Unit-IV

Disaster Management Act 2005

• Disaster Definition
• A disaster is an event that causes significant harm, damage, or loss of life, property, or livelihoods.
• It can be a natural occurrence, such as an Earthquake, Tsunami, hurricane or flood, or a human-
made incident, such as a terrorist attack, industrial accident, or war.
• Disaster can have severe and lasting effects on individuals, communities and entire regions, often
requiring emergency response efforts from government agencies, non governmental
organizations, and other organizations to address the immediate and long-term needs of those
affected.
• DM refers to the process of preparing for mitigating, responding to, and recovering form natural
or human-made disasters.
• The aim of disaster management is to reduce the impact of disasters on people, property, and the
environment.
• It involves a coordinated effort by government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
and communities to identify and assess potential risks, develop and implement plans and
procedure to prevent or mitigate the effects of disasters, and to provide emergency services and
relief to affected individuals and communities.
The DM process typically includes four phases
mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery

• During the mitigation phase, efforts are made to reduce the impact of
disasters before they occur, such as through risk asssessment and
management, land use planning, and buliding codes.
• The preparedness phase involves developing plans, training personnel,
and stockpiling resources to respond to disasters.
• The response phase involves immediate action to save lives and
protect property during and immediately after a disaster such as
search and rescue, emergency medical care, and shelter.
• the recovery phase involves rebuliding and restoring affeted areas
and communities to their pre-disaster state.
Introduction to DM Act 2005
• The DM act 2005, ia a law passed by the Indian Parliament to provide
for the effective management of disasters in India.
• The act aims to establish institutional mechanism for the
management of disasters including natural disasters, man made
disasters, and other emergencies.
• It provides a comphrehensive framework for the management of
disasters and has been instrum,ental in improving the country’s
preparedness and respnse capabilities.
• The Act has been invoked several times in the past , including during
the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate a coordinated and effective
response to disasters.
Some of the key provisions of the DM Act, 2005
include
• The establishment of a National DM Authority (NDMA) at the national
-level, and State Disaster Management Authorities at the state level.
• The formulation of National Policy, plans, and guidelines for DM.
• The creation of a National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) , State
Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide finanicial assistance for
response and releif efforts during disasters.
• The establishment of a National institute of DM to undertake training
and capacity building activities for DM.
• The provision for penalities for individuals or organizations that
violates the provisions of the Act
Legal Institutional framework of DM Act 2005
• NDMA:This is responsible for laying down policies, plana and guidelines for DM in India. it is headed by PM of India
and has represented various ministries and department.
• SDMA: The SDMA is responsible for implementing the policies, plans and guidelines of NDMA at teh state level. It is
headed by CM of state and has representatives from various departments.
• DDMA: The DDMA is responsible for implementing the policies, palns and guidelines of the NDMA at teh district
level . It is headed by the district magistrate and has represenetatives for variuos department
• NEC (National Executive Committee): The NEC is responsible for implementations of the policies, palns and
guidelines of the NDMA. It is headed by the Home Secretary and has represenetatives for variuos ministries and
departments.
• SEC: The SEC is responsible for implementations of the policies, palns and guidelines of the SDMA. It is headed by
the Chief Secretary of the state and has represenetatives from variuos ministries and departments.
• Disaster Response Force: The DRF is responsible for carrying out search and rescue operations, providing medical
assistance and carrying other relief operations during disasters.
• NIDM: The NIDM is responsible for training and capacity building in the field of DM.
Legal Institutional framework of DM Act 2005
COVID-19 AND DM ACT, 2005
• The COVID-19 pandemic has been classified as a disaster under the
DM Act, and the Act has been invoked to enable the government to
take necesary measures to manage the pandemic.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NDMA and SDMAs have palyed a
crucial role in providing guidance to the state governments and
coordinating the response activities.
• The act has enabled the government to take necessary meaures to
manage the pandemic, including imposing lockdowns, travel
restrictions and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Overall, The DMAct 2005, has been a critical tool for the Indian
government in managing the COVID-19 pandemic
Issues with DM Act , 2005.
• Ambiguity in the definition of disaster: The act does not provide a clear definition of what constitutes a disaster. This lack of clarity can lead
to confusion in determining the appropriate response and allocation of resources.
• Lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities: The act does not clearly define the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders involved in
DM including the central governments, state governments and local authorities. this can lead to confusion and delays in decision making
during a disaster.
• Inadequate Funding: The act does not provide adequate funding for disaster management activities. This can hinder the timely response
and recovery efforts during a disaster.
• Limited Focus on prevention and mitigation: The act primarily focuse on response and relief efforts during a disaster. there is a need to shift
the focus towards prevention and mitigation measures to reduce the impact of disasters.
• Limited involvement of communities: The Act does not adequately involve local communities in DM efforts. Community involve a crucial in
disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
• Lack of coordination: There is a need for better coordination among various agencies involved in DM including government agencies and
non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The Act does not provide a clear mechanism for coordination which can lead to
duplication of efforts and inefficiencies.
• Inadequate provisions for accountability: The act donot provide adequate provisions for accountability and transparency in DM activities.
this can lead to corruption and mismanagemnet of resources
 Demostartion of earthquake evacutaion drill
The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety are

q Secure Your Space.

q Plan to be Safe.

q Organize Disaster Supplies.

q Minimize Financial Hardship.

q Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

q Improve Safety.

q Reconnect and Restore.

q Keep Calm

q Make Sure You Have Ways Out: Open Doors And Windows
 SEARCH, RESCUE AND EVACUATION
• INTRODUCTION
• Search, rescue and evacuation processes need to be carried out immediately after a disaster strikes a certain
area or building. These are the most immediate critical operations that are usually performed by the local
volunteers, voluntary organisations and the emergency agencies.
• Light Search and Rescue is a procedure carried out at primary stages, initially to find out persons with injuries
in lightly damaged buildings, or even without any injuries and needing assistance, and to help them exit. If
the condition worsens and the local groups are not able to control the situation, then the specialist groups
within emergency agencies have to be called in for professional help, and at times even the Defence Forces
including the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guard are called on for help.
• Primarily, Search and Rescue Operations are undertaken to save the maximum possible number of victims
who are trapped in an area affected by a disaster. The basic aim of all such operations is to ensure the
survival of the maximum possible number of affected people. A plan is worked out with the help of local
people through surveys and then appropriate steps are taken by the various teams involved to carry out the
operations.
• Besides physical rescue, the aim is also a systematic and organised approach in a post -disaster situation
riddled with chaos and confusion.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF SEARCH AND RESCUE ( SAR)
• After the search, rescue and evacuation, some
• Search and rescue, often known important steps are required to be taken in order
by the acronym SAR, is the to provide relief to the evacuees.
process of identifying the • Prime amongst these are:
location of disaster victims who oMedical Aid
may be trapped or isolated, and oWater and food
bringing them to safety and oShelter
providing them with medical oTemporary subsistence supplies
attention after a disaster strikes. oHealth and sanitation
oInformation, and
oSecurity.
 PHASES OF SAR
• SAR is carried out for different categories of affected people depending on the complexities of the
processes involved. This is illustrated as follows:
1) The immediate stage is searching and rescuing people with injuries among people trapped in the
affected area that we see at first sight.
2) The second stage is the rescue of persons whom we are able to contact but are unable to reach.
These are people who may be trapped under heaps of rubble from a collapsed building, or people
stuck on trees or high-rise buildings, or trapped inside basements.
3) The third stage includes searching those areas where survivors are likely to be trapped generally.
These are called likely survival points.
4) The fourth stage is the last stage in which debris leading to likely survival points is cleared.
Simple Rescue Methods
• Rescue can be carried out ideally by using rescue equipment but also by ordinary methods when
equipment is not available.
• For rescuing an affected individual, there are two types of methods: Single Person Methods and Two
Person Methods.
A) Single Person Methods
• Firemen’s Lift
• This method is used when the affected person is unconscious and only one rescuer is available for
carrying out rescue work. In this method, the rescuer first makes the affected person lie on his or her
the abdomen. Then he uses both his hands to lift the affected person by his armpits. He holds the
right hand of the affected person with his left hand and with his free hand he holds the affected
person’s right leg. Now the rescuer lifts the affected person with both his hands and positions him or
her in such a manner that his or her waist lies just above the neck of rescuer.
o Human Crutch
• This method is used when affected person has an injury in one of his/her leg. In this method, the rescuer first ties the injured leg of the affected person with
his opposite leg with a handkerchief. If the affected person’s left leg is hurt, the rescuer will tie this leg with his own right leg. The rescuer holds the affected
person’s waist with his hand and then they both can walk slowly with the rescuer supporting the affected person’s injured leg with his own leg.

o Pick a back
• This method is used when the affected person has an injury in his or her leg and is not able to walk long distances, but can support himself or herself with his
or her hand. In this method, the rescuer first gets down on one knee and allows the affected person to saddle on his back. The rescuer then holds the
affected person at the thighs and the affected person encircles the rescuer’s neck for support.

o Staircase drag
• This method is used when one has to rescue an unconscious person from a floor higher than the ground floor. In this method, the affected person is laid
down on his back and his hands and feet are tied with a handkerchief. The rescuer holds the casualty’s armpits and slowly drags him or her down the stairs
head, first.

q Firemen’s Crawl
• This method is used when the affected person is trapped inside a smoke filled area and is unconscious. The rescuer first ties the hands of the casualty and
then goes astride the casualty. The rescuer inserts his head in the loop made by the casualty’s hands. Then by pushing his hand and foot against the ground,
he can drag the casualty to a safer place.
o Tow Drag
• This method is used when the affected person is lying in such an area where there is very little space to carry out the rescue. The affected person may or may
not be unconscious. In this rescue method, the rescuer inserts his feet into the casualty’s armpits and then pulls the casualty out of the confinement area.
After taking the casualty out, the rescuer can lift the casualty with any appropriate method.
 • Three Hand Seat Method
Two Person Methods • This method is used when the rescuers need one hand free to
support the affected person’s injured leg. In this method, if the
affected person’s left leg is injured, the rescuer on the right
grasps his own left wrist with his right hand & the other
• Fore and Aft rescuer’s left wrist with his left hand. The second rescuer will
hold the right wrist of first rescuer keeping his left hand free to
• This method is used when the affected person is having support the casualty ’s injured leg or any other medical
an abdominal injury. For carrying out this method, two equipment.
rescuers are required. In this method, the affected person
is laid down flat on his/her back. One of the rescuers • Four Hand Seat Method
holds the casualty from the armpits while the second • This method is used for an affected person who is heavy and
rescuer holds the legs. Then they both lift the casualty who can support her/ his self with his/ her hand. In this case,
and in this way they can shift the casualty to a safer place. each of the two rescuers grasps his left wrist with his right hand,
• Two Hand Seat grasping the other rescuer’s right wrist with his left hand.

• This method is used when the affected person is injured • Carry Chair
in one leg. For carrying out this method two rescuers face • This method is useful to lift a handicapped or a very old person.
each other on either side of the affected person. They The person to be lifted is placed on a chair, and then, the chair
both bend and place their inside arms under the can be carried to a safer area.
casualty’s back just below the shoulders, raise him and
put their outside arms under his thighs, holding each • Knots and Lines
other’s hands with a hook grip. The affected person can • A rope is an important part of SAR operations. It can act as a
place his/her hands around rescuers’ necks. guideline during searching; it can be used to lift equipment
during rescue work or while carrying out fire fighting, and it can
be used for rescuing people. Various knots and lines are used,
which are mentioned below:
• If you have prepared before the quake, the MyShake earthquake app on your phone will give
you seconds to activate your emergency plan. Staying calm is the first step in earthquake
safety precautions.
• When an earthquake starts, grab your emergency preparedness kit. Remember, Drop, Cover,
and Hold On.
• Get down on the ground under a table or desk. Keep your emergency preparedness kit nearby
so you'll have the supplies you need.
• Keep clear of windows—glass may shatter from the shaking.
• Never stand under objects that can fall on top of you like a large bookcase.
• If you’re in bed, cover your head and neck with pillows.
• If you are home, don’t go outside. Stay off the roads.
• If you’re outside, move away from buildings which can collapse. Stay in an open area where
there are no trees, buildings or power lines.
• If you’re driving when an earthquake strikes, pull over to a large open area that’s not under
trees or power lines. Set the parking brake. Stay in the vehicle.
• If you’re at school, work, or any shopping area don’t take the elevator. Take the stairs.
Demostration of Fire Drill
• What is a Fire Drill? • Importance
• A fire drill is a structured and • Fire drills are crucial for safety
rehearsed exercise that aims to preparedness as they allow the
familiarize individuals with the practice of emergency
necessary steps to take when a procedures, minimize panic, and
f i re e m e rge n c y ta ke s p l a c e ensure effective evacuation
within the premises. The during fire emergencies.
primary goal is to promote a
q u i c k , o r d e r l y, a n d s a f e Practicing fire drills will also
evacuation of the individuals educate participants on fire
while avoiding the risk of injuries safety measures and promote
or casualties. compliance with regulations.
Legal Requirements and Regulations for Fire Drills
• Complying with legal requirements and regulations for fire drills is essential for promoting a safe environment in
various settings. These regulations ensure that organizations, institutions, and residential buildings take proactive
measures to prepare for fire emergencies and protect the lives of occupants. Legal requirements and regulations
may differ per country/region of where your premises are located. Here are the common fire safety agencies from
around the world to keep you updated :

• United States – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for general guidelines about fire safety.
• United Kingdom – Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible authority that enforces fire safety
regulations, including fire drills, is the local Fire and Rescue Service.
• Australia – Each state and territory has its own fire safety agency responsible. For example, in New South Wales,
fire safety is regulated by Fire and Rescue NSW, while in Victoria, it is managed by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade
(MFB) and Country Fire Authority (CFA), depending on the location.
• European Union – Each country may have its own national regulations that align with EU directives. The EU’s Fire
Protection Products Directive (2001/95/EC) establishes requirements for fire safety equipment and products, but it
does not specifically address fire drill regulations.
 How to Implement Fire Drills
• Fire drills should be an integral part of every safety plan, whether in a workplace, school, or residential building. The process of
scheduling these drills is crucial for ensuring that everyone is adequately prepared in case of a fire emergency.

• Regularly scheduled fire drills are essential to reinforce safety protocols and keep occupants prepared at all times. Ideally, these
drills should be conducted at least once every six months to ensure their effectiveness.

• During a fire drill session, several elements contribute to making the drill effective and informative for all participants:

• Educate Participants about Fire Safety: Before conducting the drill, all employees or residents should receive comprehensive
education about the purpose, procedures, and expectations during the drill. Awareness is the first step towards effective fire
emergency response.
• Conduct Mock Scenarios: The heart of a fire drill is the practice of evacuation procedures. Occupants should be familiarized
with the building’s escape routes, exit doors, and assembly points. This knowledge can be life-saving in a real fire scenario.
• Demonstrate Proper Use of Fire Extinguishers: In some settings, certain individuals may be trained to use fire extinguishers. As
part of the drill session, they should be instructed on the correct usage and handling of fire extinguishers. However, only trained
personnel should attempt to use them during real fire emergencies.
• Additional items may be added depending on the premises and schedule. You may refer to our fire drill checklist to ensure that
all necessary steps and safety measures are followed during the drill session.
 How to Evaluate Drill Performance
• Evaluation should cover post-fire drill performance and whether the following criteria are met:

• Response Time: Response time during a fire drill is crucial to measure how quickly occupants can
evacuate the premises. A shorter response time indicates that individuals are familiar with the
evacuation procedure and can act promptly during an emergency.
• Communication Effectiveness: Effective communication during a fire emergency is vital to ensure
everyone receives clear instructions. Evaluators should assess the communication channels used, such as
alarm systems and intercoms, to determine their efficiency in conveying emergency messages.
• Coordination and Leadership: Evaluators should pay attention to how designated leaders manage the
situation and whether they effectively guide others to safety.
• Post-fire drill evaluation should give you insights and areas of improvement in your fire safety plan. This
includes all of the criteria from preparation, mock scenarios, and post-fire drill sessions are conducted.

• It’s crucial to implement these areas of improvement to determine if the organization needs more
employee training about fire safety, restocking of safety equipment/fire extinguishers, or a better fire
safety plan for proper and immediate evacuation of personnel.
Q: Who should be involved in organizing fire drills?
• Several key individuals and teams are recommended to organize a well-
coordinated and effective fire drill. These range from the following:
• Safety officers,
• Emergency response team,
• Facility management team,
• Human Resources (HR) department,
• External emergency services
• Occupants or employees (given that they are trained with fire safety planning)
 Ques: How long does a fire drill typically last?

• The duration of a fire drill typically varies based on the size of the
building or facility and the number of participants. On average, a fire drill
usually lasts between 10 to 20 minutes. This time frame allows for the
simulation of a fire emergency, evacuation procedures, and post-drill
assessments without causing significant disruptions to daily operations.
Q: What’s the consequence of not participating in a fire drill?

• Not participating in a fire drill can lead to unfamiliarity with

emergency procedures, increased panic during a real fire emergency,
and compromised efficiency during evacuations. It also risks non-
compliance with safety regulations and puts both the individual and
others at potential risk.