Introduction to Disasters

8/7/2019 Introduction to Disasters

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Introduction to Disasters

"A disaster is a natural or man-made event that negatively affects life, property, livelihood or industry often

resulting in permanent changes to human societies, ecosystems and environment."

As the definition suggests, disasters are highly disruptive events that cause

suffering, deprivation, hardship, injury and even death, as a result of direct

injury, disease, the interruption of commerce and business, and the partial or

total destruction of critical infrastructure such as homes, hospitals, and other

buildings, roads, bridges, power lines, etc. Disasters can be caused by naturally

occurring events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes, or

they can be due to man-made events, either accidental (such as an accidental

toxic spill or nuclear power plant event), or deliberately caused (such as various terrorist bombings and

poisonings).

Certain types of natural disasters are more likely to occur in particular parts of the world. For instance, areas near

coastline, lakes or rivers are more likely to experience flooding problems than are land-locked areas. However,

most every place you could live is prone to one type of natural disaster or another. No place is absolutely safe

from natural disaster. And, of course it goes without saying, that no place is safe from the threat of terrorism and

other man-made disaster events.

It may be impossible to avoid disasters, but it isn't impossible to plan ahead of time so as to minimize the impact

that any given disaster might have on you or your family's health, safety and property. There are steps you can

take ahead of time, including, purchasing the proper types of insurance, preparing a disaster kit and supplies,

making a disaster plan and rehearsing it with your family, and staying informed so that you can do your best to

get out of the way of predictable dangerous occurrences, that can help you, your family, and your property stay

as safe as possible.

Helping Employees Cope with a Natural Disaster

Some steps you can take to help employees cope:

1. Acknowledge the event as tragic and, at this point in time, perhaps ongoing.

2. Provide those employees who are affected with an opportunity to talk about their fear, horror,

helplessness and grief.

3. Allow them to talk about what they saw, felt, and experienced, including physical reactions in

response to this tragic event (such as nausea, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite).

4. Let employees know that it is completely normal to be experiencing such a wide range of reactions

in response to this event.

5. Encourage employees to do all that they need to do to feel safe, while at the same time

acknowledging and talking about the traumatic nature of the event.


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6. Remind employees to work towards normalizing and focusing on their daily experience as much as

possible eating regular meals, getting periods of rest and reducing the amount and frequency of

mentally demanding tasks.

7. Encourage employees to stay in close contact with loved ones, and keep close communication with

their children.

8. Provide employees with written information acknowledging the nature of the event, and what kind

of services may be available to help them.

9. Encourage employees to call, as needed, and speak with an EAP counselor.

10. Provide written information, in the form of handouts, concerning what they can do to help

themselves and one another cope and recover from the traumatic impact of this event.

Floods

What Is A Flood?

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters--except fire. Most communities in the United

States have experienced some kind of flooding, after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms, or winter snow thaws.

A flood, as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program is:

"A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land

area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:

Overflow of inland or tidal waters,

Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or

A mudflow.

[The] collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or

undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood."

Floods can be slow, or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days. Mitigation includes any activities

that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency happening, or lessen the damaging effects of

unavoidable emergencies. Investing in mitigation steps now, such as, engaging in floodplain management

activities, constructing barriers, such as levees, and purchasing flood insurance will help reduce the amount ofstructural damage to your home and financial loss from building and crop damage should a flood or flash flood

occur.

What Should I Do Before A Flood?


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Purchase Flood insurance. The FloodSmart.Gov website has information on how you can secure a flood policy. The

law can require it. But the laws of nature demand it. Flooding can happen anytime, anywhere. There are many

different flood zones throughout the United States with different levels of risk. Everyone lives in a flood zone!

Knowing and understanding your flood zone helps you understand your risk of financial loss. It's also important

information to consider when purchasing flood insurance. View the level of flood risk to your property and

community at the FEMA Map Store where viewing flood risk identification maps is free (Note: Use Internet

Explorer Only!).

Besides insuring your property, there are other things you can do before a flood to minimize potential loss to your

home and ensure your family's safety.

Have disaster supplies on hand:

Flashlights and extra batteries

Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries tuned to a local station, and follow emergency instructions.

First aid kit and manual

Emergency food and bottled water

Non-electric can opener

Essential medicines

Cash and credit cards

Sturdy shoes

If you live in a frequently flooded area, take preventative measures and stockpile emergency building materials:

Plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, hammer and saw, pry bar, shovels, and sandbags.

Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.

As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.

Take photos or videos of all of your important possessions. If your home is damaged in a flood, these documents will

help you file a full flood insurance claim.

Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects (such as photographs) where they won't get damaged. If

major flooding is expected, consider putting them in a storage facility.

Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone. Teach children to dial 911.

Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.

Learn flood-warning signs and your community's alert signals

Contact your local emergency management office or local American Red Cross chapter for a copy of the community flood evacuation

plan.

This plan should include information on the safest routes to shelters. Individuals living in flash flood areas should have several

alternative routes. Request information on preparing for floods and flash floods.

Develop an emergency communication plan.

In case family members are separated from one another during floods or flashfloods (a real possibility during the day when adults are at

work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
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Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure

everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a flood or flash flood. Teach all family members how and when to turn off

gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, fire department, and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Be prepared to evacuate.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the "family contact" in case your family is separated during a flood.

Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.

Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.

Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12" above

your home's projected flood elevation.

For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.

Anchor fuel tanks. An unanchored tank in your basement can be torn free by flood waters, and the broken supply line

can contaminate your basement. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream, where it can damage other

houses.

If your washer and dryer are in the basement, elevate them on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12" above

the projected flood elevation.

Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12" above the projected flood elevation.

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Buy Flood Insurance!

One of the most important things that you can do to protect your home and family before a flood is to purchase a flood

insurance policy

You can obtain one through your insurance company or agent. Flood insurance is guaranteed through the National

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Your homeowner's

insurance does not cover flood damage.

Don't wait until a flood is coming to purchase your policy. It normally takes 30 days after purchase for a flood insurance

policy to go into effect

For more information about the NFIP and flood insurance, read the information on theFloodSmart.gov web site, contact

your insurance company or agent, or call the NFIP at 1-888-FLOOD29 or TDD# 1-800-427-5593.

What Should I Do During a Flood?

Now, the floodwaters are rising, and there's nothing you can do to stop them. But there are things you can do to

make sure your family stays safe until the water levels drop again.

Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by

using bleach. Rinse, then fill with clean water.

Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
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If local authorities instruct you to do so, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.

If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.

If the waters start to rise inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the attic, and if

necessary, the roof.

Floodwaters may carry raw sewage, chemical waste and other disease-spreading substances. If you've come in contact

with floodwaters, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water.

Avoid walking through floodwaters. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

Don't drive through a flooded area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. A car can be

carried away by just 2 feet of flood water.

Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

Look out for animals -- especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too.

What Should I Do After A Flood?

Your community has been flooded, and your property has suffered flood damage. Stay calm and stay safe in the

days ahead by following these instructions.

FIRST STEP: If your home has suffered damage, call the agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. If you

are unable to stay in your home, make sure to say where you can be reached.

To make filing your claim easier, take photos of any water in the house and save damaged personal property. If

necessary, place these items outside the home. An insurance adjuster will need to see what's been damaged in order to

process your claim.

Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Don't go in if there is a chance of the building collapsing.

Upon re-entering your property, do not use matches, cigarette lighters or other open flames since gas may be trapped

inside. If you smell gas or hear hissing, open a window, leave quickly, and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.

Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.

Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the toilets and the tap and call a

plumber.

Throw away any food -- including canned goods -- that has come in contact with floodwaters.

Until local authorities declare your water supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation.

Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding. Use flood-resistant materials and techniques

to protect your property from future flood damage.

Salvage water-damaged books, heirlooms and photographs with restoration tips from the NFIP.

Check For Hazards When Returning Home

Going back into your home can be dangerous because flooding can cause structural, electrical and other hazards.

Physical dangers are not necessarily over after the water goes down. Hazards are not always obvious. They can be

potentially life-threatening if precautions are not taken.
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Please be mindful of the following safety tips when returning home after a flood, hurricane or severe storm:

Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make

certain your house's power supply is disconnected.

If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company

from a neighbor's house.

Enter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force

the door open, wait outside the doorway in case debris falls.

Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It

is very heavy and dangerous if it falls.

Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by

floodwater mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible. Remove water quickly using a mop or

squeegee.

Earthquakes

What is an earthquake?

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the Earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the

Earth's surface. For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of plate tectonics have shaped the Earth as the huge

plates that form the Earth's surface move slowly over, under, and past each other. Sometimes the movement is

gradual. At other times, the plates are locked together, unable to release the accumulating energy. When the

accumulated energy grows strong enough, the plates break free causing the ground to shake. Most earthquakes

occur at the boundaries where the plates meet; however, some earthquakes occur in the middle of plates.

An earthquake's magnitude is measured using the Richter Scale, developed by Charles F. Richter in 1935. It is a

logarithmic measurement of the amount of energy released by an earthquake. Earthquakes with a magnitude of

at least 4.5 are strong enough to be recorded by sensitive seismographs all over the world. In the United States

several thousand shocks of varying sizes occur annually.

The effects of earthquakes are also measured by the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. The intensity of a quake is

evaluated according to the observed severity of the quake at specific locations. The Mercalli scale rates the

intensity on a Roman nu meral scale that ranges from I to XII.

Ground shaking from earthquakes can collapse buildings and bridges; disrupt gas, electric, and phone service;

and sometimes trigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires, and huge, destructive ocean waves (tsunamis).

Buildings with foundations resting on unconsolidated landfill and other unstable soil, and trailers and homes not

tied to their foundations are at risk because they can be shaken off their mountings during an earthquake. When

an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.


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Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related

injuries result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects as a result of the ground shaking, or people

trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking. Much of the damage in earthquakes is predictable and

preventable.

The Northridge, California, earthquake of January 17, 1994, struck a modern urban environment generally

designed to withstand the forces of earthquakes. Its economic cost, nevertheless, has been estimated at $20

billion. Fortunately, relatively few lives were lost. Exactly one year later, Kobe, Japan, a densely populated

community less prepared for earthquakes than Northridge, was devastated by the most costly earthquake ever to

occur. Property losses were projected at $96 billion, and at least 5,378 people were killed. These two earthquakes

tested building codes and construction practices, as well as emergency preparedness and response procedures.

Where earthquakes have occurred in the past, they will happen again. Learn whether earthquakes are a risk in

your area by contacting your local emergency management office, American Red Cross chapter, state geological

survey , or department of natural resources.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning. Earthquakes can occur at any time of the year and at any time of

the day or night. On a yearly basis, 70 to 75 damaging earthquakes occur throughout the world. Estimates of

losses from a future earthquake in the United States approach $200 billion.

Expect aftershocks. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock and can cause further

damage to weakened buildings. After-shocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the

quake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might occur.

All 50 states and all U.S. territories are vulnerable to earthquakes. There are 45 states and territories in theUnited States at moderate to very high risk from earthquakes, and they are located

in every region of the country. California experiences the most frequent damaging

earthquakes; however, Alaska experiences the greatest number of large earthquakes

most located in uninhabited areas. The largest earthquakes felt in the United

States were along the New Madrid Fault in Missouri, where a three-month long series

of quakes from 1811 to 1812 included three quakes larger than a magnitude of 8 on

the Richter Scale. These earthquakes were felt over the entire Eastern United States,

with Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Alabama, Arkansas, and

Mississippi experiencing the strongest ground shaking.

Stop, Drop and Hold On

1. The best protection during an earthquake is to get under heavy

furniture such as a desk, table, or bench

2. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and

alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long


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Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris

from collapsing walls.

3. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most

earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reiterates its long-standing advice for staying as safe aspossible during an earthquake. Its easy to remember and even easier to do:

DROP to the ground

take COVERby getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Following the spread of an Internet/Email rumor that contradicts the advice given by FEMA, the American Red

Cross, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a number of other agencies about the proper

actions to take during an earthquake, FEMA has been asked for clarification on its policy. We continue to advocate

DROP, COVER and HOLD ON as the safest action when the earth begins to shake.

Research has shown that most injuries in U.S. earthquakes occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to

a different location inside the building or try to leave. Quickly seeking a place of safety, such as under a sturdy

table or desk, and moving as short a distance as possible to that place of safety, is recommended based on

research.

In the 2003 San Simeon, California, earthquake, two people were crushed by falling debris when they ran from

the building. Studies of the 1979 El Centro, 1987 Whittier, 1989 Loma Prieta, and 1994 Northridge earthquakes,

as well as mounting evidence from earthquakes outside the United States, confirm this pattern of injuries. DROP,

COVER, and HOLD ON reduces the likelihood of serious injury from falling objects.

Other recommendations, which are contrary to the DROP, COVER and HOLD ON advice, have been made by

individuals with limited expertise and questionable credibility. Practice DROP, COVER and HOLD ON at school, in

the office, and other buildings so that when the earth shakes, youll be ready.

How To Prepare For Earthquakes

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and

advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake.

BEFORE an earthquake occurs ...

Check for hazards in the home

Fasten shelves securely to walls.


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Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.

Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.

Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.

Brace overhead light fixtures.

Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.

Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.

Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.

Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

MITIGATION - Mitigation includes any activities that prevent an emergency, reduce the chance of an emergency

happening, or lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies. Investing in preventive mitigation steps now such

as repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling and following

local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes in the future. For more information on

mitigation, contact your local emergency management office.

Identify safe places in each room.

Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.

Against an inside wall.

Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall

over.

Locate safe places outdoors. In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or

elevated expressways.

Make sure all family members know how to respond after an earthquake. Teach all family members how and when to

turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio

station to tune to for emergency information. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross

chapter for more information on earthquakes.

Have disaster supplies on hand.

Flashlight and extra batteries

Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries

First aid kit and manual

Emergency food and water

Nonelectric can opener

Essential medicines

Cash and credit cards

Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during an

earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for


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reuniting after the disaster. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact". After a disaster, it's often

easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact

person.

Pets are often not allowed into shelters for health and space reasons. Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home

that includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large container of water.

DURING an earthquake ...

If indoors:

Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall and hold on.

Stay inside.

The most dangerous thing to do during the shaking of an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall on you.

If outdoors:

Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.

Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

If in a moving vehicle:

Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle.

Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires.

Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

AFTER an earthquake ...

Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and maybring

weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they

are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help when necessary.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.

Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe:

Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at

the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back

on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at

the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If wate

pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes, or by

accessing water inside your hot water heater (after it has cooled down completely!).


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Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell

gas or fumes from other chemicals.

Open closet and cupboard doors cautiously.

Inspect the entire length of chimneys carefully for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

The behavior of pets may change dramatically after an earthquake. Normally quiet and friendly cats and dogs may

become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard.

Dos and Don'ts of Disaster Management

Dos

You and Your Family

Educate your children wife and other family member in respect of natural and manmadedisasters and other crises. In case of your being unaware, take help of Civil Defence andHome Guard organisation and other NGOs. Develop habit in you and your children tospare 1% of you busy time to think about Individual security and security interests.

Keep the phone numbers of the local police station, police control rooms, fire stations, andschools, colleges, TV station, All India Radio, ambulance services and Chemists foremergency use.

Guide children to remain at schools in emergency.

Prepare an emergency kit of items and essentials in the house including essentialdocuments and valuables.

Store food and water for survival in case you had a pre-warning.

Any suspicious incidents observed be reported to police on 103. Callers do not have togive their identity on the phone. Information of immediate use be conveyed to controlrooms to help early relief.

Carry your identity card, residential telephone number or address or personal card withyou. Have your blood group and any medical allergies recorded with you.

Check information in case of disasters and crises from ward, civil Defence/Home Guard,and BMC, TV and All India Radio Control room.

Learn to fight such emergencies untidily.

Support authorities and NGOs.

Identify scooters, cars, vehicles parked in society and identify vehicles which are unknownand parked for long.

Organize societies and muhalla committees to educate people.

Donts


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Do not encourage rumors.

Do not blame any community for any crises.

Do not encourage communal hatred in such situations.

DosYour Place of Work

Your mode of travel by car, bus, train and taxi be known to your people.

High rises buildings must check their electric and water supplies and organise periodicmockup drills for fire fighting and escape routes.

Drills for bomb blast, threats be organised and practiced.

Air/Helicopter evacuation be examined and organised from selected rooftops of high rises.

Fire fighting equipment be kept serviceable and periodic check is effected.

Office societies be organised and prepared to coordinate such emergencies of firebrigade, medical help and other assistance. Such people be nominated and they should

guide relief. Everyone must know use of fire extinguisher in emergency.

Security guards are trained to coordinate in such crises.

Dos

In Transit

Be concerned and develop habit of surveillance when out of our house. Check your seat incinema hall, train, bus and air. Have you observed a bird, she jumped around and looks inall directions before selecting a spot on a tree for her security. Do we learn anything fromthis bird instinct?

Look for the objects, baggage, at bus stand, railway stations, compartments, airport, whichis unclaimed.

Unknown vehicles parked at airports, Railway Stations and bus stands have to be keptunder surveillance by common citizens, and this alertness may help authorities.

Bus, trains and airlines passengers who notice any suspicious behavior of co-passengers,be brought to the notice of officials,

Every passenger should identify a friend or relations residence in case of requirement ofstaying away in emergency. The family should know about such a plan.

Don't

Do not touch any suspicious object. Report to concerned people.

Do not crowd the object.

Passengers should not accept parcels from unknown persons in hurry while boarding trainor bus.

Dos and Donts

InChemical, Nuclear and Biological Warfare


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Chemical Weapons :- Citizens can identify such attacks by observing people who start coughing,vomiting or seizing.

Dos

Evacuate the area immediately and dial disaster management control room for help.

If indoors, exit the building rapidly as possible.

Once out side, if you believe that you may have been exposed to toxic substance, discardyou inhibition to remove you clothes, remove your clothes immediately, which may saveyour life.

Taking out your clothes can remove 80 percent of the contamination hazards.

Look for a near by water tap or fountain, pool or other source of water so that you canquickly and thoroughly rinse any skin part that may have been exposed.

Fire brigades on arrival in area may spray water on every one affected and decontaminate.

Remain calm.

Medical attention shall be needed and first aid to be given to seriously affected people.

Evacuate most seriously exposed individuals.

If you happen to be in open and out door, you may observe birds and small animals fallingto the ground due to poisonous gas. You must immediately move indoors and create aphysical barrier between you and toxic cloud. A building protection is preferred, however,getting in side your car will also help you.

Shut all doors and windows of the house and put off fans and air conditioners.

Try to plug flow of air or wind to you rooms.

Stay indoors.

Listens Radio, TV News and Announcements.

Authority will notify you when it is safe to come out.

Have a bath immediately on entry to the house and keep your cloth in a plastic bag, it willhelp remove any contamination that might have occurred before you were able to getindoors. It may be done in period of less than a minute or one minute.

You may like to keep gas, mask handy.

Biological Weapons: Biological Weapons have been described as "the poor mans atom bomb".

These viruses could be spread through water and food. Some of the suggested points for use of

common people are

Dos

On hearing report of that, biological agents have been released, stay indoors.

Shuts all windows and doors and turn off fans and air conditioners.

A gas mask can provide an excellent respiratory protection.

Put a physical barrier between you and agent dissemination.


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Reach for medical help.

Boil your drinking water.

Ascertain and check your vegetable and food items.

Nuclear Warfare:

Dos

To protect from heat and flash, any light material or foliage cover will give reasonableprotection to human body.

Gamma radiation protection requires a shallow or trench which is 4 to 5 feet deep peopleremaining at the bottom of such shelter will be safe.

For blast and earth shock, strong shelters have to be planned in societies and have to bestrong enough and these not to protrude above ground level.

Being in shelter/trenches can prevent radioactive fallout. The requirement of protection issimilar to hear and flash. A chemical protective mask may be useful.

The suggested DOs and DON'TS for prevention/Protection against NUCLEAR, BILOGICAL

And CHEMICAL weapons as under

A. NUCLEAR WAR

DO's:

Before the Attack:

Construct /Identity basements in your residence where the whole family can stay in for a

fortnight.

In case no basement available, then in the open space in front of your house, constructbunkers as in conventional war (as some protection is better than no protection)

Stock the shelter with non-perishable foods and water to be replaced regularly before

getting unhygienic.

Construct the toilet facilities in the basement/Shelter

Store ample candles and battery lights.

Remove stocks flammables, if any.

Keep battery operated miniature transistor /TV sets in the basement

Familiarize with instructions/operational procedures being broadcasted/telecastedstipulated by CD authorities

Paste black paper on window/door glass panels.

Familiarize with community shelters in your locality in consultation with CD/Revenue/policeauthorities.

During Attack:

In open, immediately drop to ground and remain in lying position.

Protect eyes and exposed skin areas by covering eyes and face with hand

Protect ears by fingers or thumbs after covering eyes with palms to prevent ear drum

Rupture.

Stay down after the initial shock wave. Wait for the winds to die down and debris to stop


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falling.

If blast wave does not arrive within fire seconds of the flash, you were far enough from theground Zero and initial, radiation exposure will not exceed 150 reds.

Drive out of the way of any windows or doors to avoid injury due to glass/window Splinters.

If in vehicle, on detection of flash, drive from the vehicle to a face down, in prone position.

Drive in the direction of the flash to avoid the vehicle over turning on you due to blast.

After Attack:

Stay down under cover until debris stop falling.

Stay calm. Burn, injuries dazzle and concern over production exposure may combine to

create panic.

Blast wind will generally end in one to two minutes after burns, cuts band bruises are notdifferent than conventional injuries. Dazzle is temporary and vision should return in few

seconds.

If survived the blast, the chances of being exposed to lethal dose of radiation is relatively

small unless located in an early fall out area.

Expect some initial dis-orientation as the blast wave may blow down and carry away many

prominent and familiar features. Beware of weakened structures and trees from collapsing.

Put out fires before they spread.

Improve over cover. Cover the openings of shelters to prevent the entry of fall outparticles.

When coming from contaminated area, follow simple decontamination procedure like

removal of clothing outdoors and having a bath before entering safe areas.

DON'Ts:

Do not consume open food/drinks/water/beverages etc. lying under the open sky.

Do not move out of shelters /basements unless instructed by authorities

Don't stir up dust or brush against things main moving in fallout areas.

Don't smoke, eat or drink in exposed area.

Don't kneel, lie or sit on the ground

Don't walk barefooted or in open slippers. Don't move out of your shelter without proper protection to breathing passages at least

during the first 24 hours after the blast.

Don't use flour from gunny bags, foods wrapped in paper, water from open pools/ lakes.

Don't dust your ventilators indiscriminately.

Don't permit contaminated persons in basements/shelters unless decontaminated.

B. BIOLOGICAL WARFARE:

DOs:

Follow permanent implementation of body hygiene measures such as trim

fingernails regularly and washing hands with soap and water before eating or drinking. Follow active immunization as available.

Wash all new vegetables in detergents before cooking or eating.

Report any case of sickness in the family/ neighborhood to health authorities.

Help authorities in destruction of infected stocks of food, crops, livestock etc.

Keep your premises clean.

Spray/use insecticides to keep vectors away.

Store ample food and water under cover and replace the same regularly before getting

spoiled.


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Use mosquito nets/ repellents at night.

Don'ts:

Don't allow waste particularly food waste material to accumulate in or around yourpremises.

Do not allow open pools/collection of water in surrounding area.

Don't panic and stay calm. Don't consume stale food material.

C. CHEMICAL WARFARE:

DOs:

Keep calm and do not panic.

Listen to the radio and follow official instructions. Inform your neighbors especially the

elderly and handicapped and assist them.

Stay inside if at home or shelter in a building and close all doors and windows. Seal allexterior openings and turn off the ventilation, air conditioning and heating.

Protect your mouth and nose, if in the open, with a wet cloth or a protective mask. Take shelter in the nearest building and remain inside until otherwise instructed by the

authorities.

Do not telephone as this overloads the system.

Follow the orders of the Civil Defence, fire services, Police or other intervening services.

Eat only food stored inside a building such as tinned food and preserved one. Drink onlyfrom bottles or cartons. Follow the instructions on the use of tap water.

If you are in a car, turn off the ventilation and close the windows. Listen to the radio and

take shelter in the nearest building. Follow the instructions of the authorities.

DON'Ts:

Do not consume open food/drinks/water beverages etc. lying under the open sky. Do not move out of shelters/ basement unless instructed by authorities.

Don't stir up dust or brush against things when moving in contaminated areas.

Don't smoke, eat or drink in exposed areas.

Don't kneel, lie or sit on the ground.

Don't walk barefooted or in open slippers.

Don't move out of your shelter without proper protection to breathing passages.

Don't permit contaminated persons in basements/shelter unless decontaminated for the

chemical vapors.

Warning of Air raid:- Warning of an imminent raid enables the public to be prepared for an air

attack and to take air shelter. Aircraft will be spotted with the help of Radars in time when they

are miles away from the target. The control centre will immediately pass on the warning to other

concerned and siren will be sounded.

Dos for general public after siren will be sounded, before

Dos

a) Taking cover in the open


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I. On hearing the warning or the sound of enemy bombers, lie flat on

ground with your face downward, keep your chest slightly above the ground and rest on

your elbows. Plug your ears with cotton wool and if this is not available, plug them with the

corners of your dhoti, sari or turban etc. Place a rolled-up handkerchief or a corner of your

dhoti etc. between your teeth to keep the mouth open and not to be affected by the earth

shock which may cut you tongue.

II. The splinters and debris fly outward and upward and therefore lie flat on the

ground. You are safer there.

b) When very near a building

I. Walls, archways, doorways are good protection. Go and stand near them. Do

not lean directly against a wall.

c) Inside a building

I. It is better to be near an inside than an outside wall.

II. Avoid being in the direct line of a door or windows.

III. Remember the extreme danger of flying glass. The safest part of the house

will be away from the windows, etc. and to be in the angle of a wall.

d) When in a train

I. Turn off the lights and crawl under the seats. Do not look out of the windows.

e) When in a tram or bus

I. Stop it. Leave it. Go out and act as if you were in the open.

f) When in your own motor car

I. Stop your car on the left hand, closest to the edge of the road.

II. Leave the car unlocked. Keep the switch key in its place so that if you are a

casualty, the car can be driven by others.

III. Keep the window open.

IV. Get out of the car and act as if you were out in the open.


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g) When at a cinema

I. Remain seated and keep calm. You are safer there than anywhere else.

h) When in a bullock cart or Tonga etc.

I. Unyoke the animals and tie them to the nearest tree or strong pole where

they will not obstruct traffic. Go out and act as if in the open.

Donts

a) Taking cover in the open

I. On hearing the warning or the sound of enemy bombers do not run to c

if there is no time.

II. Never look up during an air raid.

AFTER AN AIR-RAID

Water: Use water in the cisterns and tank if your supply is cut off. Economise in the use of water,

as it will be needed for fire fighting.

Electricity: If mains or meter boards are damaged, report it to the warden. If the electric

installation in your house is damaged, send for an electrician.

Sewers: If the waste disposal system is damaged, use disinfectants freely and burn or bury your

rubbish. If your house is slightly damaged, try to repair it. In case it is destroyed go to the house

of a friend or to a relief centre. Ask the police or warden where these are.

Attend to the injured: In case of slight injury, go to the First Aid Post for treatment. In case of

severe injury await the help of a First Aid party. Keep the patient warm, reassure him, enable him

to breathe easily by removing any dust or grit from his nose and mouth. Control bleeding, relieve

pain, support fractured limbs by improvised splints and give artificial respiration.

Fighting Fires:

a) Look round the area for fires. With the help of sand, water and stirrup pumps tackle the fires in

their initial stages. If it gets out of control, call your neighbor and inform the warden. If you are

lucky, see if you can help others. While dealing with an incendiary bomb, protect your eyes and

make sure not to direct a jet of water on the bomb.


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b) If the room is on fire, close all doors and windows. It will help prevent spreading of fire. While

entering it, crawl along the floor and keep as close to the floor as possible. Keep close to the wall.

c) If someone's clothes catch fire, wrap him up in a rug or blanket and roll him on the ground.

d) If you are caught within a house on fire, escape through the windows by using a rope or bed

sheets after having tied one end to some strong point beside the house. Call for help from an

opening if unable to escape through the window.

e) Do not go alone into a building on fire if you can do so in the company of another.

f) Exercise great care while removing debris from the neighborhood of a casualty. Do not pull

timber out of the wreckage because you may cause further collapse. Do not crawl over the debris

unless absolutely unavoidable. Do not touch loose electric wiring. Protect the casualty from falling

debris by providing tarpaulin or other cover.

RESCUE IN AN AIR-RAID

DO's

a) Keep calm.

b) Make proper reconnaissance before starting rescue work.

c) Keep as near as possible to the wall when on damaged stairs.

d) Exercise great care while removing debris from the vicinity of the casualty.

e) Protect the casualty from falling debris and dust with the help of iron sheets, tarpau

etc.

f) Free the nose and mouth of the casualty from dust and grit to case his breathing.

g) Reassure the patient and get him taken home to bed, if the injury is not severe.

h) Loosen all clothing and keep the patient lying down and warm.

i) Give artificial respiration, if needed, control bleeding, if any, as far as possib

relieve pain of the casualty by supporting fractures by improvised splints.

j) Contact immediately the nearest First Aid Post for proper medical attendance f


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casualty.

Don'ts

a) Don't get panicky.

b) Don't pull timber out of the wreckage indiscriminately or you may cause further colla

c) Don't touch loose electric wiring.

d) Don't crawl over the debris or disturb part of the damaged structure unless you

compelled to do so by circumstan

MUMBAI MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

A Guide to Prepare Community For Surviving Earthquake In Urban

Before the Earthquake

It is essential that we are prepared for a earthquake. Seismic experts do not rule out the

possibility of an earthquake anywhere in Maharashtra including Mumbai. We don't know when this

will happen.

When an earthquake occurs, your first warning may be a shaking sensation if you are in a

building. It may also be followed with a sudden noise or roar. You may find yourself completely

topsy-turvy. It may be a scary situation! It may last a few seconds or go on for a few minutes.

Breaking glass, and things falling around could hurt you. Be prepared for aftershocks.

We can't prevent an earthquake. But we can:

Be prepared by injury.

Be prepared to minimize damage to your home.

Be prepared to manage our survival afterwards for at least 72 hours without help.

Your family preparedness for such a situation is a must. You must prepare and practice what to do

during and after an earthquake.

Plan your needs in such a situation. Rite down and exercise your safety plan.


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Known the safe and dangerous places in your home.

Safe: -Under heavy tables or desks, inside corridor, corners of rooms or archways.]

Dangerous: - Near window or mirrors, under any objects that can fall, the kitchen-where the stove,

refrigerator or contents of cupboards may move violently, doorways, because the shaking may slam

the door on you. Practice taking cover.

Train members of your family to use fire extinguish.

Plan and practice evacuation.

Talk to your children about the earthquake: what to do if they are at home, at school, if the

quake separates your family.

Arrange an alternative family place if your present area is out of bound. Each family member

should carry the contact phone number and address.

Remind your family to relay on emergency authorities for guidance. Broadcast reports on radio

and television will have instructions.

Make sure each member of your family knows how to shut off the utilities-gas, electricity and

water. (Don't shut off the gas unless there is a leak or a fire. If the gas is turned off, don't turn it

on again-that must be done by a qualified technician.)

Your plan should include a list of where emergency supplies and equipment are stored.

Share your emergency plan with neighbors.

During the Earthquake

Preparations for an earthquake include knowing what to do while it is happening. By learning and

practicing what you should try to do, you will be more able to remain calm enough to protect yourself

and help others. Know what to do, wherever you are. In summary, you should take cover and sta

there.

If you're inside your home, stay there. Get out of the kitchen safer places are inside hall, in

corners, in archways. Take cover under a heavy table, desk or any solid furniture that you can

get under and hold onto. Protect your head and face. Doors may slam on you figures if yo


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are in a doorway. Avoid areas near windows.

If you are in a yard outside your home, stay there and get clear of buildings and wires that

could fall on you.

Don't go outside where you may be hit by falling debris - pavements next to tall buildings are

particularly dangerous.

Avoid lifts - if you are in a lift when an earthquake happens, press all floors buttons and get out

when you can. High - rise residents will hear fire alarms go off and electricity may fail.

If you are in a vehicle, pull over to the sight (leave the road clear) away from bridges, over

bridges and buildings. Stay in your vehicle.

If you are in a crowed public place, take cover and watch that you don't get trampled. In

shopping centers, take cover in the nearest store and keep away form windows, neon signs

and display shelves of heavy objects.

Remain in protected place until the shacking stops. Anticipate after shocks - they may occur

after the first quake.

Try to remain calm and help others.

After the earthquake

Preparation of an earthquake also include knowing what to do and not do, after the shaking stops-

when there is a danger from aftershocks, fire, falling building materials, debris, etc. Remain calm. You

may have to take charge of others. Take care of life threatening situations first. Remember, you may

be on your own for 72 hours or more.

Check your home for structural damage and other hazards.

Check yourself and others nearby for injuries-administer first aid quickly and carefully.

If you are evacuating, locate and take your pack of emergency supplies with you.

Use a torch to check utilities and not shut them off unless damaged. Leaking gas will smell.

Don't light matches or turn on light switches-until you are sure there are no gas leaks or


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flammable liquids.

Wear sturdy shoes, if there's debris, particularly broken glass.

Check your neighbor's after looking your own family. Your first help after and earthquake

usually will come from family and friends.

Confine frightened pets.

Don't flush toilets if you suspects nearby sewer lines are broken.

Carefully cleanup any spilled hazardous material.

Secure your home against intruders.

Turn on your battery-power radio (or car radio) and listen for broadcast emergency instructions.

Don't use your telephone, expect it an extreme emergency.

Don't use your vehicle, expect in an extreme emergency.

Stay at least ten meters from downed power lines.

Avoid sea line because of the threat of large waves.

Handing over of building after construction

Developers shall hand over at least the following documents:

1. Property register card with CTS plan.

2. Set of approved/ completion plans.

3. Occupation permission/building completion certificate.

4. Drainage completion certificate along with completion plan of house drainage system.

5. Structural plans as executed at site with detail of design and the stability certificate issued by


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the structural engineer.

6. Plan of electrical layout.

7. Plan of pumping layout.

8. Layout of fire fighting installations.

9. Architect's certificate for carpet area/built up area of each flat.

10. NA permission issued by the collector.

11. Exemption order issued by C.A. (UL C&R) Act 1976.

12. List of important agencies involved, their names, address, telephone numbers etc. viz.:

(a) Architect

(b) Structural Engineer

(c) Site supervisor

(d) Licensed plumber/plumbing contractor

(e) Electrical contractor

(f) Contractor for civil work

(g) Developer

Maintenance of buildings: ~ A building, however sound it may be, needs regular maintenance

to keep it in healthy condition. However, awareness in this respect is lacking in the occupants,

which is evident from the condition of buildings in Mumbai. Occupants who spend liberally for

decoration of their premises do not show the ame spirit as and when they are asked to contribute

towards repairs and maintenance of their buildings. It is important to carry out timely maintenance

works to prevent deterioration of the buildings.

DO'S:

1. Get the building inspected by a qualified engineer after 10 years of its occupation and at an


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interval of 5 years thereafter for structural assessment and carry out the works suggested by him.

2. Attend to all the leakages promptly.

3. Keep all the sanitary pipes, water pipes and its fittings in good condition by replacing the broken

parts promptly.

4. Check terrace waterproofing before every monsoon and attend to the repairs. Renewal of

waterproofing layer, whenever necessary, shall be undertaken to prevent leakage from terrace.

5. Any cracks, plaster peeling off, exposed reinforcement etc. shall be immediately brought to

notice of structural Engineer.

6. Render two coats of waterproof cement paint for external face of the building at regular

intervals.

(a) Cement paint every 3 years (b) Acrylic paint every 5 years

7. Preventive maintenance of lifts shall be done by giving service contracts to the lift companies.

Arrange operation of lifts by liftman.

8. Keep the water pump in working condition. Yearly contract for maintenance is advisable.

9. Fire fighting installation shall be maintained through qualified agencies.

10. Keep the terrace clean especially during monsoon.

DO NOT'S

1. DO NOT allow any unauthorised additions/ alterations thereby loading the existing structure.

2. DO NOT allow any internal changes without consulting the structural engineer and without

obtaining prior approval of MCGM wherever necessary.

3. DO NOT allow extension of toilets or lavatories over other rooms.

4. DO NOT permit internal works such as re- placement of flooring, repairs of internal plastering,

repairs to RCC members, renovation of toilets or kitchen etc without consulting the professionals in

the field.


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5. DO NOT allow gardening in any manner unless specifically designed.

6. Change of internal loading shall not be allowed.

7. Subsequent addition of lofts shall not be permitted.

Additions, alterations and repairs of building

There are certain "Do's and Don'ts" for proper maintenance of buildings. Every user of the building

is responsible for proper maintenance of the building and therefore he should be aware of these

"Do's and Don'ts.

Do's

1. The Society or Association of every building should have copies of approved plans, structural

plans, services plan (plumbing/ drainage/electrical/ A. C. ducting, etc.)

2. The Society should maintain copies of as built drawings, soil investigation reports, material test

results, concrete test results as well as result of any other tests including that on the building

component

3. The Society should also have record of any subsequent modifications as per actual site

conditions from time to time.

4. The Society should formulate the policy for any kind of additions, alterations and repairs to be

carried out by members.

5. The Society should ensure that any additions or authorizations are permitted only after scrutiny

and approval of the structural consultant.

6. The Society members desirous to carrying out any additions, alterations should take prior

N.O.C. from Society by applying for 4/ the same with plan and Structural Stability Certificate from

Structural Engineer and not Interior Designers.

7. The Society should verify the same from their Structural Consultant/ Architect prior ...1 to

giving the required N.O.C. The Society should consider the views of all the affected members

before giving the NOC.

8. The Society should grant N.O.C. to the member for proposed additions and alterations subject


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to permission from Municipal Corporation.

9. The Society should ask the member certain amount as Security Deposit towards fulfillment of

Terms & Conditions of N.O.C. and to safeguard the property of other members and Society.

10. The Security Deposit should be released only after N.O.C. from adjoining members on same

floor as well as just below and just above floors and N.O.C. from Society's Structural Consultant/

Architect.

11. The leakages from bathroom, W.C., kitchen and drainage, plumbing systems and from terraces

should be attended immediately. Generally societies take action on external leakages and internal

leakages being the responsibility of members concerned, normally remain unattended. Every

Society should formulate the policy for immediate repairs of internal leakages to save the building

from further damage. Growth of plants in drainage pipes should be re- moved periodically.

12. The building should be painted with good quality cement paint, externally at every 4 to 5

years.

13. In case of cracks to R.C.C. ri1embers the building should be repaired/restructured under the

guidance and supervision of Structural Engineer.

14. Structural Audit of buildings is essential at the interval of around every 10 years. The

recommendations should be compulsorily implemented by Society on priority basis.

Don'ts1. Tampering of structural members i.e. columns, beams and slabs and walls, load bearing walls,

should not be allowed under any circumstances. Even chiseling or cutting into structural members

for laying electric conduits or drainage pipes should not be allowed.

2. R.C.C. slabs should not be loaded beyond for which it is designed. Shifting of walls resulting in

loading directly on slab without proper beam below should not be allowed.

3. Shifting of toilets or creating new toilets on normal R.C.C. slab should not be allowed.

4. Balconies should not be allowed to be converted into bathrooms & kitchens. Even additional

weight by way of planters storage with box type grills should not be allowed on any cantilevered

portion of building such as balcony or chajja.

5. Change of the user from residential to commercial or godown should not be allowed because


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generally the slab of residential premises is not designed to 1'ake additional load of commercial or

godown premises.

6. Additional water storage tanks should not be allowed resting on terrace slabs directly or withoutproper consultation from Structural Consultant.

Communication Facilities for Disaster Management

Ham Radio

Ham Radio is also know as Amateur radio.It is a community of people that use radio

transmitters and receivers to communicate with other Amateur radio operators. If you were

to ask a dozen different amateurs what ham radio meant to them chances are you would get

12 different answers. Amateur radio operators are often called ham radio operators or simplyhams and frequently the public is more familiar with this term than with the legal term

Radio Amateur. The source of this nickname is for all practical purposes lost from the

beginning.

Communication is a major bottleneck in case of any major disaster particularly when the

traditional network system already in force brake down. In order to strengthen

communications, it has been decided that police network (POLNET) will also be used for

disaster management. For this purpose POLNET communication facility will be extended to

District Magistrates, Sub Divisional Magistrates as well as the Control Rooms.

For emergency communication, mobile satellite based units which can be transported to the

site ofthe disaster are being procured. A group was constituted to draw a comprehensive

communication plan for disaster management and the report has since been received. This

provides for a dedicated communication system for disaster management with built in

redundancies.

Besides the satellite, communication and education can play a proactive role in mitigation

through awareness about the types of disaster and as to how prevention measures can be

taken up.

There is also a Satellite based communication system called the Cyclone Warning

Dissemination Systems (CWDS) for transmission of warnings. There are 250 such cyclone-

warning sets installed in the cylone prone areas of east and west coast. The general public,

the coastal residents and fishermen, are also warned through the Government mechinery and

broadcast of warnings through AIR and Television.
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What agencies need to be involved ?

Police Fire

Ambulance

Hospitals

Clinics Doctors

Red Cross

Blood Banks

Marine operations (are there bodies of water?)

Coast guard

Department of transportation Departments of environment (if there is clean-up involved)

Airlines Rail companies

Local transit companies

Bus companies (in case of evacuation) Border services if applicable

The use of satellite, computers, electronics, better communication facilities are going to make

significant difference in disaster management. The data processing and computers are

providing a useful tool in decision making in disaster.

When the disaster strikes, power goes out, all modes of communication (Telephone etc.)

becomes inoperable, lifts stop functioning, when drinking water becomes contaminated, when

normal modes of transportation suddenly becomes impossible, when casualties start coming in

groups that is not the time for planning but that is the time ofacting.

SOME OF THE MAJOR DISASTER EVENTS IN INDIA

Year Place Of Disasters in IndiaCasualties

Reported

1737 Earthquake Calcutta, India 3,00,000

1961 Floods India 1,000

1977 Cyclone Andhra Pradesh, India 10,000

1979 Flash Flood Gujrat, India 2,500

1984 Chemical Disaster Bhopal, India 2,500

1988 Train Accident Quilon, India (Injured) 300(500)

1988 Air Crash Ahmedabad, India 135
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1993 13 Bomb Blasts In Mumbai, India. 250

1998 Train Accident Khanna, Pusa, India. 211

2001 Earthquake Bhuj Gujrat, India. 10,000

2003 Frontier Mail Fire Ludhiyana, Punjab, India 36 (14)

2003 2 Bomb Blasts In Mumbai, India. 45

2003 Cloud Burst Himanchal Pradesh, India. 41

2003 Stampede At Kumbh, Nasik, India. 35 (75)

2002 Terrorists Attack Kaluchak, Jammu. 23

2003 Terrorists Attack on Railway Station, Jammu20

2004 Terrorists Attack on Railway Station,

Jammu.

08

Communication facilities for disaster management system is most important act as it convey

at the right time communication in disaster, it may handle disaster and helping to decrease it.

Two type of information needs in disaster management

Pre disaster information: Question arise that how to get pre disaster information? It is getting from

the research and analysis department of the geography in the country.

Post disaster information: After the disaster, our first job is to find out where and where it was

occurs. What is the next step to help people?

Now a days Satellite communication play a major role in disaster management

communication. Communication facilities can be set up for rescue and relief operationpurposes. That type of early warning system developed at the different areas by itself.

Here are the disaster communication facilities:

DCWDS Digital Cyclone Warning Dissemination System set at Delhi and other coast area. It is for

the pre disaster information. The WLL VSAT system is in terms of handsets which can be easily taken inside of the affected

areas and sends information by direct audio communication.

The MSS Type C reporting terminal developed for the sending short messages directly through

satellite in remote area.

AES-SNG is a system which can send video pictures of the affected area for online review from thecontrol center.

Tele medicine: It is one more step for the disaster management communication. In this system, on

line help can be provided from the hospital and super specialty doctors. Only connect up link to

laptop orPC and get the online information about cure.
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Set up of a communications centre who needs access and how would it operate

(generators, supplies in case people need to stay more than 12 hours, etc).

Role of red cross in disaster management

The Indian Red Cross's programmes are grouped into four main core areas: Promoting humanitarian principles and

values; Disaster response; Disaster preparedness; and Health and Care in the Community.

Red Cross promotes the Humanitarian values , which encourage respect for other human beings and a willingnessto work together to find solutions to problems. From the seven fundamental principles, the movement aims toinfluence the behaviour of all the people.

Disaster response continues to represent the largest portion of IRCS work, with assistance to millions of peopleannually ranging from refugees to victims of natural disasters.

The sharp increase in the number of natural disasters countrywide in recent years has prompted the Red Cross todevote more attention to Disaster preparedness activities. These aim to make Red Cross Societies andcommunities more aware of the risks they face, how to reduce their vulnerability, and how to cope when disasterstrikes.

Too many people die as a result of no access to even the most basic health services and elementary healtheducation. Health and community care has become a cornerstone of humanitarian assistance, and accounts for alarge part of Red Cross spending. Through these programmes, the Red Cross aims to enable communities to reducetheir vulnerability to disease, and prepare for and respond to public health crises.

Guiding and supporting the development of its Societies is one of the Red Cross's fundamental tasks and runsthrough these four core areas and others. Capacity building programmes and activities include : management andvolunteer training, improving branch structures, planning, fund-raising and gender equality. creating theopportunity for Red Cross Societies to network .

Other Major activities includes : hospital services, blood bank, HIV/AIDS programmes, home for disabledservicemen ,vocational training centers, tracing activities, maternity , child and family welfare, nursing, junior redcross activities, preparedness and prevention of communicable & infectious diseases, relief operations in fire,railway & other accidents and events .

Disaster Relief

The Indian sub continent is highly prone to droughts, floods and other natural calamities. Among the states as manyas 22 states are said to be multi-disaster-prone regions.

Among all the disasters that occur in India , floods are the most devastating. Over 40 million hectare of land hasbeen identified as flood prone. An average of 18.6 million hectare of land is flooded annually. The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin, which carry 60 % of the nation's total river flow causes floods.

Another killer is the earthquake -the most dangerous and disastrous.About 57% of the total area in India isvulnerable to seismic activity of varying intensities. Generally areas located in the Himalayan and sub Himalayanregion and Andaman and Nicobar islands are vulnerable to earthquakes.

Drought is an eternal feature of Indian livelihood. 18% of the country's total area is drought prone. Approximatelyhalf of the Indian population is affected by drought annually. 68% of the total cultivated area is estimated to bedrought prone.

India has the gift of having long coastline, running to about 8040 km. This is exposed to tropical cyclones in the Bayof Bengal and Arabian Sea in the ratio of 4:1. The Indian Ocean is one among the six key cyclone-prone regions of


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the world. The coromandel coastal line is more prone - about 80% of the total cyclones generated in the region hithere.

Indian Red Cross with the assistance of the Federation and other National Societies reach humanitarian services tothe victims of calamities.

Disaster Response

Poverty and war. Flooding and drought. Earthquakes and environmental disasters. Billion people were affected bydisasters in the past. The impact is high; leaving people traumatised by the death of family and friends, their livesdevastated by the loss of homes, possessions and stocks of food.

Disasters are becoming more complex, with increasingly long-term consequences as they strike countries witheconomic problems or political instability, and weaken already fragile public services such as health, water andsanitation. Recurrent crises, such as floods year after year, give people and their crops no time to recover.

Disasters disproportionately affect the poor: over 90 per cent of the total of disaster-related deaths occur indeveloping countries, where the economic losses they cause hit far harder than in industrialised nations and canwipe out years of economic development.

As a result, the impact of disasters has increased dramatically in the last few decades in terms of the number ofpeople affected and the length of time they are affected for. This trend is expected to keep rising in coming years.

Bringing emergency relief to refugees and victims of poverty and disasters has been a key activity of the Red Crossand its member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for the last several years.

The emergency phase of a relief operation aims to provide life-saving assistance; shelter, water, food and basichealth care are the immediate needs; along with a sense of humanity and a sign that someone cares. Subsequentneeds include reconstruction and rehabilitation. These needs can continue for several years, particularly in thecase of refugees and victims of socio-economic collapse. IRCS approaches to disaster response on these lines andworks to improve the quality of humanitarian assistance provided to beneficiaries. The Indian Red Cross Society hasbeen equipping itself with its manpower and physical infrastructures for a nation-wide DisasterPreparedness/Disaster Response (DP/DR) programme. .The urgent and serious need for substantial disasterpreparedness measures in India had been recommended by a number of agencies (including DFID and the UKDisasters Emergency Committee) after major disaster response operations for the 1998 Super Cyclone in Orissa, the2000 floods in Assam and the massive earthquake in Gujarat in 2001,Tsunami in 2004,Floods and earthquake in2005.It is proved that the amount spent in prevention pays richly and saves a lot in relief.

Disaster Preparedness

The Indian Red Cross Society (with Federation support) initiated a nation-wide Community Based DisasterPreparedness (CBDP) training programme in 1999 after a series of awareness raising workshops between 1996 and1998. In 2000, the National Society convened a national strategic planning workshop attended by 19 State Branchesfrom which a strategic plan for DP/DR ( 2004-2007 ) was formulated and its activities are still continuing.

The vision of the programme is institutional strengthening, training and knowledge sharing through theestablishment of a Disaster Management structure, programmes for strengthening and expanding community baseddisaster preparedness (CBDP) in disaster affected areas.

Introduction to Disasters

Documents

Transcript of Introduction to Disasters