Catanduanes State University

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

VIirac, Catanduanes

NCM 121 (SKILLS LAB)

BSN 4A - GROUP IV
SACRIS, Francis Joseph
SACRIS, Franco Joseph
TERRAZOLA, Arjay
SARMIENTO, Melany Kyle M.
SARMIENTO, Sheena B.
SOLERO, Reizebel Faye
TABANG, Rosemarie
TABIRARA, Alizta Quie Nicole R.
TABIRARA, Quinie

1. What is pre-impact disaster means?

In this phase there is adequate time to investigate options, devise measures to prevent or lessen
disasters, and instruct communities on the procedures. This phase involves strategic planners and
leaders. They'll make the necessary large-scale decisions and policy modifications to alter people's
risk perceptions.
Prevention and Mitigation
Disaster risk reduction entails activities that either minimize or change the scope and intensity of
the hazard, or improve the conditions of those who are at risk. Although the term "prevention" is
frequently used to encompass a wide range of efforts to protect people and property, its use is
 discouraged because it implies that natural catastrophes can be avoided. As a result, it is preferable
to use the term reduction to indicate protective or preventive efforts that reduce the scale of impact.
All steps made to lessen both the consequences of the hazard and the vulnerable conditions to it in
order to reduce the scope of a future disaster are referred to as mitigation. Mitigation should try to
reduce physical, economic, and social susceptibility to threats, as well as the underlying reasons of
this vulnerability, in addition to these physical measures. As a result, mitigation may include
concerns such as property ownership, tenancy rights, wealth inequality, and the application of
earthquake-resistant building rules, among others.

Preparedness
This leads us to the crucial topic of catastrophe preparedness. The procedure includes steps that
help governments, communities, and individuals to respond quickly and efficiently to crisis events.
The development of feasible emergency plans, the construction of warning systems, the
management of inventories, public awareness and education, and personnel training are all
examples of preparedness. It could also include search and rescue operations as well as evacuation
strategies for places that are "at risk" of a repeat tragedy. All preparedness planning must be
backed up by suitable laws and regulations, as well as a clear division of responsibilities and
financial resources.

Early Warning
This is the process of keeping an eye on the situation in communities or locations that are known to
be vulnerable to slow-onset hazards and informing those who are in danger of the impending
danger. Warnings must be linked to mass education and training of the population so that they
know what to do when they are alerted.

2. What is the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)?
The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat (UNISDR) of the United Nations
(UN) was founded in 1999 as the successor of the International Decade for Natural Disaster
Reduction Secretariat. The United Nations Office for the Prevention of Disasters (UNISDR) is in
charge of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The UN General Assembly has given
UNISDR the formal mandate of serving as the focal point for disaster reduction coordination
within the UN system, as well as ensuring synergies between UN disaster reduction activities and
regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields. UNISDR is under
the leadership and oversight of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster
Risk Reduction, who reports to the UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs.
UNISDR is a separate entity from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs. UNISDR and its activities are funded wholly by extra-budgetary resources through the
trust fund for disaster reduction. It has an annual estimated budget of US$27 million in 2010
managed by a worldwide staff of about 80. Its secretariat is in Geneva, with a liaison office in New
York. The mandate and strategies of UNISDR are aligned to some degree with all five strategic
goals of Australia's aid program: saving lives; promoting opportunities for all; sustainable
economic development; effective governance; and humanitarian aid and disaster response. The
UNISDR Strategic Framework is underpinned by a theory of change in which the reduction of
disaster risk is essential to sustainable development, and where a risk-informed development path
is key to the successful management of disaster risks. According to UNISDR disasters are defined
as "a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society at any scale due to hazardous
events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability, and capacity, resulting in one or more
of the following losses and impacts: human, material, economic, and environmental."

3. What is the HYOGO Framework for Action on Disaster Reduction?

 The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) was created as a comprehensive, action-oriented
response to international concern about the escalating impacts of catastrophes on persons,
communities, and national development. The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) is the first
strategy to explain, describe, and outline the work that all sectors and actors must do to reduce
disaster losses. It was designed and agreed upon with the various partners required to reduce
catastrophe risk - governments, international agencies, disaster experts, and many others - putting
them all into a common coordinating structure. The HFA identifies five action goals and provides
guiding principles and practical solutions for catastrophe resilience. Its goal is to significantly
minimize disaster losses by 2015 by increasing disaster resilience in nations and communities.
When disasters strike, this means lowering the number of lives lost as well as the destruction of
social, economic, and environmental assets.

 Priority Action 1: Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with
a strong institutional basis for implementation.
Countries that develop policy, legislative and institutional frameworks for disaster risk
reduction and that are able to develop and track progress through specific and measurable
indicators have greater capacity to manage risks and to achieve widespread consensus for,
engagement in and compliance with disaster risk reduction measures across all sectors of
society

 Priority Action 2: Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
The starting point for reducing disaster risk and for promoting a culture of disaster
resilience lies in the knowledge of the hazards and the physical, social, economic and
environmental vulnerabilities to disasters that most societies face, and of the ways in
which hazards and vulnerabilities are changing in the short and long term, followed by
action taken on the basis of that knowledge.

 Priority Action 3: Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety
and resilience at all levels.
Disasters can be substantially reduced if people are well informed and motivated towards a
culture of disaster prevention and resilience, which in turn requires the collection,
compilation and dissemination of relevant knowledge and information on hazards,
vulnerabilities and capacities.

 Priority Action 4: Reduce the underlying risk factors.

Disaster risks related to changing social, economic, environmental conditions and land use,
and the impact of hazards associated with geological events, weather, water, climate
variability and climate change, are addressed in sector development planning and
programmes as well as in post-disaster situations.

 Priority Action 5: Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.
At times of disaster, impacts and losses can be substantially reduced if authorities,
individuals and communities in hazard-prone areas are well prepared and ready to act and
are equipped with the knowledge and capacities for effective disaster management.

4. What are the general preparedness for, and its importance:

a) FIRE PREPAREDNESS
Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Home fire-specific planning should include the following:
  If smoke alarms are not already in place, install them outside each sleeping area and on each
additional level of your home in accordance with local codes. Smoke alarms cut your chances
of dying in a home fire nearly in half. Smoke alarms sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible
combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering and flaming fires. The National Fire
Alarm Code(r)(NFPA 72) now requires hard-wired smoke alarms in new homes.
 Draw a floor plan of your home; mark two fire escape routes for each room. In thick, heavy,
dark smoke it is easy to become disoriented. Creating a floor plan with two routes greatly helps
everyone understand the safest routes during a frightening emergency.
 Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use
them, and store them near the window. If main escape routes via stairs are blocked by smoke or
fire, the windows may be your only alternative. Escape ladders permit quick exits, reducing time
spent in smoke-filled, toxic environments while waiting for firefighters.
 Burglar bars and locks that block outside window entry must be easy to open from the
inside. If a key is required to open bars or locks, keep a key near each window to use for fire
escape. Quick-release devices are available for security bars. If smoke or fire is blocking the main
exit, you must be able to use your alternate routes quickly. Fire deaths have occurred when people
were trapped by security bars and were unable to get out and firefighters were unable to get in.
 Select a safe outside meeting place for everyone to meet after escaping from a fire. Make sure
it will be a safe distance from heat, smoke, and flames. Family members may use different escape
routes, exiting on different sides of the home. Gathering in a specific meeting place in front of the
home will quickly let you know who is out, and allow you to advise firefighters of who may need
help and their probable location inside.
 Conduct a home fire drill at least twice a year with all members of your household. Fires
produce thick, dark smoke that irritates the eyes and breathing passages and can cause confusion.
People who have become disoriented in fires have been found in closets, stairwells, and laundry
rooms, thinking they were exits. Practicing your plan makes the actual response more of an
appropriate reaction, requiring less thinking during an emergency situation.
 Practice alerting other household members. Yell "Fire!" several times during your escape. In a
real fire this will alert family members to get out.
 Practice a crawl-low escape from your bedroom, as if you were crawling under a layer of
smoke. Fires produce many toxic gases. Some are heavy and will sink low to the floor; others will
rise, carrying soot towards the ceiling. Crawling with your head at a level of one to two feet above
the ground above the ground will temporarily provide the best air. Close doors behind you.
 Practice evacuating the building blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke
generated by a fire will most likely make it impossible to see.
 Learn the emergency number for your local fire department. After leaving your home, you
will need to call this number from an outside phone or from a neighbor's house.
 Teach family members to get out first, then call for help from a neighbor's house or outside
phone. Get out of the house, away from toxic smoke and gases. If a portable phone is handy
during your escape, you may take it with you, but do not waste precious time looking for one. Use
your neighbor's phone, a car phone, or nearby pay phone to call for help.
 Practice getting out of your home during the day and night. Fire can happen at any time.
Practicing your routes at night will help you move more quickly should a fire strike in the dark.
 Discuss fires with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are
not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to
respond during a fire.

b) EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Know the signs of an earthquake.
  During an earthquake, you may hear a roaring or rumbling sound that gradually gets louder. You
may also feel a rolling sensation that starts out gently and, within a second or two, grows violent.
OR
 You may first be jarred by a violent jolt. A second or two later, you may feel shaking and find it
difficult to stand up or move from one room to another.
 Learn the safe spots.
 During an earthquake, most deaths and injuries are caused by collapsing building materials and
heavy falling objects, such as bookcases, cabinets, and heating units.
 Learn the safe spots in each room of your home. A safe spot may be underneath a sturdy table away
from walls or underneath your covers with a pillow over your head if you are already in bed.
 Plan and practice what to do if an earthquake strikes.
 By planning and practicing what to do if an earthquake strikes, you and your loved ones can learn to
react correctly and automatically when the shaking begins.
 Get the entire family to practice an earthquake drill, especially if you have children. Participating in
an earthquake drill will help you and your loved ones understand what to do in case you are not
with them during an earthquake.
 Make sure you and your children also understand the school’s emergency procedures for disasters.
This will help you coordinate where, when, and how to reunite with your children after an
earthquake.
Drop, cover, and hold on during your earthquake drill.
 DROP down onto your hands and knees immediately. This position protects you from falling but
still allows you to move if necessary.
 COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk.
If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that
won’t fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands. Try to stay clear of
windows or glass that could shatter or objects that could fall on you.
 HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to
move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
 Create an evacuation plan. If an earthquake happens, you and your loved ones may need to
evacuate a damaged area afterward. By planning and practicing for evacuation, you will be better
prepared to respond appropriately and efficiently to signs of danger or to directions by civil
authorities.
Take a few minutes with your family to discuss a home evacuation plan. Sketch a floor plan of your home,
walk through each room, and discuss evacuation details. If you live downstream from a dam, know flood-
zone information.
Plan a second way to exit from each room or area, if possible. If you need special equipment, such as a
rope ladder, mark where it is located.
Mark where your emergency supply kit (including food, water, first aid) and fire extinguishers are located.
Locate where the utility switches or valves are located so that they can be turned off, if possible.
Indicate the location of your family’s emergency outdoor meeting place.

 Create an emergency supply kit.

Stock up on emergency supplies that can be used after an earthquake. These supplies should include a first
aid kit and emergency supply kits for the home and auto mobile external icon, including emergency water
and food. Store enough supplies to last at least 3 days.
You should also make a list of important information (like telephone numbers of emergency contacts,
insurance information, and important medical information) and gather any important documents (like
medical documents, birth certificates, and passports). Store these items in a secure location like a fireproof
or waterproof safe.
c) VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS PREPAREDNESS
Preparing your family for a possible volcanic eruption will not only help protect your health and property
from volcanic ash and lava, but may be the difference between life and death. Preparing a plan of approach
is vital, as is educating everyone in your family or household to better ensure their safety and wellbeing
when a volcano erupts.

Below are steps you can take to minimize impacts to your family and home in the event of volcanic
eruption:

 Know where the active volcanoes are in your area and how close you are to them.
 Review your homeowner’s insurance policy, and if necessary, increase your level of coverage to
ensure you are covered adequately.
 Obtain proper respiratory protection such as an air purifying respirator, also referred to as an N-95
disposable respirator. This can be found at your local hardware store.
 If there are disaster warning sirens in your area be aware of what they sound like. When a volcanic
eruption occurs, you'll want and need to listen for them.
 Create an emergency evacuation plan with your family. Review it often so that each person knows
what to do, how to find each another if you're apart, and how to contact neighbors and/or
emergency services if you cannot get away from the property using your own transportation. 
-Take into account anyone with functional and/or access needs, children, pets, and livestock.  
 -Know how to turn off all utilities.
 Create an emergency kit for your car including maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, flares,
additional non-perishable food, booster cables, sleeping bags and/or emergency blankets, and a
flashlight.

d) FLOOD PREPAREDNESS
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Failing to evacuate
flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.

Preparation for Flooding

1. Regularly monitor your radio and television for calamity news updates.

2. Prepare for enough candles, rechargeable lamps and flashlights for possible brownouts.

3.  If you reside in an area near the river, waterways, or mountainsides, immediately evacuate to
prevent flashfloods and landslides.

4. Store enough food, water, and first-aid kit.

5.  Prepare a list of emergency hotlines.

General preparedness: Before – KNOW THE HAZARD IN YOUR AREA

1. Monitor the news for weather updates, warnings and advisories.

2. Know the flood early warning and evacuation plan of the community.
 3. Participate in community flood preparedness actions and drills.

4. Secure your home. Move essential furniture and items to the upper floor.

5. Before evacuating, turn off all main switches of electricity, water, and LPG tanks.

6. Put livestock and pets in a safe area or designated evacuation sites for animals

7. When order is received, immediately evacuate to higher and safer grounds.

General preparedness: During- STAY ON HIGHER GROUNDS

1. Stay indoors and stay tuned for latest news and weather updates.

2. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in floodwater.

3. Do not go swimming or boating in swollen rivers.

4. Do not cross streams when water level is already above the knee.

5. Do not walk or drive through flooded areas.

General preparedness: After – STAY ALERT AND KEEP SAFE

1. Leave the evacuation area only when the authorities say it safe to return home.

2. Report fallen trees or electrical posts to proper authorities.

3. Check for wet or submerged electrical outlets and appliances before turning on electricity.

4. Check your house for possible damages and repair as necessary.

5. Make sure that the food and water for drinking are not contaminated by flood water.

6. Throw away rainwater in cans, pots and tires to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.

e) TORNADOES PREPAREDNESS
Tornadoes is an extreme weather condition characterized by large scale circulation of strong
winds, low atmospheric pressure and heavy rains. It can cause flooding, storm surge, landslides
and flashfloods.

General preparedness: BEFORE – MONITOR NEWS FOR WEATHER UPDATES,

WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES

1. Monitor news for weather updates, warnings and advisories

2. Know the flood early warning and evacuation plan of the community.
 3. Check the integrity of your house and repair weak parts.
4. Prepare your family’s GO BAG containing items needed for survival.

5. Put livestock and pets in a safe area or designated evacuation sites for animals

6. When notified, immediately go to the designated evacuation center.

General preparedness: DURING – STAY ALERT ANDSTAY TUNED

1. Stay calm, stay indoors and tune in for the latest news and weather updates.

2. Turn off main electrical switch and water valve.

3. Use a flashlights or emergency lamp. Be cautious in using candles and gas lamps.

4. Stay away from glass windows.

General preparedness: AFTER- REMAIN ALERT AND BE CAUTIOUS

1. Wait for authorities to declare that it’s safe to return home.

2. Stay away from fallen trees, damaged structures and power lines.

3. Do not go sightseeing as you may hinder the work of the emergency services.

4. Be cautious in checking and mapping the damaged part of your house.

5. Check for wet or submerged outlets and appliances before turning on electricity.

6. Throw away rainwater in cans, pots and tires to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.

f) TYPHOON’S PREPAREDNESS
Typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone that develops between 180° and 100°E in the Northern
Hemisphere.

General preparedness: PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 1:

1. Listen to your radio for more information about weather disturbance.
2. Check the ability of the house to withstand strong winds and strengthen it if necessary.
3. The people are advised to monitor the latest severe weather Bulletin issued by PAGASA every
six hours. In the meantime, business may be carried out as usual except when flood occurs.

General preparedness: PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 2: 

1. Special attention should be given to the latest position, the direction and speed movement as the
cyclone may intensity and move towards the locality.
2. The general public, especially people travelling by sea and air are cautioned to avoid
unnecessary risks.
 3. Protect properties before signals are upgraded.
4. Board up windows or put storm shutters in place and securely fasten it. Stay at home.

General preparedness: PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 3:

1. Keep your radio on and listen to the latest news about typhoon.
2. Everybody is advised to stay in safe and strong houses.
3. Evacuate from low-lying areas to higher grounds.
4. Stay away from coasts and riverbanks.
5. Watch out for the passage of the "EYE" of the typhoon.

General preparedness: PUBLIC STORM SIGNAL NO. 4: 

1. Stay in safe houses or evacuation centers

2. All travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled.
3. Keep listening to your radio to the latest news about the typhoon.

h) TSUNAMI PREPAREDNESS
Tsunamis are large ocean waves generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor or major
landslides into the ocean. Rising to several feet or higher, they can strike the coast with devastating
force. People on beaches or in low coastal areas, such as estuaries and rivers, need to be aware that a
tsunami could arrive within minutes of a severe earthquake – and the danger period can continue for
many hours. Tsunamis can occur any time of year, day or night.

1. If you are in a tsunami hazard zone and receive an official warning:

 Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways
 Get more information from radio, television, and your mobile device (text or data.)
 If officials ask you to evacuate, move quickly to a safe place.  Follow evacuation signs or go as
high or far inland (away from the water) as possible.
2. If you are in a tsunami hazard zone and receive a natural warning*, a tsunami could arrive within
minutes.
 In case of an earthquake, protect yourself.  Drop, cover, and hold on.  Be prepared for
aftershocks.  Each time the earth shakes, drop, cover, and hold on.
 Take action.  Do not wait for an official warning or instructions from officials.
 As soon as you can move safely, move quickly to a safe place.  Follow evacuation signs or go
as high or far inland (away from the water) as possible.
 If there is earthquake damage, avoid fallen power lines, and stay away from weakened
structures.
 When you are in a safe place, get more information from radio, television, or your mobile
device (text or data.)
3.  If you are on the beach or near water and feel an earthquake of any size or length, move quickly to
high ground or inland (away from the water) as soon as you can move safely.

(*Note: natural warnings include a strong or long earthquake, a loud roar from the ocean, or unusual
behaviour like fast rising or draining of water)

6. What is communication and how it is important in disaster management?

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal
means, including speech, or oral communication; writing and graphical representations (such as
infographics, maps, and charts); and signs, signals, and behavior. More simply, communication is said to
be "the creation and exchange of meaning." 
All disaster emergencies and crisis events are by nature chaotic and highly dynamic, creating
physical, emotional, and social disorder. In such crisis events and emergencies, communications is critical
at all phases of disaster management. Communications during emergencies incorporates a wide range of
measures to manage risks to communities and the environment. Before disasters strike,
telecommunications can be used as a conduit for disseminating information about the impending danger
thus, making it possible for people to take the necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of these
hazards. Other telecommunication applications, including remote sensing and global positioning system
(GPS), have critical roles to play in tracking approaching hazards, alerting authorities, warning affected
populations, coordinating relief operations, assessing damages and mobilizing support for reconstruction. It
is clear therefore that telecommunications play a pivotal role in disaster prevention, mitigation, and
management. In times of natural calamity like floods, storms, cyclone, tsunami, fire etc. the usual mode of
communication like phone, mobile etc. might not work or might be lost in the calamity. The society at
large must be well protected and the protection given by the police or disaster management forces must be
instant and immediate. Thus the disaster management crew must be well trained and equipped with the best
appliances which might help them to communicate the condition they are in and the status of the calamity
in the region they work for.

7. Communication Plan
a. Emergency Communication System (ECS)
- is any system (typically computer-based) that is organized for the primary purpose of
supporting one-way and two-way communication of emergency information between both
individuals and groups of individuals.
- These systems are commonly designed to convey information over multiple types of
devices, from signal lights to text messaging to live, streaming video, forming a unified
communication system intended to optimize communications during emergencies.
- Contrary to emergency notification systems, which generally deliver emergency
information in one direction, emergency communication systems are typically capable of
both initiating and receiving information between multiple parties. These systems are often
made up of both input devices, sensors, and output/communication devices. Therefore, the
origination of information can occur from a variety of sources and locations, from which
the system will disseminate that information to one or more target audiences.
b. Family communications plan
According to FEMA, your Family Emergency Communication Plan starts with one simple
question: “What if?”
 “What if something happens and I’m not with my family?”
 “Will I be able to reach them?”
 “How will I know they are safe?”
 “How can I let them know I’m OK?”
Simply put, a Family Emergency Communication Plan tells your family what to do, how to find
each other, and how to communicate in case of an emergency. Your plan should include strategy
for both communication and meeting up.
1. What should I include in my plan?
Important contact information
- You’ll need to collect info for your family members, as well as other important
contacts and locations, such as:
 Work / Offices
 Schools
 Hospitals
  Home security company and its monitoring center
 Doctors / Pediatricians / Vets
 Hospitals
2. One dedicated “out-of-town” contact
Your “out-of-town contact” is the central point of contact that can help your family
reconnected. Everyone in your household will reach out to this person to say they are OK.
If possible, pick someone who lives outside of your area in case there are local issues with
the power or phone lines.
3. You should also document family meeting places. Your meeting places are the locations
where everyone knows to meet up if the family gets separated. It’s smart to have one close
to your home and one a bit further away, just in case your neighborhood is closed off.
 Any special needs
 Every family is different, so make sure to think through your family’s specific
needs, including:
 Medical requirements and prescriptions
 Mobility issues
 Dietary needs
 Daily schedules
 Pets or service animals
 Smart home security information
4. If you already have a home security alarm system, good for you! You’re already ahead
of the safety curve. But don’t forget to leverage your system in any emergency planning.
Everyone in your family should have the code memorized, and know how to perform basic
functions. If you find yourself forgetting to arm your system when you leave the house, set
up arming reminders.

8. What is the flow of communication in disaster management and cite real example (any of the
following: HOSPITAL OR RHU)?
It consists of 3 stages that can sometimes overlap. Below is a summary of the stages:
The first stage is the pre-disaster risk assessment action, plants and protocol or, simply put,
emergency response preparedness. Ideally, this should happen before the hazard or emergency and
includes assessments of possible risks. This first stage alone involves many government
departments and agencies like civil defence, social welfare, department of interior and local
government, and representatives from more government departments.
The second stage involves Response Clusters and Incident Management Teams (IMT). This
happens during or when disaster hits. The rallying of relief and response happens at this stage.
Again, this stage involves several government agencies and departments.
 Management of resources and personnel is under the Incident management teams, while mandate
and technical expertise are under the response clusters, implying a clear and separate function of
each team involved during relief and response operation.
For instance, agencies involved in the Response clusters include the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, the Health Department, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the
Philippine National Police, Department of Foreign Affairs – in case foreign assistance is needed,
among others.

9. What must be prepared before any kind of disaster along:

a. Emergency kit, its content
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster
supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A
basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

 Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
 Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
 Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
 Flashlight
 First aid kit
 Extra batteries
 Whistle (to signal for help)
 Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
 Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
 Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
 Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
 Manual can opener (for food)
 Local maps
 Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
 Radio – wind-up or battery-operated, with extra batteries
 Contact information for family and friends
 ATM and credit cards
 Cash and change
 Prescriptions (enough for a week), along with a list of medications and dosages for
each family member and the reason for use
 Eye glasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices (e.g. cane, walker, etc.)
 Portable phone
 Personal hygiene items (e.g. toothbrush, toilet paper, etc.)
 Mylar blanket
 Keys
 Copies of important documents in a waterproof, portable container (e.g. photo ID,
insurance cards and policies, bank account records, etc.)
 Plastic sheeting and duct tape, to shelter-in-place
 Infant formula and diapers
  Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
 Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. To use as a disinfectant, dilute
nine parts water to one part bleach. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water
by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use
scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
 Matches in a waterproof container
 Fire extinguisher
 Mess kit, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels
 Pencil and paper
 Books and activities for children
 Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas, and water. Remember, you’ll
need a professional to turn them back on.

Living in a colder climate as we do, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will
not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one
complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

 Jacket or coat
 Long pants
 Long sleeve shirt
 Sturdy shoes
 Hat, mittens, and scarf
 Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)

b. Preparedness skills needed

CPR and basic life support
It is vital that anyone overdosing or having an adverse reaction to drugs receives professional
help quickly. If Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required and you know how to
perform it then do so. CPR means giving rescue breaths followed by a number of chest
compressions, and repeating this cycle continuously until the ambulance arrives. If you’re not
sure, the following guide will help you to perform CPR.

First aid techniques

 Head-tilt, chin-lift: Place one hand on the forehead and the fingers of the other hand on
the bony part of the chin. Tilt the head back using the hand on the forehead, and at the
same time lift the jaw upwards with the fingers of the other hand.
 Jaw thrust: Place one hand on either side of the head. Place your fingers in the angles of
the jaw and lift the jaw forward without tilting the head back.
 Finger sweep: Used with abdominal thrusts to clear a foreign body airway obstruction in
an unconscious casualty. Open the mouth by grasping the lower jaw and tongue between
thumb and fingers and lifting the jaw. Insert the index finger of the other hand along the
inside of the cheek, and deeply into the throat. Use a hooking action to dislodge any
foreign object.
 Canning, cooking, dehydrating, reading the weather, herbal remedies, knots, fire, water,
shelter and foraging.

c. For food
A disaster can easily disrupt the food supply at any time, so plan to have at least a 3-day
supply of food on hand. Keep foods that:

 Have a long storage life

 Require little or no cooking, water, or refrigeration, in case utilities are disrupted
 Meet the needs of babies or other family members who are on special diets
 Meet pets’ needs
 Are not very salty or spicy, as these foods increase the need for drinking water, which
may be in short supply

How to Store Emergency Food

When storing food, it is not necessary to buy dehydrated or other types of emergency food.
 Check the expiration dates on canned foods and dry mixes. Home-canned food usually needs to be
thrown out after a year.
 Use and replace food before its expiration date.

Certain storage conditions can enhance the shelf life of canned or dried foods. The ideal location is a cool,
dry, dark place. The best temperature is 40° to 70°F.
 Store foods away from ranges or refrigerator exhausts. Heat causes
many foods to spoil more quickly.
 Store food away from petroleum products, such as gasoline, oil,
paints, and solvents. Some food products absorb their smell.
 Protect food from rodents and insects. Items stored in boxes or in
paper cartons will keep longer if they are heavily wrapped or stored
in waterproof, airtight containers.

Preparing Food
Preparing food after a disaster or emergency may be difficult due to damage to your home and loss of
electricity, gas, and water. Having the following items available will help you to prepare meals safely:

 Cooking utensils
 Knives, forks, and spoons
 Paper plates, cups, and towels
 A manual can- and bottle-opener
 Heavy-duty aluminum foil
 Propane gas or charcoal grill; camp stove
 Fuel for cooking, such as charcoal. (CAUTION: Only use charcoal grills or camp stoves outside of
your home to avoid smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.)