Meaning, Types and Management of Disasters and Risks for JSS 1

Disaster and Risk Management

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of disaster and risk management;
2. identify types of disaster;
3. identify risk associated with disaster;
4. demonstrate disaster management skills.

Meaning of Disaster

Life can sometimes be unpredictable, and unexpected events can cause great harm to people and their surroundings. These events are called disasters.

A disaster is a sudden event that causes great damage, loss of life, injury, and destruction to property and the environment.

Disasters often happen quickly and can overwhelm a community’s ability to cope using its normal resources. They can affect many people at once, leading to serious problems like homelessness, hunger, and health issues.

Meaning of Risk Management

While disasters can be sudden, it is often possible to prepare for them and reduce their impact. This preparation is part of risk management.

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling threats to an organisation’s capital and earnings.

In the context of disasters, risk management means taking steps to understand what dangers exist, how likely they are to happen, and what can be done to prevent them or reduce their harm. It involves planning and taking action before, during, and after a disaster.

Types of Disasters

Disasters are generally grouped into two main types based on their origin: natural disasters and man-made disasters.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are severe weather events or other natural hazards that cause widespread damage and loss.

These disasters are caused by natural processes of the Earth and are not directly caused by human actions. They can be very powerful and difficult to predict accurately.

Examples of natural disasters include:

1. Floods: Occur when a large amount of water overflows from rivers, lakes, or the sea, or when heavy rainfall causes water to accumulate on land. Floods can destroy homes, farms, and roads.
2. Strong Winds/Storms: Powerful winds, often accompanied by heavy rain, that can damage buildings, uproot trees, and disrupt power supply. Examples include thunderstorms and windstorms.
3. Erosion: The gradual wearing away of land by natural forces like water or wind. Severe erosion can lead to landslides or the collapse of structures built on unstable ground.
4. Drought: A long period of unusually low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. Droughts can cause crops to fail, livestock to die, and lead to food scarcity.
5. Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements within the Earth’s crust. Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse and create cracks in the ground.

Man-Made Disasters

Man-made disasters are events that are caused by human activities, negligence, or errors.

These disasters often result from accidents, poor planning, or intentional actions. They can also cause significant damage and loss of life.

Examples of man-made disasters include:

1. Fire Outbreaks: Uncontrolled fires that can destroy homes, markets, and forests. They are often caused by electrical faults, gas leaks, or careless handling of flammable materials.
2. Road Accidents: Collisions involving vehicles on roads, leading to injuries, deaths, and damage to vehicles. These are often caused by reckless driving, bad roads, or vehicle malfunctions.
3. Building Collapse: The sudden falling down of a building, often due to poor construction, use of substandard materials, or lack of maintenance.
4. Oil Spills: The release of crude oil into the environment, usually into oceans or rivers, often from oil tankers or drilling platforms. Oil spills harm marine life and pollute water sources.
5. Communal Clashes: Violent conflicts between different groups of people within a community, leading to loss of life, injuries, and destruction of property.
6. Stampedes: A sudden rush of a crowd of people, often resulting in injuries or deaths due to people being trampled or crushed. These can occur at large gatherings or events.

Risks Associated with Disasters

Disasters carry various risks, which are the potential harms or dangers that can result from such events. Understanding these risks helps in preparing for and managing disasters.

The risks associated with disasters include:

1. Injury and Loss of Life: People can get hurt or die during a disaster due to collapsing structures, drowning, burns, or other hazards.
2. Damage to Property: Homes, schools, markets, and other buildings can be destroyed or severely damaged, leading to huge financial losses.
3. Loss of Livelihood: Farms, businesses, and workplaces can be destroyed, making it difficult for people to earn a living.
4. Displacement: People may be forced to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere, becoming internally displaced persons (IDPs).
5. Food and Water Scarcity: Disasters can disrupt food production and supply chains, and contaminate water sources, leading to hunger and thirst.
6. Health Problems: Lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and injuries can lead to the spread of diseases.
7. Psychological Trauma: Experiencing a disaster can cause fear, anxiety, and stress, especially for children.
8. Environmental Damage: Disasters like oil spills or severe floods can harm ecosystems, pollute land and water, and destroy natural habitats.

Identifying Disaster-Prone Areas in the Community

A disaster-prone area is a place that is more likely to experience a particular type of disaster compared to other areas.

Identifying these areas in a community is an important step in risk management. This helps people to be prepared and take necessary precautions.

Ways to identify disaster-prone areas include:

1. Areas near Rivers or Low-Lying Lands: These areas are prone to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall or when dams overflow.
2. Areas with Poor Drainage Systems: Places where water does not flow away easily after rain can quickly become flooded.
3. Areas with Old or Weak Buildings: Structures that are not well-maintained or were poorly constructed are more likely to collapse during strong winds, earthquakes, or heavy rain.
4. Areas near Busy Roads or Highways: These locations have a higher risk of road accidents due to constant traffic movement.
5. Areas with Dry Vegetation or Forests: During dry seasons, these areas are prone to bush fires or forest fires, which can spread quickly.
6. Areas with Unstable Slopes or Hills: Such areas are at risk of landslides, especially after heavy rainfall, where soil and rocks slide down.
7. Areas with Industrial Facilities: Communities located near factories or chemical plants may be at risk of industrial accidents, chemical spills, or explosions.

Managing Disasters

Disaster management involves a series of actions taken to reduce the impact of disasters. It includes preparing for them, responding when they happen, and recovering afterwards.

Prevention and Preparedness (Before a Disaster)

Taking steps before a disaster strikes can greatly reduce its effects. These actions focus on preventing the disaster or being ready for it.

1. Clear Drainage Systems: Regularly clear gutters, drains, and canals to prevent blockages that can lead to flooding.
2. Avoid Building in Flood Plains: Do not construct houses or structures in areas known to flood frequently.
3. Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of refuse properly and avoid dumping waste into gutters or rivers, which can cause blockages and flooding.
4. Regular Building Maintenance: Ensure that buildings are strong and well-maintained to prevent collapse. Check electrical wiring regularly to prevent fire outbreaks.
5. Fire Safety Practices: Do not play with matches, candles, or gas cylinders. Turn off electrical appliances when not in use and before leaving the house.
6. Know Emergency Numbers: Learn and keep emergency contact numbers for the fire service, police, and hospitals.
7. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a kit ready with essential items like a first-aid box, torchlight, batteries, whistle, and some non-perishable food and water.
8. Plant Trees: Trees help to hold soil in place and can reduce the impact of erosion and strong winds.

Response and Control (During a Disaster)

When a disaster occurs, quick and appropriate actions are crucial to control the situation and minimise harm.

1. Stay Calm: Panic can make situations worse. Try to remain calm and think clearly.
2. Follow Safety Instructions: Listen to instructions from emergency services or community leaders.
3. Move to a Safe Place: If advised, evacuate to higher ground during floods or move to a designated safe area during other disasters.
4. Call for Help: Use emergency numbers to alert authorities like the fire service or police.
5. Administer First Aid: If trained, provide basic first aid to injured persons while waiting for medical help.
6. Use Safety Equipment: If available and safe to do so, use equipment like fire extinguishers or sand buckets for small fires.

Recovery (After a Disaster)

After the immediate danger has passed, recovery efforts focus on rebuilding and helping affected people return to normal life.

1. Seek Medical Attention: Get help for any injuries, even minor ones.
2. Report Damage: Inform relevant authorities about damaged property or infrastructure.
3. Help Others: If it is safe to do so, assist neighbours or community members who are in need.
4. Stay Informed: Listen to official announcements for information on relief efforts and safety guidelines.

Demonstrating Disaster Management Skills: Responding to a Small Fire

Knowing how to respond to a small fire can prevent it from becoming a major disaster. This demonstration focuses on using simple methods to control a small fire.

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Raise the Alarm: Shout “Fire! Fire!” loudly to alert others in the area. This ensures everyone is aware and can evacuate if necessary.
2. Assess the Fire: Look at the size of the fire. This method is only for very small fires, like a burning waste bin or a small cooking fire that has just started. If the fire is large or spreading quickly, evacuate immediately and call the fire service.
3. Identify Materials: Locate a sand bucket or a thick blanket nearby. Water should not be used on electrical fires or oil fires.
4. Use a Sand Bucket (for small fires):
   1. Carefully approach the fire from a safe distance.
   2. Hold the sand bucket firmly.
   3. Pour the sand directly onto the base of the flames, covering the burning material completely. Sand helps to smother the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply.
5. Use a Thick Blanket (for small fires, especially cooking oil fires):
   1. Hold the blanket by its corners, keeping it between you and the fire.
   2. Carefully place the blanket over the flames, covering the entire burning area. This smothers the fire by removing oxygen.
   3. Leave the blanket in place until the fire is completely out and the area has cooled.
6. Ensure Safety: After the fire is out, ensure the area is safe. Check for any smouldering materials that could reignite.
7. Seek Adult Supervision: Always ensure an adult is present when practising or dealing with any fire situation. Never attempt to fight a large fire alone.