Drr

Tropical cyclone

A rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originate over tropical waters. Counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere, clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

Tropical depression (TD)

A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of up to 61 kph.

Tropical storm (TS)

A tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 62 to 88 kph.

Severe tropical storm (STS)

A tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 89 to 117 kph.

Typhoon (TY)

A tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed of 118 to 220 kph.

Super typhoon (STY)

A tropical cyclone with maximum wind speed exceeding 220 kph.

Public Storm Warning Signals

• Signal #1: 36 hrs, 30–60 kph, no to very light damage - Signal #2: 24 hrs, 61–120 kph, light to moderate damage - Signal #3: 18 hrs, 121–170 kph, moderate to heavy damage - Signal #4: 12 hrs, 171–220 kph, heavy to very heavy damage - Signal #5: 12 hrs, >220 kph, very heavy to widespread damage

Thunderstorms

Local storms produced by cumulonimbus clouds, always with lightning and thunder, usually with strong wind gusts, heavy rain, sometimes hail/tornado. Typical in warm environments, lasting 1–2 hours.

Flood

Overflowing of streams or bodies of water or accumulation of water over areas not normally submerged.

Flash floods

Caused by heavy precipitation in a short period, rapid current, usually lasts for 6 hours.

Storm surge

Rise and onshore surge of seawater due to tropical cyclone winds and pressure drop. Height depends on cyclone size, intensity, movement, coastline shape, tides.

El Niño

Significant increase in ocean temperature over eastern and central Pacific. Occurs every 2–7 years. In the Philippines, characterized by dry and warm-hot events.

La Niña

Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator off South America.

Fire triangle

Fuel, Air (oxygen), Heat. Removing one stops fire.

Fire (NFPA definition)

A rapid oxidation process resulting in the evolution of light and heat in varying intensities.

Common causes of fire

Kitchen stoves, electric blankets, faulty wiring, smoking in bed, lighting, flammable liquids, clothes dryers, candles, home heating, children.

What to do before a fire

Prepare exit plan, know evacuation plans, ensure fire extinguisher, look for fire exits, memorize floor plans.

What to do during a fire

Do not panic/run/use elevators, press alarm, protect yourself, call fire department, crawl to exit, check doorknobs, close doors/windows, escape quickly.

What to do after a fire

Call fire department, never go back inside, go to safe place, check injuries, stay away until authorities allow entry.

Fire extinguisher steps

Pull the pin → Aim the nozzle → Squeeze the lever → Sweep.

Fire Prevention Month

Observed every March (Proclamation 115-A, 1966). Theme: “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin, at Isabuhay Natin”.

Key elements of CBDM

People’s participation, priority to vulnerable sectors, community-specific measures, coping mechanisms, goal to build resilience, address vulnerabilities, role of government & NGOs.

Traditional approach in disaster management

Top-down, non-participative, relief/emergency focused, victims as passive, focus on material aid, outsiders decide needs, goal is to return to normal.

CBDRRM approach

At-risk communities actively engaged in identifying, analyzing, treating, monitoring, evaluating disaster risks. People-centered, participatory, builds resilience.

Characteristics of CBDRRM

Disasters can be prevented, focus on prevention/mitigation, people as active actors, children participate, community-wide responsibility, assistance covers material/social/motivational, linked to development, participatory decision-making, goal: reduce vulnerabilities & increase capacities.

Essential requisites of CBDRRM

Capability building, community disaster response organization, counter-disaster plan, DRR-development continuum, partnerships with LGUs/NGOs.

NDRRMC

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Formerly NDCC, renamed under RA 10121 (2010). Includes government, civil society, private sector.

Key officials of NDRRMC

• DND Secretary – Chairperson - DILG Secretary – Vice Chair (Preparedness) - DSWD Secretary – Vice Chair (Response) - DOST Secretary – Vice Chair (Prevention & Mitigation) - NEDA Director-General – Vice Chair (Rehabilitation & Recovery)

Powers and functions of NDRRMC

• Policymaking: NDRRM Framework, research agenda, climate change adaptation policies - Coordination: Advise President, recommend state of calamity, establish early warning systems, develop coordination mechanisms - Monitoring & evaluation of DRRM efforts