Disasters-What you should and should not do

Disasters
Preparedness and Mitigation

By
Molvareen Langstieh
Assistant Professor,
Disaster Management Cell,
Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute, Shillong.

TYPES OF DISASTER

NATURAL DISASTERS………..

TYPES OF DISASTER
MANMADE

DISASTERS………..
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NEUCLEAR, CHEMICAL &
BIOLOGICAL
WAR
TERRORISM
FIRE
BUILDING COLLAPSE
FLOODS (WEAK DAM
STRUCTURE)
AIR CRASH
TRAIN ACCIDENTS
SHIP WREKS
ROAD ACCIDENTS

What can we do???

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Prevention
Preparedness
Mitigation
Response

Introduction
• You can prepare to meet the challenges brought on
by a major disaster by planning ahead.
• In any emergency situations, One should be “Self
Sufficient”.
• Being Self Sufficient means to be prepared. It also
means to take care of yourself and your loved
ones.
• In emergency situations, help from outside may be
delayed… you are to plan for your own well being.

Your Personal Network
• How do you create a support network?
• Ask people you trust if they are willing to
help you in case of an emergency.
Identify contacts for important locations
such as home, work or school.
Neighbours are often the closest and
most available contacts in an
emergency.

• Tell these support people where your
emergency kit is stored. Give one
member a key to your home.
• Include a support network contact who
is far enough away that they are unlikely
to be affected by the same emergency.
• Work with your support network to
develop a plan that meets your needs.
• Practice your emergency plan with your
network. If applicable, show them how
your special needs equipment works.

Emergency Kit Checklist
• In an emergency you will need some basic
supplies. Be prepared to be self-sufficient
for at least 72 hours. These items may not
apply to every situation or every person;
for additional recommended items select
them according to your own needs. Check
your kit twice a year to ensure contents
are up to date. Re-stock as needed
• This is your “go Kit”

Basic emergency kit checklist
• Water – at least two litres of water per person
per day. Include small bottles that can be carried
easily in case of an evacuation order
• Food that won't spoil, such as canned food,
energy bars and dried foods (replace food and
water once a year)
• Manual can-opener
• battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries)
• battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)

* First aid kit
• Special items such as prescription
medications, or identification
• Extra keys to your car and house
• Cash in smaller bills, and change
• Special items according to your needs
(i.e., prescription medication, infant
formula, special equipment, pet food and
water, etc)
• A copy of your emergency plan and
contact information

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Recommended additional items checklist
Two additional litres of water per person per day
for cooking and cleaning
Candles and matches or lighter (place candles
in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
Change of clothing and footwear for each
household member
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each
household member
Toiletries, hand sanitizer, utensils
Garbage bags for personal sanitation
Toilet paper

• Minimum of a week's supply of prescription medications
• Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work
gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
• Small fuel-operated stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's
directions and store fuel properly)
• A whistle (in case you need to call for help)
• Duct tape (i.e., to tape up windows, doors, air vents)
• Detailed list of all special needs items, in the event that
they need to be replaced

Persons With a Disability / Special Needs – Tips
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Make sure all your emergency kit items are organised in one place,
easy to find and to carry.
Tag all of your special needs equipment including instructions on
how to use and/or move each assistive device during an
emergency.
Complete a checklist and personal assessment sheet and provide a
copy to your designated network(s). Keep a copy in your emergency
kit(s).
List all food/drug allergies and current medications (for each
medication, specify the medical condition being treated, the generic
name, dosage, frequency, and the name and contact information of
the prescribing physician). Provide this list to your designated
network and keep a copy in your emergency kit(s).

For People in a Wheelchair: Your emergency plan
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If you use a wheelchair emergency an evacuation chair may be
stored near stairs, or the floor where you work or live, so that your
network can readily access it to help you evacuate. The person with
the disability should be involved in the selection of the evacuation
chair.
People who require the use of an evacuation chair should designate
a primary and backup contact to assist them in the event of an
evacuation. Create an evacuation and practice using the chair with
them.
In your personal assessment checklist, identify areas of your body
that have reduced sensation so that these areas can be checked for
injuries after an emergency, if you cannot do so yourself.

For the Hearing Impaired: Your emergency plan
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Communicate your hearing loss by moving your lips without making
a sound, pointing to your ear, using a gesture, or if applicable,
pointing to your hearing aid.
Keep a pencil and paper handy for written communication.
Install a smoke detection system that includes flashing strobe lights
or vibrators to get your attention if the alarms sound.

For the Hearing Impaired: Recommended additional items checklist
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Writing pads and pencils for communication
Flashlight, whistle or personal alarm
Pre-printed phrases you would use during an emergency, such as "I
use Sign Language" or "If you make announcements, I will need to
have them written simply or signed".
Assistive equipment according to your needs (i.e., hearing aid,
personal amplifier, etc.)
Portable visual notification devices to know if someone is knocking
on the door, ringing the doorbell, or calling on the telephone
Extra batteries for assistive devices

For the Visual Impaired: Your emergency plan
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Have a longer white cane available to readily man oeuvre around
obstacles (there may be debris on the floor or furniture may have
shifted).
Identify all emergency supplies in advance with fluorescent tape,
large print or Braille text, such as gas, water and electric shutoff
valves.
Familiarize yourself in advance with all escape routes and locations
of emergency doors/exits on each floor of any building where you
work, live and visit.

For the Visual Impaired: Recommended additional items checklist
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Extra white cane, preferably longer in length
Large print timepiece with extra batteries
Extra vision aids such as an electronic travel aid, monocular,
binocular or magnifier
Extra pair of prescription glasses (if applicable)
Any reading devices / assistive technology

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Practice the Buddy System:
There should be at least two buddies willing to help you at work, and
you should try to find two or more at home. These buddies should
be willing to check on you after any emergency or disaster, and to
assist you when needed. Most people are happy to help, but they
need to know what to do:
First explain to them that you are getting prepared for an earthquake
or other disaster, and encourage them to do the same.
Tell them about your special needs and concern.
Familiarize them with any equipment you use. For example, show
then how your wheel chair works, whether the arms come off, and
how to go up or down a curb.
Let them know of any particular harm that untrained help might
cause.
Invite your neighbourhood buddies into your home to let them
become familiar with the layout and the location of supplies.
Give a key to a trusted friend.

• During an emergency, if your support
network is unable to help, ask others for
help and inform them of your special
needs and how they can assist you.
• Carry a personal alarm that emits a loud
noise to draw attention.
• Be aware that experiencing an emergency
can be overwhelming and stress can
worsen some medical
conditions.

What is an EARTHQUAKE???
Earthquake is a sudden shaking of earth’s
surface.
Earthquakes can be felt over large areas although they
usually last less than one minute
It is a sudden release of energy accumulated
in deformed rocks causing the ground to
tremble or shake.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF
EARTHQUAKES?

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M
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HOW EARTHQUAKES AFFECT?

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HOUSE

S
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DAM

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BRIDGE

If you are indoors during an earthquake, keep calm and
take cover under a heavy table or desk.
Stay away from glass, windows or anything
that could fall, like a bookcase.
If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, street lights
and utility wires.
If you are in a crowded public place, do NOT rush for the doors.
Everyone will be doing that. Instead, take cover under something
heavy and stay away from things that could fall on you.
Stay calm. Do not get in an elevator during an earthquake!

If you are home and you smell gas or hear a hissing
or blowing sound, open a window and get out of the
building right away. It may mean that a gas line in
your house has been broken. Make sure you are
wearing shoes after an earthquake.
There may be broken glass on the ground
and inside your home

RULE -01

DROP
COVER
HOLD
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FALLING OBJECTS

During an Earthquake
You are advised to take cover. The greatest danger is from
falling objects. But it is important that after you take cover you
will be able to move to a safer place if necessary. If it would be
impossible or even difficult for you to get out from under a desk
or table, don’t get under it.
If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it. Turn away from windows.
Move the chair into a doorway with your back towards the
hinge, or move away from hazards such as falling books or
furniture. Set the brake on the chair and, if possible, lean over
or hold a pillow, book or even an empty wastebasket over your
head and neck for protection.
.

If you have difficulty moving, but you
are not in a wheelchair, assess the
situation. Often, you will be safest just
staying where you are. If you are in
bed or sitting down, stay there while
the ground is shaking. If you are on
your feet, sit down on the floor or in a
chair if it is very close.

The Care Giver:
The important thing to do at this time is to protect
yourself. You will be needed most after the earthquakes.
So take cover, and if possible, call to the other person
with reassurance.
When the quake is over, proceed carefully to check on
those for whom you are responsible, and assess the
situation of the building as you check them for injuries. If
an evacuation is necessary, move carefully, and take
essential equipment with you.

After an Earthquake
What you do after an earthquake depends on
where you are and what your personal situation
is.
Check yourself carefully for injuries. Use the
telephone only if you desperately need help. If
you are trapped, use your whistle, bell, or
flashlight to attract attention. Pound on beams
or windows, walls or pipes, or wave a sheet or
jacket out the window.

RULE -02

TURN OFF GAS,
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

RULE - 03

AVOID RUSHING OUT OF
YOUR HOUSE

RULE - 04

OPEN THE DOOR TO
SECURE AN EXIT

RULE - 05

WHEN OUTSIDE PROTECT YOUR
HEAD AND KEEP AWAY FROM
DANGEROUS OBJECTS

RULE - 06

IF IN A MALL, THEATRE FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS OF THE STAFF

RULE - 07

PARK YOUR VEHICLE ON THE LEFT
SIDE OF THE STREET & GIVE WAY TO
AMBULANCE AND FIRE BRIGADE

RULE - 08

EVACUATE ON FOOT RATHER THAN
BY CAR & CARRY ONLY WHAT YOU
NEED

• To Evacuate or Not to Evacuate?
The decision to evacuate is an important one. If
evacuation is easy, and if there is any possibility
of fire or structural damage, then evacuate to a
safe outdoor place. If evacuation would be
difficult, then take time to decide. In general, the
rule is to evacuate if there is a threat of injury by
remaining where you are. If there is no fire, gas
leak, or chemical spill and no significant
structural damage, then you do not need to
evacuate, particularly if the evacuation might be
hazardous to you.

• To Evacuate or Not to Evacuate?
If it is necessary to evacuate, persons with
disabilities should be evacuated last. This is for
your own protection, so that you will not be
injured in a rush of people. If you are in a
wheelchair, on crutches, or use a walker, be
sure to ask assistance. It takes two people to
assist a person in a wheelchair. Give directions
for helping you clearly and calmly. Tell people
what items you will need at the evacuation area.

RULE - 09

AVOID BEING MISLED BY FALSE
RUMORS & TRY TO OBTAIN CORRECT
INFORMATION

Fires in buildings are very dangerous
ne of the most important things to remember is that your house
should have a working smoke detector
our family should have a fire plan of how to escape from your
house if it is on fire
NEVER hide during a fire. Always get out. And once you are out,
stay out. DO NOT go back for a toy.
Get help from a parent or adult to check if your smoke detectors
are working. Check also to see if your family has a working
fire extinguisher.

Crawl low under the smoke to escape. Keep
your head at least one/two feet above the ground
This should be practiced beforehand to prepare
you for an actual fire.

Before you exit a room, feel the door first.
Close the door when you exit a room, and feel closed
doors before you enter a room. A hot door or door knob
usually means the room is on fire.
When you leave, close the door behind you to help
contain the fire

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED INSIDE A ROOM,
PREVENT THE SMOKE FROM ENTERING THE
ROOM BY BLOCKING THE SMOKE USING
PILLOWS, BLANKETS OR EVEN CURTAINS. IF
POSSIBLE, USE WET CLOTHES TO BLOCK OUT
SMOKE.
CALL FOR HELP AND SIGNAL RESCUERS FROM
A WINDOW WITH A LIGHT-COLORED CLOTH
TRY TO OPEN A WINDOW TO LET SMOKE OUT,
TO BREAK OPEN A WIDOW, USE A HEAVY
BLUNT OBJECT AND BREAK OPEN THE BOTTOM
LEFT CORNER OF THE WINDOW.

STOP, DROP, AND ROLL.
IF ANY PART OF YOU CATCHES FIRE, DO NOT
RUN AND DO NOT TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE
FLAMES WITH YOUR HANDS. COVER YOUR
FACE WITH YOUR HANDS. DROP TO THE
GROUND, ROLLING OVER AND OVER

DO NOT HIDE ... SUCH AS IN CLOSETS/ PLACES
WHERE YOU MIGHT BE TRAPPED

When a fire occurs, there's no
time for planning. So sit down
with your family today, and
make a step-by-step plan for
escaping a fire and protecting
yourselves from one

Closet

Sample – Floor Plan
Bedroom 1

Door

Window
Fi
re
pl
ac

e

Closet

Bedroom 2

Covered Porch

Legend

Dining
Room

Living
Room
Garag
e

Bathroom

Kitche
n

Furnace Rm

Bedroom 3

Washer &
Dryer

Closet

Covered Porch

72

Scenario 1 – Escape Route Bedroom 2 Meeting
Family
(repeat for each room and location of fire)
Bedroom 1

Fi
re
pl
ac

Bedroom 2

First Escape Route
Second Escape Route

e

Living
Room
Garag
e

Kitche
n

Bedroom 3

Furnace Rm

Dining
Room

Place

73

Scenario 2 – Escape Route Bedroom 2 Meeting
Family
(repeat for each room and location of fire)
Bedroom 1

Fi
re
pl
ac

Bedroom 2

First Escape Route
Second Escape Route

e

Living
Room
Garag
e

Kitche
n

Bedroom 3

Furnace Rm

Dining
Room

Place

74

In an apartment, use the stairways to leave the
building. Never use the elevator during a fire; it
may stop between floors or even take you to the
floor where the fire is burning.

In a two story house, if you must escape from a
second story window, be sure you have a safe
way to reach the ground. Make special
arrangements for small children and people with
disabilities.

Get Out Fast! In case of a fire, don't stop for
anything. Do not try to take possessions or pets.
Just get out. Call the fire department from
a neighbour's phone after you get out.
Don't go back, no matter what. Make sure everyone
in your family knows that once they are out, they
must not go back for any reason. If people are
trapped, fire fighters have the best chance of
rescuing them.
Call the fire department after you escape. Everyone
should gather at one meeting place outside,
preferably at the front, where the fire department will
arrive. Each family member should know how to call
the fire department from a neighbour's home.

Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby when you are
cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the
flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you
are wearing the oven mitt).
• Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire
from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely
cool.
• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door
closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing.
• If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn it off
immediately and keep the door closed. Never open the door
until the fire is completely out. Unplug the appliance if you can
safely reach the outlet.
NEVER USE EXTENSION CORDS TO PLUG IN COOKING
APPLIANCES
Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible

• Helpers, Buddies and Rescue Workers:
First, try to locate everyone who might
need assistance. Look for people with
visual or hearing disabilities. Be respectful
and considerate. Try to help without
endangering human dignity. Get enough
people to do what is necessary without
injuring anyone.

When assisting someone with a disability
begin by asking the person if they need
help and what can you do to assist. Listen
to the answer. If you have trouble
understanding, ask them to clarify or write
down the requests. The person with the
disability is in the best position to know the
type of assistance required. The person
who rushes to help without asking first
could cause serious injury.
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When assisting someone who uses a cane, crutches or
walker, remember that these will be needed in the
evacuation area.
Evacuate the disabled person last, and remember that a
hazardous evacuation is the last resort. It requires at
least two persons to take a person in a wheelchair up or
down a flight of stairs, and it can be dangerous. If there
is no compelling threat to safety, a person in a wheel
chair would be better off remaining in the building.

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Assisting a person with a mobility disability –
what to do
• If possible, use gloves when providing personal
care.
• Try to ensure that the person's wheelchair is
transported with the person.
• If this is not possible, employ other evacuation
techniques as appropriate, such as use of the
evacuation chair, shelter-in-place (if instructed to
do so), or lifts and carries by trained personnel.
• Do not push or pull a person's wheelchair
without their permission, unless it is a matter of
life or death.

Assisting a person with a hearing impairment – what to
do
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Get the person's attention via a visual cue or a gentle touch on their
arm. Do not approach the person from behind.
Face the person, make eye contact when speaking to them as they
may rely on lip reading and communicate in close proximity.
Speak clearly and naturally. Do not shout or speak unnaturally
slowly.
Try to rephrase, rather than repeating yourself.
Use gestures to help illustrate your meaning.
If there is time, it may be helpful to write a message.
Hearing aids amplify sounds and can create a physical shock to the
user, so do not make loud noises.
Note that some people may be deaf-blind.

Assisting a person with a vision disability – what to do

• For people who are deaf-blind, draw an "X" on their back
with your finger to let them know you can help them.
• To communicate with someone who is deaf-blind, trace
letters in their hand with your finger.
• To guide a person, keep half a step ahead, offer them
your arm and walk at their pace.
• Do not shout at a person who is blind or has reduced
vision. Speak clearly and provide specific directions.
• Provide advance warning of upcoming stairs, major
obstacles or changes in direction.

Assisting a person with a vision disability – what to do

• Watch for obstacles that the person could walk into.
• Never grab a person with vision loss, unless it is a matter
of life or death.
• Do not assume that the person cannot see you.
• Avoid the term "over there"; describe positions such as,
"to your right / left / straight ahead / behind you", or by
using the clock face positions (i.e., the exit is at 12
o'clock).

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Disasters-What you should and should not do

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