This week is the Disaster Management Week. Here's some information on Disaster Management.

What is disaster management?

 ‘Disaster management can be defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.

Types of disasters

There is no country that is immune from disaster, though vulnerability to disaster varies. There are two main types of disaster.

·         Natural disasters. These disasters include floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and volcano eruptions that can have immediate impacts on human health, as well as secondary impacts causing further death and suffering from floods causing landslides, earthquakes resulting in fires, tsunamis causing widespread flooding and typhoons sinking ferries

·         Environmental emergencies.  These emergencies include technological or industrial accidents, usually involving hazardous material, and occur where these materials are produced, used or transported. Large forest fires are generally included in this definition because they tend to be caused by humans.

Here's a few tips on disaster management:

FLOODS

·         Notify a neighbour, friend or the local authorities of your new address.

·         Turn off power, water and gas and take your mobile phone.

·         Pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables and sentimental items in waterproof bags, to be taken with your emergency kit.

·         Move furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables (electrical items highest).

·         Lock your home and take recommended evacuation routes for your area.

·         Don't drive through flooded ground.

·         Stay tuned to local radio for updated advice.

·         Don't allow children to play in, or near, flood waters.

·         Avoid entering floodwaters.

·         Stay away from drains, culverts and water over knee-deep.

·         Don't use gas or electrical appliances which have been in flood water until checked for safety.

·         Don't eat food which has been in flood waters and boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe.

CYCLONES

·         Before the cyclone season, check with your local council if your home has been built to cyclone standards.

·         Check that the walls, roof and eaves of your home are secure.

·         Trim treetops and branches well clear of your home (get council permission).

·         Fit shutters, or at least metal screens, to all glass areas.

·         Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.

·         In case of a storm warning or other flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it.

·         Prepare an emergency kit to take with you and keep a list of emergency numbers on display.

·         When a cyclone watch is issued, fill your car's fuel tank. Ensure that your family members know which is the strongest part of your house.

·         Listen continuously to your local radio/TV for further warnings.

·         When the cyclone strikes, disconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to your battery radio for updates.

·         Stay indoors (unless you are asked to evacuate) in the strongest part of the building, i.e. cellar, internal hallway or bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.

·         Protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench if the building starts to break up.

·         Drive carefully as roads may be filled with debris.

EARTHQUAKE

·         Check that your insurance covers earthquake damage.

·         If you currently building your home, seek expert advice on the depth and type of foundations and construction to suit your soil conditions.

·         Check and repair cracks in walls or gaps in mortar between bricks in existing buildings.

·         Have an emergency kit which includes: a portable radio and torch with fresh batteries containers of fresh water, canned food supplies and a first aid kit and instruction manual.

·         Have an evacuation plan for you and your family.

·         Know the safest areas during earthquakes. Shelter under a door frame, table, bench, etc.

·         List emergency phone numbers for police, fire, ambulance and gas, etc.

·         If indoors, don't leave the house and keep clear of windows, chimneys and overhead fittings. If leaving the home, do not use elevators/lifts.

·         Keep well clear of buildings, overhead structures, walls, bridges, power lines, trees etc.

·         Stay away from fallen power lines damaged roads, and landslides.

·         Listen to your car radio for warnings before moving.

·         Turn off electricity, gas, and water. Do not light matches and check for gas or fuel leaks and damaged wiring.

·         Check for broken water, sewerage or electrical mains.

·         Expect aftershocks. Evacuate if the building is damaged.

·         Do not go sightseeing or enter damaged buildings. Don't panic and help others if possible.

TSUNAMI

·         When in coastal areas, stay alert for tsunami warnings.

·         Plan an evacuation route that leads to higher ground.

·         Know the warning signs of a tsunami: rapidly rising or falling coastal waters and rumblings of an offshore earthquake.

·         Never stay near shore to watch a tsunami come in.

·         A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not return to an affected coastal area until authorities say it is safe.