Disaster Preparedness: A Big Challenge for Everyone

We live in an increasingly fragile society. As was evidenced by the earthquake,

tsunami, and subsequent nuclear power disaster in Japan in March of 2011, unexpected
chains of events can have a profound effect on modern, technological societies.

We are now dependent upon power grids and telecommunication networks for
nearly every aspect of our lives. Chains of supply for food and fuel span thousands of
miles and are dependent on power grids, telecommunications systems, and
computerized just in time inventory-control systems. The aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina in 2005 was clear evidence of that unraveling

Any number of events can disrupt the fragile web that holds modern societies
together. These include earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes,
naturally occurring plagues, cyber-attacks, terrorist nuclear, biological, or chemical
attacks, economic spasms, and solar flares. These each have unique characteristics,
and highlight specific vulnerabilities in a society where hardly anything gets
accomplished without Internet access

Disasters are emergencies that cannot be handled by those affected without

outside assistance. They are caused by natural or manmade events wherein
communities experience severe danger and incur loss of lives and properties causing
disruption to their social structure and to all or some of the affected communities
essential functions. Disasters are inevitable. They are caused by unsustainable
development that has not taken account of possible hazard impacts in that location.
They can be less damaging if the population has better understanding of locally-
experienced hazards and implements preventive or mitigating measures against them.
Thus, prepared individuals size up the potential threats and take active measures to
ensure the health and safety of themselves and their family members.

References:
TR News Magazine page 6-7 Copyright 2013 National Academy of Sciences.

When disaster strikes : a comprehensive guide for emergency planning and crisis
survival by Matthew Stein

Disaster Management Practices In The Philippines: An Assessment page 12-13 year

2016

Submitted by: GWEN MYLES S. JOVER Grade 10-Pacquiao