Module 1

Disaster Preparedness

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lecture students are expected to:

1. Learn the Basic Concept of Disaster

2. Learn the safety measures before, during and after an earthquake and volcanic
eruption
3. Identify Geological and Hydro Meteorological Hazards
4. Learn the causes of fire and how to prevent fire

OUTLINE

1. Basic Concept of Disaster and Disaster Management

2. Hazards and Types of Hazards
3. Earthquake
4. Volcanic Eruption
5. Geological Hazards
6. Meteorological Hazards
7. Fire and Causes of Fires

Introduction

Disaster are those dangerous events or circumstances that can strike one or many
unexpectedly anytime and anywhere. It is also a consequence of a sudden disastrous
events which seriously disrupts the normal function of the society or the community to
the extent that it cannot subsist without outside help.

Disaster

Disaster can be defined as any tragic event stemming from events such as
earthquakes, floods, catastrophic accidents, fires or explosions. It is a phenomenon that
can cause damage to life, property and destroy economic, social and cultural life of
people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines disaster as “any occurrence that causes
damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and health
services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the
affected community or area.”
Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of
disasters. That is, to predict and, where possible, prevent disasters, mitigate their
impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their
consequences.

Disaster preparedness provides a platform to design effective, realistic and coordinated

planning, reduces duplication of efforts and increase the overall effectiveness of
National Societies, household and community members disaster
preparedness and response efforts. Disaster preparedness activities embedded with
risk reduction measures can prevent disaster situations and also result in saving
maximum lives and livelihoods during any disaster situation, enabling the affected
population to get back to normalcy within a short time period.

Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide

range of risk reduction activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral
activity by itself. It requires the contributions of many different areas ranging from
training and logistics, to health care, recovery, livelihood to institutional development.

Disaster Management

Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of

resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies,
in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of
disasters.

Disaster management aims to reduce, or avoid, the potential losses from hazards,
assure prompt and appropriate assistance to victims of disaster, and achieve rapid and
effective recovery.

Comprehensive Disaster Management Cycle

The Disaster management cycle illustrates the ongoing process by which governments,
businesses, and civil society plan for and reduce the impact of disasters, react during
and immediately following a disaster, and take steps to recover after a disaster has
occurred. Appropriate actions at all points in the cycle lead to greater preparedness,
better warnings, reduced vulnerability or the prevention of disasters during the next
iteration of the cycle. The complete disaster management cycle includes the shaping of
public policies and plans that either modify the causes of disasters or mitigate their
effects on people, property, and infrastructure

Four (4) Phases of the Disaster Management Cycle

• Mitigation - Minimizing the effects of disaster.

Examples: building codes and zoning; vulnerability analyses; public education.
• Preparedness - Planning how to respond.
 Examples: preparedness plans; emergency exercises/training; warning systems.
• Response - Efforts to minimize the hazards created by a disaster.
Examples: search and rescue; emergency relief.
• Recovery - Returning the community to normal.
Examples: temporary housing; grants; medical care.

The mitigation and preparedness phases occur as disaster management improvements

are made in anticipation of a disaster event. Developmental considerations play a key
role in contributing to the mitigation and preparation of a community to effectively
confront a disaster. As a disaster occurs, disaster management actors, in particular
humanitarian organizations, become involved in the immediate response and long-term
recovery phases. The four disaster management phases illustrated here do not always,
or even generally, occur in isolation or in this precise order. Often phases of the cycle
overlap and the length of each phase greatly depends on the severity of the disaster.

Sustainable Development

Developmental considerations contribute to all aspects of the disaster management

cycle. One of the main goals of disaster management, and one of its strongest links with
development, is the promotion of sustainable livelihoods and their protection and
recovery during disasters and emergencies. Where this goal is achieved, people have a
greater capacity to deal with disasters and their recovery is more rapid and long lasting.
In a development oriented disaster management approach, the objectives are to reduce
hazards, prevent disasters, and prepare for emergencies. Therefore, developmental
considerations are strongly represented in the mitigation and preparedness phases of
the disaster management cycle. Inappropriate development processes can lead to
increased vulnerability to disasters and loss of preparedness for emergency situations.

Mitigation

Mitigation activities actually eliminate or reduce the probability of disaster occurrence, or

reduce the effects of unavoidable disasters. Mitigation measures include building codes;
vulnerability analyses updates; zoning and land use management; building use
regulations and safety codes; preventive health care; and public education. Mitigation
will depend on the incorporation of appropriate measures in national and regional
development planning. Its effectiveness will also depend on the availability of
information on hazards, emergency risks, and the countermeasures to be taken. The
mitigation phase, and indeed the whole disaster management cycle, includes the
shaping of public policies and plans that either modify the causes of disasters or
mitigate their effects on people, property, and infrastructure.

Preparedness

The goal of emergency preparedness programs is to achieve a satisfactory level of

readiness to respond to any emergency situation through programs that strengthen the
technical and managerial capacity of governments, organizations, and communities.
These measures can be described as logistical readiness to deal with disasters and can
be enhanced by having response mechanisms and procedures, rehearsals, developing
long-term and short-term strategies, public education and building early warning
systems. Preparedness can also take the form of ensuring that strategic reserves of
food, equipment, water, medicines and other essentials are maintained in cases of
national or local catastrophes.

During the preparedness phase, governments, organizations, and individuals develop

plans to save lives, minimize disaster damage, and enhance disaster response
operations. Preparedness measures include preparedness plans; emergency
exercises/training; warning systems; emergency communications systems; evacuations
plans and training; resource inventories; emergency personnel/contact lists; mutual aid
agreements; and public information/education. As with mitigations efforts, preparedness
actions depend on the incorporation of appropriate measures in national and regional
development plans. In addition, their effectiveness depends on the availability of
information on hazards, emergency risks and the countermeasures to be taken, and on
the degree to which government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the
general public are able to make use of this information.

Humanitarian Action

During a disaster, humanitarian agencies are often called upon to deal with immediate
response and recovery. To be able to respond effectively, these agencies must have
experienced leaders, trained personnel, adequate transport and logistic support,
appropriate communications, and guidelines for working in emergencies. If the
necessary preparations have not been made, the humanitarian agencies will not be able
to meet the immediate needs of the people.

Response

The aim of emergency response is to provide immediate assistance to maintain life,

improve health and support the morale of the affected population. Such assistance may
range from providing specific but limited aid, such as assisting refugees with transport,
temporary shelter, and food, to establishing semi-permanent settlement in camps and
other locations. It also may involve initial repairs to damaged infrastructure. The focus in
the response phase is on meeting the basic needs of the people until more permanent
and sustainable solutions can be found. Humanitarian organizations are often strongly
present in this phase of the disaster management cycle.

Recovery

As the emergency is brought under control, the affected population is capable of

undertaking a growing number of activities aimed at restoring their lives and the
infrastructure that supports them. There is no distinct point at which immediate relief
changes into recovery and then into long-term sustainable development. There will be
many opportunities during the recovery period to enhance prevention and increase
preparedness, thus reducing vulnerability. Ideally, there should be a smooth transition
from recovery to on-going development.

Recovery activities continue until all systems return to normal or better. Recovery
measures, both short and long term, include returning vital life-support systems to
minimum operating standards; temporary housing; public information; health and safety
education; reconstruction; counseling programs; and economic impact studies.
Information resources and services include data collection related to rebuilding, and
documentation of lessons learned.

Types of Disasters

Natural Disasters

Natural disaster are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, and hydrological
origins that can cause fatalities, property damage and social environmental disruption

Examples of Natural Disasters: Drought, earthquake, flood, typhoon, and volcanic

eruption

Man-made Disasters
A disaster event caused directly and principally by one or more identifiable deliberate or
negligent human action.
Human made disaster can be intentional or unintentional. It results in huge loss of life
and property. If further affects a person’s mental, physical and social well-being.
Human made disasters are usually the result of things going wrong in our complex
technological society.
Examples of Man-made Disasters: blackouts, hazardous material spills, air pollution,
house fires, radiation leaks, food or water contamination, industrial chemical releases,
transportation accidents, structures failures, explosions, act of terrorism, epidemics and
pandemics.

Hybrid Disasters

A hybrid disaster is a manmade one, when forces of nature are unleashed as a result of
technical failure or sabotage. These are disasters that result from both human error and
natural forces.

Example of a hybrid disaster: the extensive clearing of jungles causing soil erosion, and
subsequently heavy rain causing landslides.

Hazard: the probability of occurrence of a potentially damaging phenomenon,

Vulnerability: the degree of loss resulting from the occurrence of the phenomenon.
 Earthquake

An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by the sudden breaking and

movement of large sections (tectonic plates) of the earth’s rocky outermost crust. The
edges of the tectonic plates are marked by faults. Most earthquakes occur along the
fault lines when the plates slide past each other or collide.

The shifting masses send out shock waves that may be powerful enough to:
• Alter the surface of the earth, thrusting up cliffs and opening great cracks in the
ground and
• Cause great damage like collapse of buildings and other man-made structures,
broken power and gas lines (and the consequent fire), landslide, tsunamis, and
volcanic eruption.

Earthquake Hazards and Effects

The type of hazard depends on the strength of seismic activity, along with such factors
as local topographic and built features, subsurface geology and groundwater. A large
earthquake will always be followed by a sequence of aftershocks.

Ground Shaking

The main earthquake hazard (danger) is the effect of the ground shaking. Buildings can
be damaged by the shaking itself or by the ground beneath them settling to a different
level than it was before the earthquake (subsidence).

Buildings can even sink into the ground if soil liquefaction occurs. Liquefaction is the
mixing of the sand or soil and groundwater during the shaking of a moderate or a strong
earthquake. When the water and soil are mixed, the ground becomes very soft and acts
similar to quicksand. If liquefaction occurs under a building, it may start to lean, tip over,
or sink several feet. The ground firms up again after the earthquake has past and the
water has settled back down to its usual place deeper in the ground.

Ground Displacement

Ground displacement or ground movement along a fault is another earthquake hazard.

If a structure is built across a fault, the ground displacement during an earthquake could
seriously damage or rip apart the structure.

Tsunami

Tsunami is a wave train, or series of waves, generated in a body of water by a

disturbance that moves the whole water column. Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic
eruptions, explosions, and even impact of cosmic bodies such as meteorites, can
generate tsunamis. Tsunamis can impact coastlines, causing devastating property
damage and loss of life. A number of waves may be produced and they can travel long
distances at high speeds to flood far-off shores. The height of tsunami varies and may
be affected by the sea floor depth and shape, and other factors.

Fire

Fire is also another main hazard during earthquake. These fires can be started by a
broken gas lines and power lines, or tip over wood or coal stoves. They can be serious
problem, especially if the water lines that feed the fire hydrants are broken are broken
too.

Safety Measures Before, During, and After an Earthquake

Citizens should plan and practice what to do in the event of an earthquake in order to
properly respond before, during, and after the shaking begins.

Before an Earthquake Occurs

• Prepare for three to seven days of electricity. Water, gas and telephone outages.
• Keep an earthquake disaster kit on hand, including a well-stocked first aid kit, a
supply of medicines required for a life-threatening condition, copies of important
documents, money, a flashlight, a hand crank or solar-powered radio, extra
batteries, blankets, drinking water, and nonperishable food, and tools to shut off
utilities. Store the kit on a secure, waterproof location that is easily accessible.
• Conduct calm family discussions about earthquakes. Decides upon an outdoor
meeting location for your family to reunite after a quake and conduct in-home
practice drills. Teach your household members to knock three times repeatedly if
they were to become trapped inside your home.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of your home, checking for any defective wiring,
leaky gas connections, and deep cracks in the ceiling or foundation that could
pose a danger during a quake.
• Install flexible corrugated pipe fittings to avoid gas and water leaks. Flexible
fittings are more resistant to breakage. If recommended by your gas provider
have an automatic gas shut-off installed that can be triggered by strong vibrations
• Learn how to shut of all utilities in your home.
• Use bolts or straps to secure heavy items that may topple over.
• Avoid placing heavy objects, such as shelves and picture frames, on walls where
they could fall onto bed or locations where your family would be sitting.
• Secure cabinet doors with latches to prevent items from falling out during
earthquake

During an Earthquake

• Drop, Cover, and Hold on! Drop to the floor, get under a sturdy table, and
hold until the shaking stops. If your entire body does not fit underneath the
furniture, position your body so that at least your head and your neck are
covered.
• If indoors, stay there; most injuries occur when people inside try to move to
 different location or try to leave. Avoid windows, exterior walls stairwells,
elevators, and object that could fall. Be aware that the electricity may go out
and the fire alarm or sprinkler system may turn on.
• If outside, get into an open area. Stay clear of buildings, power lines, Street
lights, and anything that can fall on you.
• If driving, move out of traffic as quickly as possible and shut off the engine.
Avoid bridges and overpasses, and anything that can fall on your car such
as trees, light posts, power lines and billboards.
• If in bed, stay there. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, only move
to nearby safe place if you under a heavy light fixture or something that may
fall on you.

After an Earthquake

• Go to your predetermined outdoor meeting location. Check for injuries to

others and provide assistance as needed.
• Check for and extinguish small fires. Clean up any spilled flammable liquids
immediately.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, open a window and quickly leave
the building. Shut off the main gas valve only if you suspect a gas leak. Return
home only when it is declared safe. Once gas line is turned off, service should be
restored only by your service provider.
• Check appliance and electric lines for damage. Unplug any damaged
appliances or light fixtures, and shut off power at the main fuse box if there are
spark, frayed wires, or if you smell something burning.
• Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using
the toilet until you call a plumber.
• Watch out for items that may have shifted in cabinets or closets that can cause
further damage or injury upon opening the doors.
• If you are trapped under debris, do not light a match or move about. Cover
your mouth with clothing and tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you.
Only shout as a last resort, as it can cause you to inhale dangerous amount of
dust.
• If you are driving, watch out for road hazards, including fallen trees, power
lines and damaged bridges and roads. If a power line fell onto your car during the
earthquake, stay inside until trained personnel remove the wire.
• Use the telephone only for emergencies.
• Listen to the radio for important information.
• Inspect your home for signs of structural damage, particularly to the foundation
and chimney. Damage to these areas can pose serious safety hazards in the
months after an earthquake. Don not enter structurally compromised structure.
Call a certified home inspector if you are unsure of your home’s structural
stability.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. Aftershocks can occur minutes, days, or months
after an earthquake. Drop, Cover, and Hold on each time shaking occurs.
 Volcano Hazards

Volcanoes are a surface feature of molten rock below the surface of the Earth. When
pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Gas and rock shoot up through the opening; lava
flows downward along the sides of the mountain.

Potential Volcano-Related Hazards

Volcanoes can be exciting and fascinating, but also very dangerous. Any kind of
volcano is capable of creating harmful or deadly phenomena, whether during an
eruption or a period of quiescence. Understanding what a volcano can do is the first
step in mitigating volcanic hazards, but it is important to remember that even scientists
have studied a volcano for decades, they do not necessarily know everything it is
capable of. Volcanoes are natural systems, and always have some elements of
unpredictability.

Lava Flows

Lava is molten rock that flows out or volcanic vent. Depending on its composition and
temperature, lava can be very fluid or very sticky. Lava flow usually cannot be stopped
or diverted. Lava flows are extremely hot that can cause severe burns and often burn
down vegetation and structures.

Lahars

Lahar are a specific kind of mudflow made up of volcanic debris. Lahar flow like liquids,
but because they contain suspended material, they usually have consistency similar to
wet concrete. Lahar are extremely destructive, they will either bulldoze or bury anything
in their path, sometimes in deposits dozens of feet thick.

Gases

Volcanic gases are probably that least showy part of volcanic eruption, but they can be
one of an eruption’s most deadly effects. Most of the gas released in an eruption is
water vapor and relatively harmless, but volcanoes also produce carbon dioxide, sulfur
dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, fluorine gas, hydrogen fluoride and other gases. All of these
gases can be hazardous and deadly.

Volcanic Debris

Volcanic debris avalanche generated by sliding of larger portions of volcanic cones are
common. These avalanche are highly mobile and may not only bury large tracts of land
and dam stream to form lakes than can drain catastrophically and generate lahars and
floods but also creates devastating tidal waves (tsunamis) if they advance into lakes or
the sea. The only effective method of risk mitigation is evacuation prior to such debris
avalanche or tsunamis (if expecting) from areas likely to be affected by this kind of
phenomenon.

Ashfalls

Ashfall during volcanic eruption generally do not directly endanger life, although the
collapse of roof and houses under the ash load are not uncommon. Considerable
damage may be caused to agriculture and industry even at distances.

How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?

Most volcanoes provide warnings before an eruption. Magmatic eruptions involve the
rise of magma toward the surface, which normally generates detectable earthquakes. It
can also deform the ground surface and cause anomalous heat flow or changes in the
temperature and chemistry of the groundwater and spring waters. Steam-blast
eruptions, however, can occur with little or no warning as superheated water flashes to
steam.
Notable precursors to an eruption might include:

• An increase in the frequency and intensity of felt earthquakes

• Noticeable steaming or fumarolic activity and new or enlarged areas of hot
ground
• Subtle swelling of the ground surface
• Small changes in heat flow
• Changes in the composition or relative abundances of fumarolic gas

Measures/Interventions Before, During, and After a Volcano Eruption

Volcanic eruption happens with an early warning unlike earthquakes that are sudden, so
there is at least time for residents around the volcano to prepare before the actual
eruption occurs.

Here are precautionary measures before volcanic eruptions:

• Each one should be aware of the dangers that volcanic eruption pose to lives
and be prepared to face whatever circumstances the eruption yay bring.
• Prepare all necessary things to bring once evacuation is needed. Once given
the signal refrain from saying you will be alright. Refusing to evacuate will cause
more serious problems.
• Store as much food, water, light sources and batteries that are very useful in
case of emergency.
• Volcanic eruptions have ash falls so be prepared for mask or anything to cover
nose and mouth.
• Prioritize the safety of kids before other things. If you have relatives or friends
who are far from the volcano, take your children there until such time that your
place is safe.

Here are some precautionary measures during volcanic eruptions:

 • Avoid all low-lying places because lava flows and mudflows are more likely to
pass there.
• Seek cover in case of ash rock falls.
• Use mask and cover your mouth and nose to avoid breathing in ashes
• If you are inside a house; close all doors and windows to avoid ashes from
getting inside.
• Always stay indoors
• Stay in the evacuation center until further instructions. Do not attempt to leave
the place unless told to do.
• Keep a watchful eye on the kids because they might be tempted to go out and
see what is going on outside.

Here are precautionary measures after volcanic eruptions:

• Go back to your house but leave the kids behind someone who can take care
of them while you check your house.
• Clean everything around and check all damages incurred.
• Use mask while cleaning ash and other debris
• Wait for further announcements related to the volcano activities
• Make sure that your house is still safe for all of you

Other Hazards

Flood

Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can happen
during heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, when snow melts quickly, or
when dams or levees break. Damaging flooding may happen with only a few inches of
water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. Floods can occur within minutes or over a
long period, and may last days, weeks, or longer. Floods are the most common and
widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of floods, because they combine the
destructive power of a flood with incredible speed. Flash floods occur when heavy
rainfall exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it. They also occur when water fills
normally dry creeks or streams or enough water accumulates for streams to overtop
their banks, causing rapid rises of water in a short amount of time. They can happen
within minutes of the causative rainfall, limiting the time available to warn and protect
the public.

What areas are at risk from flash floods?

Densely populated areas are at a high risk for flash floods. The construction of
buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots increases runoff by reducing the
amount of rain absorbed by the ground. This runoff increases the flash flood potential.
Sometimes, streams through cities and towns are routed underground into storm drains.
During heavy rain, the storm drains can become overwhelmed or plugged by debris and
flood the roads and buildings nearby. Low spots, such as underpasses,
underground parking garages, basements, and low water crossings can become
death traps.

Landslide

A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a

slope. Landslides are a type of "mass wasting," which denotes any down-slope
movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity. The term "landslide"
encompasses five modes of slope movement: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows.
These are further subdivided by the type of geologic material (bedrock, debris, or earth).
Debris flows (commonly referred to as mudflows or mudslides) and rock falls are
examples of common landslide types.
Almost every landslide has multiple causes. Slope movement occurs when forces acting
down-slope (mainly due to gravity) exceed the strength of the earth materials that
compose the slope. Causes include factors that increase the effects of down-slope
forces and factors that contribute to low or reduced strength. Landslides can be initiated
in slopes already on the verge of movement by rainfall, snowmelt, changes in water
level, stream erosion, and changes in ground water, earthquakes, volcanic activity,
disturbance by human activities, or any combination of these factors. Earthquake
shaking and other factors can also induce landslides underwater. These landslides are
called submarine landslides. Submarine landslides sometimes cause tsunamis that
damage coastal areas.
Sinkholes

A sinkhole is an area of ground that has no natural external surface drainage--when

it rains, the water stays inside the sinkhole and typically drains into the subsurface.
Sinkholes can vary from a few feet to hundreds of acres and from less than 1 to more
than 100 feet deep. Some are shaped like shallow bowls or saucers whereas others
have vertical walls; some hold water and form natural ponds.
Typically, sinkholes form so slowly that little change is noticeable, but they can form
suddenly when a collapse occurs. Such a collapse can have a dramatic effect if it
occurs in an urban setting.
Hydro Meteorological Hazards

Typhoon

A typhoon is a giant, rotating storm that brings wind, rain, and destruction.

Thunderstorm

A violent short-lived weather disturbance that is almost always associated

with lightning, thunder, dense clouds, heavy rain or hail, and strong gusty winds.
Thunderstorms arise when layers of warm, moist air rise in a large, swift updraft to
cooler regions of the atmosphere. There the moisture contained in the updraft
condenses to form towering cumulonimbus clouds and, eventually, precipitation.
Columns of cooled air then sink earthward, striking the ground with strong downdrafts
and horizontal winds. At the same time, electrical charges accumulate on cloud particles
(water droplets and ice). Lightning discharges occur when the accumulated electric
charge becomes sufficiently large. Lightning heats the air it passes through so intensely
and quickly that shock waves are produced; these shock waves are heard as claps and
rolls of thunder. On occasion, severe thunderstorms are accompanied by swirling
vortices of air that become concentrated and powerful enough to form tornadoes.

Lightning

The occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage
between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and
typically also thunder

Storm Surge

Is the abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm, measured as the height of the
water above the normal predicted astronomical tide. The surge is caused primarily by
a storm's winds pushing water onshore

El Niño
El Niño means The Little Boy, or Christ Child in Spanish. El Niño was originally
recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America in the 1600s, with the
appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean. The name was chosen
based on the time of year (around December) during which these warm waters events
tended to occur.
The term El Niño refers to the large-scale ocean-atmosphere climate interaction linked
to a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across the central and east-central
Equatorial Pacific.
The presence of El Niño can significantly influence weather patterns, ocean conditions,
and marine fisheries across large portions of the globe for an extended period of time.

La Niña
La Niña means The Little Girl in Spanish. La Niña is also sometimes called El
Viejo, anti-El Niño, or simply "a cold event."
Global climate La Niña impacts tend to be opposite those of El Niño impacts. In the
tropics, ocean temperature variations in La Niña also tend to be opposite those of El
Niño.

Fire Hazards

Fire hazards include all types of live flames, causes, of sparks, hot objects, and
chemicals that are potential for ignition or that can aggravate a fire to become large and
uncontrolled.

Classes of Fires

• Class A - fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles.

• Class B - fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils.
• Class C - fires involving gases.
• Class D - fires involving metals.
• Class E - fires involving live electrical apparatus. (Technically ‘Class E’ doesn’t
exists however this is used for convenience here)
• Class F - fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers.

Water extinguishers

Water extinguishers are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight Class A fires, those
fuelled by solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles.

There are four different types of water extinguishers: water jet, water spray, water with
additives and water mist or fog.

• Water jet extinguishers work by spraying a jet of water at the burning materials,
cooling them and preventing re-ignition. They should not be used on live
electrical equipment.
• Water spray extinguishers use a very fine spray of water droplets, each droplet is
surrounded by air which is non-conductive. Most water spray fire extinguishers
carry a 35 kV dielectric test approval which means they have been tested on a
35,000 Volt electrical source at one meter.
• Water extinguishers with additives are water extinguishers with foaming
chemicals added. The water loses its natural surface tension meaning that it can
soak into the burning materials more effectively. Adding the chemicals to the
water means that a smaller extinguisher can produce the same fire rating as a
larger, water only, extinguisher.
• Water mist, or fog, extinguishers apply water in the form of mist, or fog, the
droplets are much smaller than those from the water spray extinguisher. The
smaller the droplet, the larger its surface area in relation to its size, the quicker
the droplet evaporates which absorbs the heat energy faster. The downside is
the smaller the droplet the less it weighs and therefore the less powerful the
cloud of water. All water extinguishers have a red label.

Foam extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires. They are most suited to
extinguishing liquid fires such as petrol or diesel and are more versatile than water jet
extinguishers because they can also be used on solids such as wood and paper. The
foam extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the surface of the liquid, preventing flammable
vapour reaching the air and starving the fire of fuel. They are not suitable for use on free
flowing liquid fires. Foam extinguishers have a cream label.

Powder extinguishers

Powder extinguishers are a good multi-purpose fire extinguisher because they can be
used on Class A, B and C fires. They can also be used on fires involving electrical
equipment however, they do not cool the fire so it can re-ignite. Powder extinguishers
can also create a loss of visibility and may create breathing problems. They are not
generally recommended for use inside buildings unless there is absolutely no
alternative. Powder extinguishers have a blue label.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers (CO2)

CO2 extinguishers are ideal for places with a lot of electrical equipment such as offices
or server rooms because they are safe to use on fires involving electrical apparatus.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers do not leave any residue, unlike a foam extinguisher.
They can also be used on Class B fires, those involving flammable liquids such paraffin
or petrol. CO2 extinguishers work by smothering the fire and cutting off the supply of air.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers (CO2) have a black label.

Wet chemical extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable for use on Class F fires involving cooking oils
and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter. They are extremely
effective, when used correctly. The wet chemical rapidly knocks the flames out, cools
the burning oil and chemically reacts to form a soap-like solution, sealing the surface
and preventing re-ignition. Although they are primarily designed for use on Class F fires,
cooking oils and deep fat fryers. They can also be used on Class A fires (wood, paper
and fabrics) and Class B fires (flammable liquids). Wet chemical extinguishers have a
yellow label.

Fire blankets

Fire blankets are primarily for use on hot oil fires such as frying pans or small deep fat
fryers. They can also be used on someone whose clothing has caught fire. They work
by smothering the fire, stopping access to the oxygen fuelling it and extinguishing it.

Fire Triangle

The fire triangle, or combustion triangle, is the three components needed to ignite and
sustain a fire. The three ingredients of a fire triangle are; heat, fuel, and oxygen. If just
one of these components is removed, the fire triangle will collapse and the fire will be
extinguished.

1. Heat
A source of heat is required in order for ignition to occur, and different materials have
different flash point.

2. Fuel

A fire cannot begin if there is no material to burn. Homes and businesses are full of
flammable materials, such as paper, oil, wood and fabrics. Any of these can serve as a
fuel for a fire.

3. Oxygen

To sustain the combustion reaction, oxygen (or an oxidizing agent) is needed, as it

reacts with the burning fuel to release heat and C02. Earth’s atmosphere consist of 21%
oxygen, so there is plenty available to trigger a fire if the other two components are
present.

Causes of Fires

1) Cooking fire
2) Heating Appliances
3) Electrical Fire
4) Smoking
5) Candles
6) Chemical Fires
7) Christmas Trees

Ways to prevent fire incidents:

• Avoid unattended or careless use of candles. No open flames are allowed

inside any Tufts University building.
• Keep BBQ grills at least 10 feet from the house. Never store the grill with
the propane tank inside your house. Propane vapors are heavier than air
and any leak of the gas would travel down to an ignition source, such as a
pilot light or electrical arc that would initiate an explosion that would be
fatal to anyone inside the house.
• Do not disable smoke or CO detectors. These are life saving devices that
will give you an early warning to a life threatening event. Carbon
monoxide, CO, is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas (known as the
Silent Killer) that is the most abundant deadly byproduct of fire. Tampering,
covering, disabling fire detection devices is a criminal offense, punishable
by imprisonment and a fine and University disciplinary action.
• Do not smoke indoors. Smoking is prohibited in all Tufts University
buildings. Smoking will result in the removal of the offender from campus
housing.
• Do not leave your cooking unattended. Cooking is the number one cause
 of residential fires. Unattended cooking increases the chance of a stove
top fire. Watch what you heat and never overheat cooking oils. Should a
flash fire occur in a pan, carefully slide a cover over the pan to smother the
fire? DO NOT move it to the sink or apply water to it, this will cause the
flaming oil to splash and spread the fire to surrounding areas.

Learning Application Activity (Assignment)

(to be done by individual student)

Students will conduct an interview with their barangay officials in order to find out how
well prepared a particular barangay in the event of a flood, earthquake and fire.

Based on the results of the interview conducted by the students with the barangay
officials, the student should be able come up with a recommendations on how to
improve the Disaster Management Program of their own barangay.

References:

Book:

3G Elearning FZ LLC Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction (2017) UEA

Online:

https://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/what-we-do/disaster-and-crisis-management/disaster-
preparedness/

https://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/disaster-management/about-disaster-management/

https://www.gdrc.org/uem/disasters/1-dm_cycle.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/natural-disaster

https://www.schoolchalao.com/basic-education/show-results/human-made-
disasters/introduction-of-human-made-disaster

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-can-we-tell-when-a-volcano-will-erupt

https://www.bing.com/search?q=Severe+Weather+101%3A+Flood+Basics

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-landslide-and-what-causes-one
https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/sinkholes?qt-
science_center_object

https://www.britannica.com/science/thunderstorm

https://www.fireaction.co.uk/news/fire-triangle-explained/

https://www.thespruce.com/causes-of-house-fires-1835107

https://publicsafety.tufts.edu/firesafety/fire-prevention/