Disaster Do's and Don'ts

Introduction

Disasters can strike at any time and can have devastating effects on individuals and communities. It is crucial to be prepared and know what to do and what not to do during different types of disasters. This knowledge can help save lives, minimize injuries, and reduce property damage. In this lesson, we will explore the dos and don'ts during various types of disasters.

Fundamentals of Disaster Management

Before diving into the specific dos and don'ts, it is important to understand the fundamentals of disaster management. Disaster management involves the planning, organizing, and coordinating of resources and efforts to effectively respond to and recover from disasters. It includes four phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

• Mitigation: This phase focuses on reducing the risk and impact of disasters through measures such as building codes, land-use planning, and public education.
• Preparedness: This phase involves preparing individuals and communities for potential disasters through activities like creating emergency plans, assembling disaster supply kits, and conducting drills.
• Response: This phase occurs during and immediately after a disaster and involves actions taken to save lives, protect property, and meet basic needs. It includes activities like search and rescue, providing medical assistance, and distributing emergency supplies.
• Recovery: This phase focuses on restoring and rebuilding communities affected by a disaster. It includes activities like debris removal, infrastructure repair, and providing assistance to affected individuals and businesses.

Dos and Don'ts during Disasters

Earthquakes

During an earthquake, it is important to follow these dos:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
2. Stay indoors: Stay inside a building and avoid going outside where you may be at risk of falling debris.
3. Move away from windows and heavy furniture: Move to an interior wall or corner away from windows, glass, and heavy furniture that may topple.

On the other hand, here are some don'ts during an earthquake:

1. Do not use elevators: Elevators may get stuck during an earthquake, so it is safer to take the stairs.
2. Do not stand near glass windows or mirrors: Glass can shatter during an earthquake, posing a significant risk of injury.
3. Do not run outside: Running outside during an earthquake can expose you to falling objects and debris.

Hurricanes

When facing a hurricane, it is important to remember these dos:

1. Evacuate if instructed to do so: Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities to ensure your safety.
2. Secure outdoor objects: Bring in or secure outdoor objects that can become projectiles in high winds.
3. Stay away from flood-prone areas: Avoid areas prone to flooding, as they can be dangerous during a hurricane.

However, there are also some don'ts during a hurricane:

1. Do not stay in a mobile home: Mobile homes are vulnerable to strong winds and may not provide adequate protection.
2. Do not go near downed power lines: Downed power lines can be live and pose a serious electrocution hazard.
3. Do not drive through flooded roads: Flooded roads can be deceivingly deep and may hide hazards such as washed-out sections or debris.

Floods

During a flood, it is important to follow these dos:

1. Evacuate to higher ground if necessary: If instructed to evacuate, move to higher ground to avoid being trapped by rising floodwaters.
2. Turn off electricity and gas: Before evacuating, turn off the electricity and gas supply to reduce the risk of fires and explosions.
3. Listen to local authorities for updates: Stay tuned to local news and follow the instructions of emergency management officials.

However, there are also some don'ts during a flood:

1. Do not walk or drive through floodwaters: Floodwaters can be deeper and faster-moving than they appear, posing a significant risk of drowning.
2. Do not touch electrical equipment if wet: Wet electrical equipment can cause electrocution. Avoid contact until it has been inspected by a professional.
3. Do not ignore evacuation orders: Ignoring evacuation orders puts your life and the lives of emergency responders at risk.

Wildfires

When facing a wildfire, it is important to remember these dos:

1. Evacuate if instructed to do so: Follow evacuation orders promptly to ensure your safety.
2. Close all windows and doors: Close all windows and doors to prevent embers from entering your home.
3. Stay low to the ground if trapped: If you cannot evacuate, stay low to the ground and cover yourself with a wet blanket or clothing.

However, there are also some don'ts during a wildfire:

1. Do not leave sprinklers on the roof: Sprinklers on the roof can waste water needed for firefighting efforts and may not provide effective protection.
2. Do not use water to extinguish fires near gas lines: Water can cause gas lines to rupture, leading to an increased risk of explosions.
3. Do not return home until authorities say it is safe: Returning home too soon can put you in danger and hinder the work of emergency responders.

Tornadoes

During a tornado, it is important to follow these dos:

1. Seek shelter in a basement or interior room: Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of your home.
2. Cover yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets: Protect yourself from flying debris by covering yourself with a mattress or heavy blankets.
3. Stay away from windows and doors: Stay away from windows and exterior doors that can shatter during a tornado.

On the other hand, here are some don'ts during a tornado:

1. Do not stay in a mobile home: Mobile homes are highly vulnerable to tornadoes and may not provide adequate protection.
2. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle: Tornadoes can change direction quickly, making it unsafe to try to outrun them in a vehicle.
3. Do not take shelter under a highway overpass: Taking shelter under a highway overpass can expose you to flying debris and strong winds.

Real-world Applications and Examples

Case study: Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in 2005, serves as a powerful example of the importance of disaster do's and don'ts. During the hurricane, following the dos and avoiding the don'ts could have saved many lives and reduced the extent of the damage. Some dos and don'ts during Hurricane Katrina include:

1. Dos: Evacuate if instructed to do so, secure outdoor objects, and stay away from flood-prone areas.
2. Don'ts: Do not stay in a mobile home, do not go near downed power lines, and do not drive through flooded roads.

Lessons learned from the disaster include the need for improved communication, better evacuation plans, and increased awareness of the potential dangers associated with hurricanes.

Case study: Great East Japan Earthquake

The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that occurred in 2011 provide another real-world example of the importance of disaster do's and don'ts. Following the dos and avoiding the don'ts during the earthquake and tsunami could have saved lives and reduced the impact of the disaster. Some dos and don'ts during the Great East Japan Earthquake include:

1. Dos: Seek shelter in a safe location, follow evacuation orders, and stay informed about the situation.
2. Don'ts: Do not stay in a vulnerable location, do not ignore evacuation orders, and do not rely on unreliable sources of information.

The impact of following or neglecting the guidelines was evident in the areas affected by the disaster, with those who followed the dos experiencing better outcomes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Disaster Do's and Don'ts

Advantages

Following disaster do's and don'ts offers several advantages:

1. Increased safety and preparedness: Knowing what to do and what not to do during a disaster can significantly increase personal safety and preparedness.
2. Reduction in loss of life and property: Following the guidelines can help minimize the loss of life and property during a disaster.

Disadvantages

However, there are also some disadvantages associated with disaster do's and don'ts:

1. Difficulty in implementing guidelines in certain situations: Some disaster situations may present unique challenges that make it difficult to follow the guidelines.
2. Lack of awareness and education leading to non-compliance: Lack of awareness and education about disaster do's and don'ts can lead to non-compliance, putting individuals and communities at risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, disaster do's and don'ts play a crucial role in ensuring personal safety and minimizing the impact of disasters. By following the dos and avoiding the don'ts, individuals can increase their chances of survival and contribute to the overall resilience of their communities. It is important to stay informed, create emergency plans, and be prepared to take appropriate actions when faced with different types of disasters.

Summary

Disaster Do's and Don'ts are essential guidelines to follow during various types of disasters. By knowing what to do and what not to do, individuals can increase their safety, minimize injuries, and reduce property damage. This lesson covers the dos and don'ts during earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes. Real-world case studies, such as Hurricane Katrina and the Great East Japan Earthquake, highlight the importance of following these guidelines. While disaster do's and don'ts offer advantages like increased safety and preparedness, there are also challenges in implementing them and the need for awareness and education.

Analogy

Imagine you are playing a game of chess. To win the game, you need to know the rules and strategies. Similarly, during a disaster, knowing the dos and don'ts is like having a playbook that guides you to make the right moves and avoid costly mistakes. Just as a chess player carefully plans their moves to protect their pieces and win the game, following disaster do's and don'ts helps protect lives and minimize the impact of disasters.