Disaster Key Concepts PDF

Disaster Key Concepts Disaster A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human, material, or environmental losses and impacts which exceeds the ability of the affected community to cope...

Disaster Key Concepts Disaster A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread human, material, or environmental losses and impacts which exceeds the ability of the affected community to cope using only its own resources. Hazard A potentially damaging phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that leads to substantial negative effects: may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage. Exposure The number of people, infrastructure, housing, and other assets in an area that could be affected by a hazard. Vulnerability The physical, social, economic, and environmental factors that increase susceptibility to hazards. Disaster Risk The combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences. Coping The ability to face and manage adverse conditions such as hazards, Capacity emergencies or disasters. Risk Factors 1. Physical Factors - Tangible Objects or Infrastructure. 2. Psychological - State of mental capacity and health. Factors 3. Socio-Cultural - Includes religion, social status, traditions, and perception by Factors society. 4. Economic - Includes assets & liabilities, income and social & economic Factors class. 5. Political Factors - Includes government structure, diplomatic issues, and local government units. 6. Biological - Includes Flora and Fauna in the environment, health issues, Factors injuries, and diseases.  Effects of Disasters Long Term Effects Environmental Degradation, Physical and Mental Health Consequences Economic Effects Loss of Income/Job Loss, Cost of recovery and rebuilding Physical & Injuries, Loss of Life, Trauma, Destruction of Infrastructure, Emotional Effects Social Effects Displacement, Breakdown of social networks, Reducing Disaster Risk (need for essay) 1. Prevention Aims to completely avoid or eliminate the hazard or the exposure to its effects. Some examples include immunization to eliminate possible cases of disease, ordinances that prohibit human or business settlement in dangerous areas, and construction of dams along major rivers to control flood. 2. Mitigation Aims to reduce, lessen and limit the hazard or the exposure to its effects through external intervention methods. As there are instances where exposed elements cannot be removed, mitigation measures are carried out to make them less vulnerable. Some examples include putting up of flood walls or barriers, reforestation along steep slopes, and construction of retaining walls in the mountain side. 3. Adaptation Aims to reduce, lessen and limit the hazard or the exposure to its effects. Unlike mitigation measures, adaptation is more inclined to changes in human behavior to reduce exposure and vulnerability. Examples include avoiding octopus connection for electrical devices, and practicing cough etiquette to prevent spread of disease.  Perspectives 1. Physical - describes observable objects in a building/infrastructure which include durability of building, fire exit availability, and absence or presence of an important object that would help or harm you in any ways. Ex. houses and environmental sources of living. 2. Psychological - pertains to the mental capacity and health of an individual to deal with disasters. Age, perception, and self-capacity are some of the points of consideration. 3. Economic - it involves income, assets and liabilities, and the economic class of an individual or a community in the society. 4. Political - it involves the structure of the government, issues in diplomacy, etc. in dealing with disasters. From this view, natural disasters are commonly thought to be less politically contentious than armed conflicts. 5. Biological - it involves the role of flora (plants) and fauna (animals) in the environment, diseases, health, etc.