Unit 8 Hazard Awareness
Unit 8 Hazard Awareness
HAZARD AWARENES
SOURCE: https://definedterm.com/hydrometeorological_hazards
Source: www.kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph
➢ WHAT IS TYPHOON?
A typhoon is a type of large storm system having a circular or spiral system of violent
winds, typically hundreds of kilometer or miles, in diameter. The winds spiral around a
region of low atmospheric pressure.
Public Storm Warning Signal are raised to warn the public of incoming weather
disturbances. Once a Storm signal is raised, conditions are not yet necessary felt in the
given area. The following are the lead times for issuing a Public Storm Signal.
▪ The weather disturbance is expected in 36 hours once the Public Storm Signal
no. 1 is raised.
▪ The weather disturbance is expected in 24 hours once the Public Storm Signal
no. 2 is raised.
▪ The weather disturbance is expected in 18 hours once the Public Storm Signal
no. 3 is raised.
▪ The weather disturbance is expected in 12 hours once the Public Storm Signal
no. 4 is raised.
Lead time shortens if a new weather bulletin is issued and the area’s Public Storm Signal
Warning remains the same. As the weather disturbance moves through the Philippine Area of
Responsibility (PAR), Public Storm Signal may be upgraded or downgraded. An area’s given
signal number is based on the intensity size of circulation and the forecast direction, and speed
of the tropical storm or typhoon when the Public Storm Warning Signal is raised. Changes in
intensity, size of circulation, or movement of the tropical cyclones also determine the change of
the Public Storm Warning Signal in a given area.
• Precautionary Measure:
The sea and the coastal waters are dangerous to small seacraft. Special attention
should be given to the latest position, direction and movement speed, and intensity of
the storm as it moves toward an area. The Public especially people travelling by the sea
and air are cautioned. Outdoor activities of children should be postponed. Secure
properties before the signal is upgraded. Disaster preparedness agencies/organizations
are in action to alert their communities.
• Precautionary Measures:
The weather condition is dangerous to the communities affected. Travel is very risky
especially by air and sea. People are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings,
evacuate low-lying areas, and stay away from the coast and riverbanks. Classes in all
levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong buildings.
Disaster preparedness and response agencies/organizations are in action with
appropriate response to emergencies.
• Precautionary Measures:
The situation is potentially very disruptive to the community. All travels and outdoor
activities should be cancelled. Evacuation to safer shelters should have been completed.
The disaster coordinating councils concerned and the disaster response organizations
are now fully responding to emergencies.
• Precautionary Measures:
The situation is potentially extremely destructive or catastrophic to the community. All
travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled evacuation to safer shelter should
have been completed since it may have been too late for this situation. The disaster
coordinating councils concerned and other disaster response organizations are now fully
responding to emergencies and in full readiness to immediately respond to possible
calamity.
STORM SURGES AND STORM TIDE
Storm surge is an abnormal rise of water
generated by a storm, over and above the
predicted astronomical tide. It’s the change
in the water level that is due to the presence
of the storm. Since the storm surge is a
difference between water level, it does not have
a reference levels.
Storm surge is caused primarily by the strong winds in a hurricane or tropical storm. The
low pressure of the storm has minimal contribution.
SOURCE: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge/surge_intro.pdf
Icon Description
• This will be issued when there is an indication that a
thunderstorm is threatening a specific area(s) within the next 2
hours.
• Updates will be issued as frequent as necessary.
• This will be disseminated via SMS, Social Media, and website.
• This will inform the public that TSTM formation is likely within
the next twelve (12) hours.
• This is more general than a warning.
• This will be disseminated thru Social Media, and website
• Issued when TSTM is less likely within the next twelve (12)
hours.
• This will be disseminated thru Twitter, Facebook, and website.
WHAT IS FLOODING?
Flood Basics (Floods and Flash Foods)
Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can happen during
heavy rain. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the
rooftop. They can occur quickly 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 and unpredictability. They can happen with little or no
warning.
Below are example of advisory warnings issued by PAGASA during the occurrence of
precipitation in the Philippines.
Icon Description
• ADVISORY: Community AWARENESS
• Flooding is POSSIBLE in low-lying areas and near river
channels.
Flooding takes place when rainfall excess cannot be channeled appropriately into the drainage
system forcing the water to flow overland. Clogged or lack of proper drainage system is usually
the cause of flooding. Densely populated areas are at a high risk for flash floods. The
construction of buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots increases overflow by reducing
the amount of rain absorbed by the roads and buildings. Areas near rivers are at risk from flash
floods. Dam failures can send a sudden destructive wall of water downstream. Mountains and
steep hills produce rapid overspill, which causes streams to rise quickly.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER FLOODINGS, FLASH FLOOD AND STORM
SURGE
BEFORE
Be alert. Monitor our surroundings. If a flash flood warning is issued for your area. Be prepared
to evacuate. Make sure every family member has the contact information. Decide where you will
meet if separated to your family.
DURING
Be alert. Monitor your surroundings. Don’t do outside unless you have to. If you must go
outside, travel with care. Avoid disaster areas. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder
to recognize flood dangers. Get out of low areas that may be subject to flooding. Stay away
from power lines and electrical wires.
AFTER
Wait until it is safe to return. Do not return to flooded areas until authorities indicate it is safe
to do so. Do not enter a building if it is still flooded, and or surrounded by floodwater. Check for
structural damage. Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected the system for safety.
All electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service. Clean
and disinfect everything that got wet.
EL NIÑO VS LA NIÑA
El Niño and La Niña events are a natural part of the global climate change system. They occur
when the Pacific Ocean and the atmosphere above it change from their neutral (“normal’) state
for several seasons. El Niño events are associated with a warning of the central and eastern
tropical Pacific, while La Niña events are the reverse, with a sustained cooling of these same
areas.
( http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/history/In-2010-12/ENSO-what.shtml)
However, the impacts of La Niña on the Philippines climate include irregularities in rainfall,
temperature and tropical cyclone activities. During La Niña conditions, major part of the country
experience near normal to above normal rainfall conditions particularly over the eastern sections
of the country. La Niña conditions also favor tropical cyclone formation over to western Pacific
which tend to increase the number of tropical cyclones.
ACTIVITY 1
NAME:_____________________________________________________________________
COURSE/YEARS: ____________________________________________________________
Directions:
Below is an example of a 5-day- weather forecast from PAGASA. Analyze and make a
daily report of the three cities Weather condition. Using the table below. Use the space
provided for:
25 ֯C 25 ֯ 26 ֯ 26 ֯ 25 ֯
TAGUEGARAO 36 ֯C Light to Moderate: C C C C
CITY South 35 ֯ 36 ֯ 36 ֯ 36
C C C ֯C
25 ֯C 25 ֯ 24 ֯ 25 ֯ 25 ֯
LAOAG CITY 33 ֯C Moderate: south C C C C
Coastal waves: 33 35 ֯ 33 32
Moderate ֯C C ֯C ֯C
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ACTIVITY 2
NAME: ___________________________________________
COURSE/YEAR: ___________________________________________
Direction:
Identify and color the provinces with drought, dry conditions and dry spell. Use the
legend below as your guide.
LEGENDS
RED drought
VISAYAS
MINDANAO
VISAYAS – NONE
MINDANAO
VISAYAS
MINDANAO
Fire Triangle
Fire is a chemical reaction that requires three element to be present for the reaction to
take place and continue.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fire_triangle
- These three elements typically are referred to as the ‘fire triangle”. Fire is the result of
the reaction between the fuel and oxygen in the air. Scientists developed the concept of
a fire triangle to aid in understanding of the cause of fires and how they can be
prevented and extinguished. Heat, fuel and oxygen must combine in a precise way for a
fire to start and continue to burn. Oxygen in the fire triangle comes from the air in the
atmosphere. Of one element of the fire triangle is not present or removed, fire will not
start or, if already burning will extinguish.
Ignition sources can include any material, equipment or operation that emits a spark or
flame- including obvious items such as torches, as well as less obvious items such as
static electricity and grinding operations. Fuel sources include combustible materials,
such as wood, paper, trash and clothing: flammable liquids, such as gasoline or
solvents; and flammable gases, such as propane or natural gas.
WHAT CAUSES FIRE?
1. Accidents and Carelessness- some fires are caused from carelessness.
2. Electrical Wiring, electrical Outlets and Faulty wiring- older homes are particularly
susceptible, as they were built in the 50’s-70’s, having aluminum wiring that gets very
hot and increases the chance of fire.
3. Appliances – lamps, electric fans and charging cell phones can short out. To be safe
appliances should be unplugged when not in use.
4. Unattended Stoves- another cause of residential fires is cooking. It is because of
unattended pots or the burner being left on accidentally.
5. Children playing with matches - children playing with matches is one of the major
sources of home fires. Matches and lighters in the hands of a young children are a
significant factor in fatalities.
A FIRE DRILL is an exercise or practice that teach the people on how to leave the
building safely. The purpose of fire drill is to ensure the efficient and safe of exits and
help prevent panic.
Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguisher are special pressurized devices that release chemical or water to aid in
putting out a fire. It is use to keep small fires from spreading and assist in fighting fires until the
fire department arrives.
Types of Extinguisher
Water Extinguisher
Water extinguisher are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight class A fires, those fueled by
solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles. All water extinguishers have a red label.
Foam Extinguisher
Foam fire extinguisher are one can he used on Class A and B fires. They are most suited to
extinguishing liquid fires such as petrol or diesel but not on free-flowing liquids fires. They are
more versatile than water jet extinguishers because they can also be used on solids such as
wood and paper. Foam extinguisher have a cream label.
Powder Extinguisher
Powder Extinguisher are a good multi-purpose 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 extinguisher can also create a loss of visibility and
may create breathing problems. Powder extinguisher have blue label.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher (co2)
Co2 extinguisher 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. They can be used on
class B fires, those involving flammable liquids such paraffins or petrol. Carbon dioxide
Extinguisher ( CO2) have a black label.
Wet Chemical extinguisher
Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable for use on Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats,
such lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil, and butter. They are extremely effective, when used
correctly. They can also be used on Class A fires (woods, 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 fueling it and extinguishing it. Below is a picture of a fire
extinguisher and its parts.
To remember how to use a fire extinguisher remember the acronym PASS, which stands for
PULL, AIM, SQUEEZE and SWEEP.
Sweep from the side to side until the fire is completely out. Start using
the extinguisher from a safe distance away, moving forward sweeping
the nozzle from the side to side. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the
area in case it re-ignite.
ACTIVITY 1
NAME: ________________________________________________________
COURSE/YEAR: ________________________________________________________
NAME: ______________________________________________________________
COURSE/YEAR: ___________________________________________________________
Directions: Take a picture of your school surroundings and identify the potential fire hazards
areas. Prepare an Action Plan (solution) based on your observation.
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References/ sources:
Abdullah, J. (2002) , “Fire in Tall Buildings: Occupant’s Safety and Owner’s Liability”, Kuala
Lumpur: International Law Book Services
Ayuba P, Olagunju, RE, and Akande O.K (2012), Failure and Collapse of Building in Nigeria:
The Role of Professionals and other Participants in the Building Industry.
Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business. Vol 4, No.6
Benjamin, J.L, (1986), “Human Behavior and Fire”, Fire protection Handbook, 16th Ed. Quincy,
MA: NFPA
Cote, A.E., (1986), “Assessing the Magnitude of the Fire Problem”, Fire Protection Handbook,
16th Ed., Quincy, MA: NFPA
www.openhazards.com/faq/hhurricanes-tropical-cyclones...typhoons/what-typhoon
http://thestar.com.my/news/story/asp?file=/2008/9/3/central/1929494&sec=central (19
December 2009)