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Environment and Community Awareness Education

The document provides an introduction to environmental awareness and community education regarding disasters in the Philippines. It notes that the Philippines is highly prone to various natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Specifically, it discusses earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires as major hazards. For each hazard, it defines the phenomenon and provides safety tips, such as dropping and covering during earthquakes, immediately moving to higher ground if unusual sea conditions are observed for tsunamis, and practicing fire safety measures to prevent fires. The overall document aims to educate communities about common natural disasters in the Philippines and promote preparedness.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
90 views7 pages

Environment and Community Awareness Education

The document provides an introduction to environmental awareness and community education regarding disasters in the Philippines. It notes that the Philippines is highly prone to various natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Specifically, it discusses earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires as major hazards. For each hazard, it defines the phenomenon and provides safety tips, such as dropping and covering during earthquakes, immediately moving to higher ground if unusual sea conditions are observed for tsunamis, and practicing fire safety measures to prevent fires. The overall document aims to educate communities about common natural disasters in the Philippines and promote preparedness.

Uploaded by

nmdl123
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

Unit IV: ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY

AWARENESS EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION

The Philippine Situation


According to the Office of Civil Defense, the Philippines because if its geographical location, is
considered one of the most disaster – prone countries in the world. It lies along western segment of
the Pacific Ring of Fire, a most active part of the Earth characterized by an ocean encircling belt of
active volcanoes and earthquake generators. The Philippines has approximately 400 volcanoes, of
which 23 are known to be currently active.

Here are some facts and figures about our


country:
 The Philippines is situated at the
junction of two large converging
tectonic plates – the Pacific plate
and the Eurasian plate.
 It has experienced the most
destructive earthquake in July 1990
with a death toll of 1, 666 and 12.2
billion peso in damages.

Source: phivolcs.dost.gov.ph

 It lies in the path of turbulent typhoons, with about 20 crossing the Philippine
area of responsibility, of which an average of 9 makes a landfall. The
archipelagic nature of the Philippine coastal areas increases susceptibility to
storm surges, tsunamis and sea level changes.
 The country undergoes floods and landslides which are common due to rain
brought by typhoons and the monsoon. Located in the western part of the
Pacific Ocean, the country is also vulnerable to the El Niño Southern Oscillation
(ENSO). The El Niño of 1997-98 induced drought and delayed the onset of
monsoon, which resulted to a scarcity in drinking water in urban areas and
shortfalls in hydro-electricity generation because of reduced water levels in
major dams.

Basic and General Education Department


Saint Paul School of Professional Studies
Now, let us define some important terms:

Disaster happens when there are progressive or sudden events brought about by natural or
human-induced hazards that cause losses and sufferings, the consequence of which results to
people and communities undertaking extra-ordinary measures to cope with impacts.

Hazards are natural or man-induced phenomena or activities of which poses a threat to people’s
lives, limbs, properties and socio-economic conditions.

Risks refer to the degree or chance and frequency that such hazards will affect or impact people
and communities.

Disaster Preparedness refers to pre-disaster actions and measures being undertaken to overt or
minimize loss of lives and properties, such as, but not limited to , community organizing, training,
planning, equipping, stockpiling, hazard mapping and public information and education
initiatives.

Disaster Management is the efficient and effective utilization of resources and the application of
measure that will mitigate the impact of unfortunate events and facilitate return to normalcy and
development.

A. Earthquake

 An EARTHQUAKE is feeble shaking to violent trembling of the ground produced by


the sudden displacement of rocks or rock materials below the earth’s surface. Sudden
displacements along fault fissures in the solid and rigid layer of the earth generate
TECTONIC EARTHQUAKE. Those induced by rising lava or magma beneath active
volcanoes generates volcanic EARTHQUAKE.

 The destructive effects of earthquake are due mainly to intense ground shaking or
vibration. Because of severe ground shaking, low and tall buildings may tilt, split,
topple or collapse, foundation of roads, railroad tracks and even bridges may break,
electric posts may tilt or topple, water pipes and other utility installations may get
dislocated, dams and similar structures may break and cause flooding, landslide and
other forms of mass movement may occur in hilly and mountainous areas and
tsunamis may be generated. These destructive effects of earthquake may cause
casualties and short to long term socio-economic disruptions.

What to do during earthquakes?

1. DUCK or DROP down to


the floor.

2. Take COVER under a sturdy desk,


table or other furniture. If that is not
possible, seek cover against an interior wall
and protect your head and neck with your
arms. Avoid danger spots near windows,
hanging objects, mirrors or tall furniture.

3. If you take cover under a


sturdy piece of furniture, HOLD on to it
and be prepared to move with it. Hold
the position until the ground stops
shaking and it is safe to move.

www.image.google.com
Sources:
 California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
www.caloes.ca.gov
 Singapore Civil Defence Force
www.scdf.gov.sg
 City of Richmond California
ci.richmond.ca.us/1470/Duck-Cover-and-Hold

B. TSUNAMI
Tsunamis are giant sea waves generated by
the under-the-sea earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions. Not all underwater earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions, however, can cause
the occurrence of tsunamis. Tsunamis can
only occur when the earthquake is shallow-
seated and strong enough to displace parts
of the seabed and disturb the mass of water
over it. Although tsunamis may be triggered
in various ways, their effects on coastal
areas are similar.
www.image.google.com

Tsunami Safety and Preparedness Measures


Each one of us in the community should learn some important Tsunami Safety and Preparedness Measures
such as the following:

1. Do not stay in low-lying coastal areas after a felt earthquake. Move to higher grounds
immediately.
2. If unusual sea conditions like rapid lowering of sea level are observed, immediately move
towards higher grounds.
3. Never go down the beach to watch for a tsunami. When you see the wave, you are too
close to escape it.
4. During the retreat of sea level, interesting sights are often revealed. Fishes may be
stranded on dry land thereby attracting people to collect them. Also sandbars and coral
flats may be exposed. These scenes tempt people to flock to the shore line thereby
increasing the number of people at risk.

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph

C. FIRE

According to the Fire Code of the Philippines, fire is the active


principle of burning, characterized by the heat and light of
combustion. Fire can cause major disasters and loss of lives in
buildings such as offices, hotels, hospitals, schools and homes.
Such disasters can be avoided if proper fire safety practices are
observed.

www.image.google.com

Things to do to prevent fire:

1. Avoid electrical overloading and unplug all electrical appliances after every use.
2. Check all electrical installations regularly.
3. Check gas stoves and LPG tanks for leaks. Turn off all cooking appliances and
unplug them when not in use.
4. Keep children away from flammable liquids, lighters and matches.
5. Ensure you have a pre-fire plan at your residence or office.
6. Do not leave lighted mosquito coils unattended.
7. Always take extra precautions while cooking.
8. Do not throw lighted cigar or cigarette butts on dried leaves and garbage.
9. Strictly obey the no smoking signs.
10. Maintain proper housekeeping to eliminate fire hazards.
11. Check fire protection gadgets or devices of appliances and equipment regularly.
12. Be fire-safety conscious. Actively participate during dire drills in your locality.
13. If possible, install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

What to do during fire:


1. When you’re in a building (such as office, malls etc.), make sure to know where the
“FIRE EXIT” is located.
2. Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fire. You can also use water if the fire is not
electrical or chemical. Do NOT try to put out a fire that you can’t control.
3. If there’s a fire that is too big to put out, leave the place immediately.
4. If you can see smoke in the house, stay low to the ground as you make your way to
the exit.

5. Do not run, if your clothes catches fire but “Stop, Drop and Roll” instead.
6. When you’re trap in a room, do the following:
a. Check to see if there’s heat or smoke coming in the cracks around the door.
b. Don’t open the door when the smoke coming under the door.
c. Touch the door if you don’t see the smoke. If it’s hot or very warm then
don’t open it.
d. If you don’t see smoke and the door isn’t hot, then slightly use your fingers
to lightly touch the doorknob. If it’s hot don’t open it.
e. If the doorknob feels cool and you don’t see any smoke around, only then
you can open the door slowly and carefully
f. When you open the door and you feel a burst of heat or see smoke pours
into the room, quickly close the door and make sure it is really closed.
g. If there’s no smoke or heat when you open the door, quickly make your way
out.
h. Yell for help.

Sources:
 www.bfp.gov.ph
 Fire Code of the Philippines

D. LANDSLIDE
Landslides are rock, earth or debris flows on slopes due to gravity. They can occur on any
terrain given the right conditions of soil, moisture, and the angle of slope. Integral to the
natural process of the earth’s surface geology, landslides serve to redistribute soil and
sediments in a process that can be in abrupt collapses or in slow gradual slides. Such is the
nature of the earth’s surface dynamics.
What to do during landslide:

1. If there has been a period of heavy rainfall and you are in a landslide prone area,
you may be at risk of a landslide.
2. If you remain or are caught suddenly at home, move to a second story if possible.
Staying out of the path of a landslide or debris flow saves life.
3. Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees or
boulders knocking together. A tickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may
precede larger landslides. Moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without
warning.
4. If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in
water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may
indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don’t delay!
Save yourself, not your belongings.
5. Be especially alert if you are driving. Embankments along roadsides are
particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement,
mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.
6. Whenever you are in the path of a landslide or debris flow, move away as quickly
as possible. If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head
with your hands or a helmet.
7. Landslides are extremely dangerous, so it is far better to evacuate immediately if
you suspect imminent danger than to ponder the potential.

Source:
 www.fema.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
 www.ussartf.org
United States Search and Rescue Task Force

E. VOLCANIC ERUPTION
A volcano can be simply defined as a rupture or an opening on the crust of a planet like earth.
This opening allows hot ash, molten rock and gases to blow off from the underground spaces.
Volcanoes are usually found at places where tectonic plates get converged or diverged. The
common features of volcanic eruptions are lava and release of poisonous gases from the
crater situated at the summit of the volcanoes. If a volcano erupts where you live follow the
evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to
avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow.

Classification of Volcanoes

1. Active volcanoes: erupted within historical times (within the last 600 years), accounts of
these were documented by man; erupted within the last 10,000 years based on analyses
of datable materials.
2. Potentially active Volcanoes: morphologically young-looking but with no historical record
of eruption.
3. Inactive volcanoes: no record of eruptions; physical form is being changed by agents of
weathering and erosion via formation of deep and long gullies.
What to do during volcanic eruptions:

1. Avoid the declared permanent danger zones in your locality. Also, rivers where hazardous volcanic
substances can flow should be avoided.
2. Leave the area immediately. If you are warned to evacuate because an eruption is imminent, evacuate.
3. Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged
heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than when you walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge,
and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
4. Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
5. If you are along the path of potential lahar flows, move to a higher ground or to a designated evacuation
site.
6. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people, and people
with disabilities.
7. If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
8. Food should always be covered to prevent contamination.
9. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
10. Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
11. Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
12. Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving
parts and stall vehicles.
Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph

F. FLOOD
Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause
floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturate the ground. Flash
floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying areas.

What to do during flood:


1. If a flood is likely in your area, you should be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to
flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
2. If you must evacuate, you should secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture, move essential items to
an upper floor.
3. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch
electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
4. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk
where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
5. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to a higher ground safely.
You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
6. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and
waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to a higher ground. Most cars can be swept
away by less than two feet of moving water.
7. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink. Avoid floodwaters. Water may
also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
8. Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
9. After the flood, return home only when authorities indicate it is safe. Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there
may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Source: Singapore Civil Defense Force ( www.scdf.gov.sg )

G. Typhoon

The Philippines’ geographical location and physical environment make it vulnerable to


natural hazards such as tropical cyclones, floods, extreme rainfall, thunderstorm, storm
surges, strong wind, tornado and others. Every year, these hazard bring havoc to life and
property, seriously disrupt our agriculture-based economy and disturb the lives of millions
of Filipino families. In 2009, a series of typhoons hit the country over a five-week period.
Typhoon Ondoy, Pepeng, Ramil and Santi brought extensive flooding, destroyed properties
and caused a number of casualties in different regions of the country as many were caught
unaware of the intensity of these typhoons.
A typhoon is a typical cyclone, which is a general term for a circulating weather system over
tropical waters. The eye of the typhoon is the center and is very calm. The most dangerous
area is the eye-wall. At 50,000 feet the air is moved outward and that increases the upward
motion. Typhoon force winds that can topple poorly constructed buildings and mobile
homes. Debris becomes flying missiles and wind gusts can down trees and power lines
causing disruption in the basic utilities. Rains moving inland can produce 10 inches or more
and cause deadly flooding.

Source: www.bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

What to do during typhoons:


1. Listen to the radio or local news for updates on the direction and strength of the typhoon.
2. Secure or move inside outdoor items such as toys, grills, bicycles, furniture, plants and anything
moveable on the balcony. Move potted plants and other heavy objects away from windows inside as
well.
3. If you live in a two-storey home, stay on the first floor in an interior room. If you live in a multiple-
storey building and are away from storm surges, take refuge on the first or second floors in the
hallways.
4. Turn the refrigerator and freezer up to the highest setting. In the event that electricity is cut off your
Source: www.bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph
refrigerator and freezer will stay colder longer.
5. Fill your bathtubs, sinks, and other containers with potable water for use if water service is disrupted
and contaminated by flooding.
6. Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.
7. Prepare foods that need not be cooked.
8. Should you need to evacuate, evacuate calmly. Close the windows and turn off the main power switch;
put important appliances and belongings in a high ground; and avoid the way leading to the river. Bring
clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio and food.
9. After the typhoon, if your house was destroyed, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you
enter.
10. Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water, report damaged electrical cables and fallen
electric posts to the authorities.
11. Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or posts to avoid creating a favourable condition for mosquito
breeding.

Source: www.bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

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