; and drop to the

ground until the shaking stops. In A Car: Slow down and drive to a clear place; turn on

emergency flashers on and slow to a stop. Do not stop on overpasses, underpasses, or bridges. Be

careful of overhead hazards such as power lines or falling building debris; turn off the ignition

and set the parking brake; stay inside the car until the shaking stops (Earthquake: Survival and

Preparedness, 2011).

Earthquakes are unpredictable events of nature. They may be slight tremors, which are

hardly felt by anyone, or great events of destruction, which can cause the death of hundreds of

people. As a result of the potential threat that this natural event has on the lives of people across

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the world it is most important that we are prepared to survive during this unpredictable event

(Earthquake: Survival and Preparedness, 2011).

Schools house up to hundreds of students each day and, as such, the threat of an

earthquake is very great. It is most important that schools undertake regular earthquake drills,

which will help to familiarize both students and staff to the ways in which to survive during an

earthquake. The following are the recognized procedures by which an earthquake drill is planned

and undertaken in schools (Earthquake: Survival and Preparedness, 2011).

Volcanic Eruption

There is usually plenty of warning that a volcano is preparing to erupt. Scientists monitor

the Cascade range volcanoes as well as those in Hawaii and Alaska for information to help

predict volcanic events. Many communities close to volcanoes now have volcano warning

systems to alert citizens. But, if you live anywhere in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho,

Utah, and possibly Wyoming and Nevada you may be affected by an eruption in the Cascade

range. Taking a few precautions now won't cost much and are a good idea to do anyway: Keep 3

extra air filters and oil filters on hand for your vehicle. Keep 3 extra filters for your home

heating/cooling system. Keep a roll of plastic wrap and packing tape so you can wrap and protect

computers, electronics, and appliances from ash. Store emergency food and water in your home.

Find out if your community has a warning system and know the warning signs. Create an

evacuation plan. It is best to head for high ground away from the eruption to protect against flood

danger. Define an out-of-town contact for all family members to reach to check in. Besides your

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family emergency kit, have disposable breathing masks and goggles for each family member.

During an Eruption

Much like a tsunami, a volcano is usually a sudden, explosive disaster requiring

immediate evacuation to a safer location. The rock debris, pyroclastic flows, and floods will make

the area around the volcano dangerous to anyone that stays. The lower valleys will be most

dangerous: Follow the directions of authorities; take your family emergency kit and evacuate;

evacuate to an area upwind rather than downwind if possible. When evacuating, if you are in a

valley, or close to a stream, or crossing a bridge, check upstream for mudflows. A mud flow is

extremely heavy and can destroy a bridge quickly. Take a different route or get to high ground

quickly - mudflows can be extremely fast too. If you are unable to evacuate, seek shelter indoors

if possible. Close all windows and doors to keep ash out. Seal up drafts. Do what you can to keep

ash out. Seek higher ground - flash floods, mud, and poisonous gasses will accumulate in low-

lying areas. Put on long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and hat. Wear a dust mask or wetted

handkerchief to help filter ash. Leave your vehicles turned off until the eruption has ended and the

dust can settle. Ash destroyed many vehicle engines during the Mount St. Helens eruption.

After an Eruption

There is still danger after an eruption even if there is no flowing lava. The fact is, it may

take years for the environment to recover from the changes caused by the volcano. And, ongoing

tremors and further eruptions may make the area uninhabitable for a long time. In the short-term,

recovery and clean-up includes:

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Stay inside and listen for volcano information on your radio or tv. Minimize your

movements and keep all windows and doors closed. Keep your skin covered with long pants,

long-sleeved shirt and hat to avoid irritation from ash. If you have to go outside, where a dust

mask and eye goggles. Drive slowly and carefully with your lights on - the ash is slippery and

stirring it up will clog your engine. If you do any driving in the ash, there is a good chance you

will destroy your engine. Change your oil and air filters after 100 miles at the most when driving

through heavy dust. Remove ash from your roof if you are concerned about its weight. More than

3 or 4 inches may be too much. Spray your yard with your water hose to dampen the ash. This

helps keep it from blowing around more. Use as little water as possible. Check with your

neighbors to see what help they need. Shake off and remove your outdoor clothes in your garage

before going inside. Use your vacuum to dust - dustrags will act like sandpaper rubbing the ash

around. Check in with your emergency contact to let them know your status and plan. Check with

authorities on guidelines for ash removal and disposal. Volcanic dangers include not only an

eruption of a mountain and associated lava flows, but also ash fall and debris flows. If you are

near a mountain range, be familiar with the following.

Before a volcanic eruption: Plan ahead. Have emergency supplies, food and water stored; plan

an evacuation route away from rivers or streams that may carry mud or debris flow; keep a

battery-operated radio available at all times.

If there is an eruption predicted, monitor the radio or TV for evacuation information. Follow

the advice given by authorities (American Red Cross, FEMA, SF Fire Department, SF Chronicle,

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2011).

Hydrological Disaster

Check to make sure that all flashlights and radios are working and purchase additional

batteries. Make sure that you purchase adequate rain gear for the family, such as raincoats and

rubber boots. Stock up non-perishable foods and emergency supplies by creating a Flood Survival

Kit. Here are a few items you should remember to keep handy (The Carribean Disaster

Emergency Management Agency, 2011).

Are you living in a place where its often visited by typhoons? If you are living in

Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Aurora, Quezon Province,

Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes you definitely practice over a long time how to cope up with this

menace. If during typhoon dodong visit you got difficulty coping up with the stormy winds and

heavy rainfall. This article will serve as a defense to the upcoming Typhoon Egay and any

possible typhoons that will visit our country. But its not really the rainy days and typhoons that

we should worry if we are prepared enough as best as we can. Read the following tips here that

serve as basic guide for you: Storage of Food Supplies. Buy a sufficient supply of food and clean

water and knowledge and Information. Dont panic. Listen to the news about the arrival of

typhoon to you area. Take note of the maximum wind, the location of the eye of the typhoon and

signal warning. List down all the emergency numbers and full charged your cell phones (Rural

Areas Typhoon Preparedness Tips, 2010).

Health Disasters

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Endemic

The best way to reduce mosquitoes is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her

eggs, like artificial containers that hold water in and around the home. Outdoors, clean water

containers like pet and animal watering containers, flower planter dishes or cover water storage

barrels. Look for standing water indoors such as in vases with fresh flowers and clean at least

once a week. The adult mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes, during the day

and at night when the lights are on. To protect yourself, use repellent on your skin while indoors

or out. When possible, wear long sleeves and pants for additional protection. Also, make sure

window and door screens are secure and without holes. If available, use air-conditioning (Centers

for disease control and prevention, 2011).

Pandemic

In each emergency situation, the lead agency for health is responsible for preparation for

and response to a sharp increase in the numbers of cases of disease. To prepare for such an

eventuality, it is essential that: a surveillance system is put in place to ensure early warning of an

increase in the incidence or numbers of cases of diseases; an outbreak response plan is written for

the disease covering the resources, skills and activities required; standard treatment protocols

for the disease are available to all health facilities and agencies and that clinical workers are

trained; stockpiles of essential treatment supplies (medication and material) and laboratory

sampling kits are available for the priority diseases, such as oral rehydration salts, intravenous

fluids, vaccination material, tents, transport media and water purification supplies; a competent

laboratory is identified for confirmation of cases; sources of relevant vaccines are identified in the

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The Perception of Disaster Preparedness Among Filipino Nursing Students

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