DRRR

• Hydrometeorological Hazards


  Natural hazard brought about by changes in the atmosphere
• Hydrometeorological Hazards


  • Typhoons
  • Thunderstorms
  • Floods
  • Storm surges
  • El Nino
  • La Nina
• Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)


  The national agency dedicated to providing flood and typhoon warnings, public weather forecast and advisories, and who monitors weather disturbances entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)
• Typhoon


  A tropical cyclone is a weather system with a radius of about 2 to 300 km and characterized by a low pressure center accompanied by strong spiraling winds and torrential rains
• In the Northern hemisphere, its rotation is counterclockwise, but in the Southern hemisphere is clockwise
• Hurricane


  The term for tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific Oceans
• Cyclone


  The term used in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans for tropical cyclones
• Typhoon


  The term used in the Philippines for tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
• Typhoon Hazards


  • Landslide
  • Mudflow
  • Extensive damages to houses, buildings and infrastructure
• Thunderstorm


  Small-scale storm accompanied by lightning and thunder
• A typical thunderstorm only lasts about 30 min to an hour and may cover an area as small as 5 kilometers in diameter
• Thunderstorms bring about other hazards such as strong winds and heavy rainfall
• In extreme cases, thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail or tornadoes
• An estimated 40-100 lightning flashes occur for each second all over the world
• Lightning


  Lightning-related injuries and deaths
• Torrential rains


  Heavy rainfalls usually accompany a thunderstorm but only for a short period of time. The intense precipitation can cause flash floods
• Strong winds


  The strong winds in thunderstorms quickly ascend and descend in the atmosphere, making it dangerous for airplanes to travel in the air. The winds near the land moving at more than 80km/h can damage properties and houses and knock down trees and utility lines
• Hail


  This type of precipitation refers to ice particles with a diameter from 5 to 5mm. It is produced in severe thunderstorms and can damage crops, cars, windows, and other properties
• Storm Surge


  A rapid rise of water above normal sea level on the coast, generated by strong winds brought about by typhoons and thunderstorms
• Unlike a tsunami that has visual signs such as receding water level, a storm surge is a rather fast and unexpected hazard that can sneak in anytime during a storm
• It is advised that residents of low-lying coastal areas should evacuate upon observing signs of an incoming storm
• Flood


  The flood occurs when land areas which are normally not covered with water are being submerged, often after heavy and continuous rainfall
• Due to the potential threat of flood to people, properties, and the environment, it is considered as a hazard
• Flash Floods


  Characterized by a ranging current that occurs when the water level rises due to heavy rainfall. Unlike floods, flash floods last from a few minutes to a few hours only. It is common along rivers, coastline, creeks, and even urban areas
• March is the hottest month of the year in the Philippines and when the highest number of fire incidents are reported
• March is Fire Prevention Month in the country when the campaign for Fire Prevention is intensified
• Fire


  The rapid oxidation of a flammable material accompanied by the production of light and heat
• The discovery of fire has brought significant advancements to people and industries. Aside from being used as an external source of heat and light, it is also used as a power source
• Natural fires of low intensity may benefit the environment and restore ecological balance through the removal of pests and plants that compete with other species for nutrients
• Elements of Fire and Stage of Fire Development


  1. The fire starts when fuel is heated from an external source and reaches its ignition temperature

  2. Oxygen reacts with the fuel to sustain the fire

  3. Once fire has started, it will continue to burn until an element of the fire triangle is removed
• Incipient Stage


  Ignition occurred but no spread. Best to extinguish the fire at this stage while it is small
• Growth


  Fire is self sustaining. Smoke is already visible and may start accumulating. The temperature of the affected area will start to increase and the fire will continuously grow bigger as it burns more fuel. Between this stage and the next, there is what we call Flashpoint, which is the rapid rise in intensity
• Fully Developed


  Fire is at its hottest point, burning all available fuels. Firefighters will likely extinguish the fire from a distance as it is dangerous to go near or enter the vicinity
• Decay


  Fire is running out of fuel, but still very dangerous. Longest stage. No fuel must be added as it will cause the fire to reignite
• Causes of Fires


  • Negligence such as leaving the stove unattended or by not organizing the storage cabinet
  • Faulty electrical wiring or connection
  • LPG-related
  • Neglected cooking or stove
  • Lighted Cigarette butts
  • Left unattended open flame: torch or sulo
  • Left unattended open flame: candle or gasera
  • Matchstick or lighter kept near flammable materials
  • Direct flame contact or static electricity
  • Neglected electrical appliances or devices
  • Unchecked electrical types of machinery
  • Flammable chemicals
  • Incendiary device or ignited flammable liquid
  • Spontaneous combustion
  • Bomb explosion
  • Lightning
  • Others (forest fire, vehicular fire, etc.)
• Precautionary and Safety Measures


  • Never leave the fire unattended
  • Always check the electrical equipment
  • Keep a good distance between things that can catch fire
  • Educate children and adults about fire safety
  • Store flammable materials properly
  • Keep a fire extinguisher of a bucket of sand handy
  • Install fire alarms and smoke detectors
  • Know what to do in case of fire
  • Develop a fire preparedness plan
• How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher (PASS)


  1. PULL - Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal

  2. AIM - Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire

  3. SQUEEZE - Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent

  4. SWEEP - Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 - 4
• Sociological Hazards


  The interaction of humans in society can lead to actions that may pose a potential threat to life. Arise from human actions that may be accidental or deliberate
• Examples of Sociological Hazards


  • Overpopulation
  • Crowding
  • Crime
  • Civil disorder
  • Sabotage
  • Terrorism
• Crime


  According to the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, specific acts of violence that constitute different forms of crimes that are categorized, one category is crimes against persons involving the destruction of life