Preparedne
ss and
Mitigations
WHAT IS
PREPAREDNES
S?
It is the knowledge and capacities developed by governments,
response and recovery organizations, communities and individuals
to effectively anticipate, respond to and recover from the impacts
of likely, imminent or current disasters.
Preparedness is based on a sound analysis of disaster risks and
good linkages with early warning systems, and includes such
activities as contingency planning, the stockpiling of equipment
and supplies, the development of arrangements for coordination,
evacuation and public information, and associated training and
field exercises.
These must be supported by formal institutional, legal and budgetary
capacities. The related term “readiness” describes the ability to quickly
and appropriately respond when required.
Annotation: Preparedness action is carried out within the context of
disaster risk management and aims to build the capacities needed to
efficiently manage all types of emergencies and achieve orderly
transitions from response to sustained recovery.
A preparedness plan establishes arrangements in advance to enable timely,
effective and appropriate responses to specific potential hazardous events or
emerging disaster situations that might threaten society or the environment.
Disaster preparedness plays an important role in building the resilience of
communities.
Why is preparedness important?
Population growth, urbanization, climate change, and poverty expose people
and assets to disasters, especially in fragile states. Improved preparedness and
understanding of natural hazards can save lives and reduce disaster impact.
International efforts should focus on building capacities for pre-emptive and
early action, as disaster preparedness is cost-effective and saves aid money.
Individual & Community
Preparedness
1 Family Emergency Plan
Creating and practicing a plan is essential.
2 Emergency Kit
Stock food, water, first aid, and other supplies.
3 Know Evacuation Routes
Identify safe shelters and how to get there quickly.
4 Stay Informed
Monitor weather updates and heed warnings.
DISASTER MITIGATION
Disaster Mitigation is the cornerstone of emergency management. It’s
the ongoing effort to lessen the impact disasters have on people and
property. Mitigation involves keeping homes away from floodplains,
engineering bridges to withstand earthquakes, creating and enforcing
effective building codes to protect property from hurricanes, and more.
Mitigation is defined as “sustained action that reduces or eliminates long-
term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects.” It
describes the ongoing effort at the federal, state, local and individual levels to
lessen the impact of disasters upon our families, homes, communities and
economy.
HOW DISASTER MITIGATION CAN HELP YOU
Through the application of mitigation technologies and practices, our
society can ensure that fewer Americans and their communities become
victims of natural disasters. For example, mitigation measures can be
applied to strengthen your home, so that your family and belongings are
better protected from floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural
hazards. They can be utilized to help business and industry to avoid
damage to their facilities and remain operational in the face of
catastrophe. Mitigation technologies can be used to strengthen hospitals,
fire stations, and other critical service facilities so that they can remain
operational or reopen more quickly after an event. In addition, mitigation
measures can help reduce disaster losses and suffering so that there is
less demand for money and resources in the aftermath.
In practice, mitigation can take many forms. It can involve actions such as:
•Promoting sound land use planning based on known hazards
•Buying flood insurance to protect your belongings
•Relocating or elevating structures out of the floodplains
•Securing shelves and water heaters to nearby walls.
•Having hurricane straps installed to more securely attach a structure’s roof to
its walls and foundation.
•Developing, adopting, and enforcing effective building codes and standards
•Engineering roads and bridges to withstand earthquakes
•Using fire-retardant materials in new construction
•Developing and implementing a plan in your business or community to reduce
your susceptibility to hazards
A risk mitigation plan includes:
•Risk identification – A detailed list of potential risks that could impact
the organization, categorized by likelihood and severity.
•Risk assessment – Evaluation of each risk to determine its potential
impact on business operations.
•Response strategies – Actionable steps to avoid, transfer, mitigate, or
accept risks based on the organization’s risk tolerance.
•Roles and responsibilities – Clear assignment of personnel responsible
for monitoring and executing the mitigation plan at different stages.
•Contingency and recovery plans– Backup measures to restore operations
if risks materialize, minimizing downtime and loss.
•Monitoring and review – Ongoing review of the mitigation plan to
ensure it remains relevant as new risks emerge or existing risks evolve.
What is a risk mitigation plan?
A risk mitigation plan, on the other hand, serves as the tactical arm of that
strategy. It focuses on the immediate, actionable steps the organization will
take to address and contain risks as they arise. While the strategy defines
what needs to be achieved, the plan specifies how it will be done, laying out
tasks, timelines, and responsibilities.
Understanding Hydrometeorological Hazards
What are they? Philippine Vulnerability Importance of Action
Typhoons, floods, The Philippines is highly Preparedness and
landslides, and droughts susceptible due to location mitigation are crucial. They
are key examples. They and climate. This increases can significantly reduce
arise from atmospheric the urgency of the risks and lessen impacts on
and hydrological situation. communities.
processes.
Structural & Non-Structural Mitigation
Structural Non-Structural
Construct flood control structures. Enforce building codes. Promote early
Improve drainage systems. Build resilient warning systems. Protect the
infrastructure. environment. Implement disaster risk
financing.
Hydrometeorological hazard maps are essential tools for disaster risk reduction
and management. They visually represent areas susceptible to hazards like
floods, typhoons, storm surges, and landslides, which are triggered by
atmospheric and hydrological conditions. Here's a breakdown of what they are
and where to find them, especially within the context of the Philippines:
What Hydrometeorological Hazard Maps Show:
•Hazard Zones:
◦ These maps delineate areas with varying degrees of risk for specific hazards.
For example, flood hazard maps might show areas prone to different levels of
flooding (e.g., low, medium, high).
◦ They can also show areas prone to landslides, storm surges, and other related
hazards.
•Risk Levels:
◦ Often, hazard maps use color-coding or other visual cues to
indicate the severity of the risk.
•Geographic Information:
◦ They provide crucial geographic context, allowing users to
identify vulnerable areas in relation to landmarks,
communities, and infrastructure.
Importance of Hydrometeorological Hazard Maps:
•Disaster Preparedness:
◦ They help communities and individuals understand their risk
and take appropriate precautions.
•Land Use Planning:
◦ They inform decisions about where to build infrastructure and
develop communities.
•Emergency Response:
◦ They guide emergency responders in prioritizing areas for
evacuation and relief efforts.
Different Hazard Maps
Flood Hazard Maps Landslide Hazard Maps Storm Surge Hazard Maps
Identify flood-prone areas Show landslide-susceptible Illustrate storm surge risk
using data and patterns. areas based on key factors. zones using typhoon data.
The Modified
Coronas Climate
Classifications,
describes the
monthly rainfall
variations in the
different parts of the
country.
Storm-surge
Map
Essential Monitoring Tools
Weather Radars
Real-time rainfall monitoring for forecasting.
Weather Satellites
Monitor clouds and typhoon movements.
Rain Gauges
Measure rainfall amounts precisely.
River Gauges
Monitor river water levels.
Conclusion: Building a Resilient Philippines
2 Community Engagement
1
Continuous Improvement
Disaster Risk Reduction
3
Reducing risks from hydrometeorological hazards requires continuous improvement.
Emphasizing early warning systems and community engagement are key. Encourage
collective action for a safer future.
Activity:
Go Bag" Challenge:
• Students will have to work individually to create a list of essential items for a
"go bag" or emergency kit.
• Discuss/Explain why each item is important.
References
• PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical
and Astronomical Services Administration)
• NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council)
• World Bank
