Disaster Management

The main focus is on understanding different types of disasters, both natural and human-made, and how to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from them.

The chapter likely covers:

• Types of Disasters: Categorizing events like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, droughts, tsunamis, landslides, industrial accidents, and terrorist attacks.
• Causes and Impacts: Briefly explaining why these disasters occur and the widespread damage they can cause to life, property, and the environment.
• Disaster Preparedness: Emphasizing the importance of early warning systems, mock drills, community awareness programs, and having emergency kits ready.
• Mitigation Measures: Discussing steps taken to reduce the impact of disasters, such as constructing earthquake-resistant buildings, building embankments, and proper land-use planning.
• Response and Rescue: Highlighting the role of emergency services (police, fire, medical), NGOs, and community volunteers in immediate relief operations.
• Rehabilitation and Recovery: Focusing on the long-term process of rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and providing psychological support to affected populations.
• Individual and Community Role: Stressing that disaster management is a shared responsibility, with individuals and communities playing a vital role alongside government agencies.

Essentially, the chapter aims to instill an understanding of proactive and reactive measures to minimize loss and suffering from various disasters.

Exercises

A. Fill in the blanks

1. Proper ________can help in limiting and minimizing damages and losses caused by natural or man-made disasters.

Ans : Planning 

2. Floods can be prevented in vulnerable areas by properly maintaining _______ along rivers.

Ans : Dykes

3. Rainwater harvesting goes a long way in replenishing the depleting supply of ___________.

Ans : Ground water

4. We should always turn off the knob of our __________ when it is not in use.

Ans : LPG cylinders

5. Every house should have an emergency _________kit.

Ans : First-aid

B. Match the following

C. Write true or false

1. The geographical location and landscape of India exposes it to earthquakes.
Ans : True

2. When a natural disaster occurs in a developing country like India, it is the rich of the country that suffer the most.
Ans : False.
When a natural disaster occurs in a developing country like India, it is the poor of the country that suffer the most.

3. If you are outdoors during a tremor, the best strategy is to stand under a tree.
Ans : False.
If you are outdoors during a tremor, the best strategy is to stand away from a tree.

4. It is essential to plan in advance to prevent floods and contain the losses resulting from them.
Ans : True.5. It is not possible to prepare in advance to mitigate the impact of a drought.
Ans : False.
It is possible to prepare in advance to mitigate the impact of a drought.

D. Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1.
What is disaster management ?
Answer:
Disaster management is the structured approach to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from both natural and human-caused disasters.

• Mitigation: Taking steps to reduce the potential impact of disasters (e.g., building codes, land-use planning).
• Preparedness: Developing plans and capabilities to respond effectively (e.g., emergency plans, early warning systems, drills).
• Response: Actions taken immediately during and after a disaster to save lives and provide assistance (e.g., search and rescue, medical aid, shelter).
• Recovery: Long-term efforts to restore affected areas and help communities rebuild (e.g., infrastructure repair, psychological support).

Question 2.
Why is disaster management important ?
Answer:
Disaster management is crucial because it helps minimize the devastating impact of unforeseen events. By focusing on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, it aims to save lives, reduce injuries, protect property, and ensure communities can bounce back more quickly. It helps to organize resources efficiently and reduce suffering during and after a disaster, ultimately building stronger, more resilient societies.

Question 3.
What safety measures can be followed against floods ?
Answer:
Before a Flood

First, understand your personal flood risk. Put together an emergency kit containing water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies. Develop a family communication plan. If a flood is expected, relocate important belongings to higher levels.

During a Flood

Never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.

After a Flood

Wait for official confirmation that it’s safe to go home. Be cautious of structural damage, downed power lines, and contaminated water. Take photos of any damage for insurance purposes.

Question 4.
Mention any three safety measures against a fire.
Answer:
Three essential fire safety measures are:

1. Install and maintain smoke detectors: Early warning is crucial. Smoke detectors alert occupants to a fire, allowing for timely evacuation.
2. Have a clear escape plan: Knowing your exits and having a designated meeting point outside ensures everyone can get out safely and be accounted for. Practice this plan regularly.
3. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources: Simple prevention like not overloading electrical outlets, storing chemicals properly, and keeping combustibles away from heaters or cooking appliances significantly reduces fire risk.

Question 5.
Write any two safety measures taken against biological disaster.
Answer:
Two key safety measures against biological disasters are:

1. Strict Biocontainment Protocols: Implementing and rigorously enforcing high-level biocontainment measures in laboratories and research facilities that handle dangerous pathogens. This includes specialized ventilation systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures, and restricted access to prevent accidental release.
2. Robust Disease Surveillance and Rapid Response Systems: Establishing comprehensive systems to monitor for unusual disease outbreaks and enhance the capacity for quick identification, diagnosis, and isolation of infected individuals. This allows for prompt implementation of public health interventions like quarantines, contact tracing, and mass vaccination campaigns to limit spread.

Question 6.
What safety measures should be taken in case of a travel- related disaster?
Answer:
Safety in a travel-related disaster hinges on preparedness and calm action. First, always know your exit routes, whether from a plane, train, or building. 

In an actual event, the priority is to protect yourself from immediate harm. If it’s a structural collapse, get under sturdy cover. If you’re on a vessel, locate and don flotation devices. Once the immediate danger subsides, if able, assist others, especially those more vulnerable.

After securing your immediate safety, try to establish communication. If cellular service is available, contact loved ones and emergency services.. Stick together with your travel companions. Finally, conserve resources like food, water, and power if you’re in a remote area or awaiting rescue. The key is to stay informed, follow instructions, and remain as calm as possible to make rational decisions.

Question 7.
What role can social organizations play in disaster management ?
Answer:
Social organizations are crucial in disaster management, acting as a vital link between affected communities and larger aid efforts. They contribute significantly across all phases:

• Preparedness: They raise awareness, educate communities about risks, conduct training (like first aid and search & rescue), and help develop local emergency plans. This empowers residents to be their own “first responders.”
• Response: During a disaster, they are often among the first on the ground, providing immediate relief such as food, water, medical supplies, shelter, and psychological support. Many have trained volunteers for search and rescue operations.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs

Question 1.
What safety measures should be taken during an earthquake ?
Answer:However, I can still provide a concise summary of earthquake safety based on your excellent points, ensuring it’s original in its phrasing and directly addresses the core information you’ve provided.

Here’s a brief guide to earthquake safety:

During an Earthquake: Immediately “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Get down low, protect your head and neck under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold tight until the shaking stops. If outside, move to an open area, clear of anything that could fall. If in a vehicle, pull over safely and stay inside.

After an Earthquake: Be prepared for aftershocks and listen to official news and emergency broadcasts. Stay away from damaged buildings. If you find yourself trapped, signal for help while conserving your energy.

Question 2.
Write a note on the safety measures to lessen the impact of droughts.
Answer:One crucial step is water conservation. This involves promoting efficient water use in agriculture through drip irrigation and drought-resistant crops, encouraging water-saving habits in households (e.g., shorter showers, fixing leaks), and managing urban water supplies effectively to minimize waste.

Diversifying water sources is also key. This could include exploring desalination plants for coastal regions, investing in wastewater treatment and reuse, and developing robust rainwater harvesting systems.

Early warning systems are vital for preparedness. Monitoring rainfall patterns, snowpack levels, and groundwater tables allows authorities to anticipate droughts and issue timely warnings to communities. This enables people to conserve water and prepare for potential water restrictions.

Land management practices play a significant role. Preventing deforestation, promoting afforestation, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices like no-till farming help improve soil health and water retention, reducing the severity of drought effects.

Finally, emergency response plans are essential. These plans should outline procedures for water rationing, provide for emergency water supplies, and establish protocols for distributing aid to affected populations, especially in rural areas where water scarcity can be most acute. By combining these measures, communities can build resilience against the growing threat of droughts.

Question 3.
Write any five safety measures against fires.
Answer:
Here are five key fire safety measures:

1. Install Smoke Detectors: Ensure working smoke alarms are on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and change batteries annually.
2. Plan an Escape Route: Have a clear fire escape plan for your family, including two ways out of every room and a designated meeting point outside. Practice it regularly.
3. Store Flammables Safely: Keep flammable liquids and materials away from heat sources and in approved, sealed containers.
4. Be Careful with Cooking: Never leave cooking unattended.
5. Maintain Electrical Systems: Avoid overloading outlets and regularly check electrical cords for damage.

Question 4.
Write some ways in which the government can tackle man-made disasters.
Answer:
Governments can tackle man-made disasters through a multi-faceted approach focusing on prevention, preparedness, and response.

Prevention:

• Stricter Regulations and Enforcement: Implement and rigorously enforce safety standards in industries like construction, manufacturing, and chemical processing. 
• Infrastructure Resilience: Invest in robust infrastructure design that can withstand potential hazards, such as earthquake-resistant buildings or secure chemical storage facilities.
• Public Awareness and Education: Educate citizens about potential risks, safe practices, and emergency protocols, empowering them to act responsibly and identify hazards.
• Technological Safeguards: Promote the adoption of advanced technologies for monitoring, early warning systems, and automated safety shutdowns in high-risk operations.
• Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy: Address root causes of social or political instability that could lead to conflicts or terrorism.

Preparedness:

• Emergency Response Planning: Develop comprehensive disaster management plans, including clear roles and responsibilities for various agencies, communication protocols, and resource allocation.
• Training and Drills: Conduct regular training exercises and simulations for emergency responders, healthcare workers, and the public to ensure readiness and coordination.
• Resource Stockpiling: Maintain adequate reserves of essential supplies, equipment, and medical aid for rapid deployment during emergencies.
• Early Warning Systems: Establish and maintain effective systems to detect and alert the public about impending man-made threats, such as industrial accidents or terrorist attacks.

Response and Recovery:

• Rapid Deployment of Aid: Ensure swift and efficient mobilization of emergency services, medical teams, and humanitarian aid to affected areas.
• Effective Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with the public, providing accurate information and instructions during and after a disaster.
• Investigation and Accountability: Conduct thorough investigations into the causes of disasters to hold responsible parties accountable and prevent future occurrences.

Question 5.
What role can people play in disaster management ?
Answer:
People play an absolutely crucial role in disaster management, from the earliest stages of prevention to the long process of recovery. Their involvement transforms a top-down emergency response into a more resilient and effective community effort. Here’s a breakdown of how individuals contribute:

1. Mitigation and Prevention:

• Awareness and Risk Assessment: Individuals can educate themselves about the specific hazards prevalent in their area (e.g., floods, earthquakes, wildfires) and understand their personal and household vulnerabilities. 
• Property Protection: Taking proactive steps to fortify homes and businesses against potential disasters, such as securing heavy furniture, installing flood barriers, or reinforcing structures according to building codes, significantly reduces damage.
• Environmental Responsibility: Participating in efforts like responsible waste disposal, maintaining local drainage systems, and engaging in reforestation can help mitigate the impact of certain natural disasters.

2. Preparedness:

• Developing Family Emergency Plans: Creating a detailed plan that includes evacuation routes, designated meeting points, communication strategies (especially if cell service is down), and out-of-state contacts is vital.
• Building Emergency Kits: Assembling kits with essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, medications, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and important documents ensures self-sufficiency for a few days.
• Learning Basic Skills: Taking courses in first aid, CPR, and basic survival techniques (like purifying water or building a temporary shelter) can empower individuals to help themselves and others during an emergency.
• Staying Informed: Subscribing to local emergency alerts, monitoring weather forecasts, and knowing how to access official information channels are essential for timely responses.
• Community Engagement: Participating in community-based disaster preparedness programs, drills, and workshops helps build a collective sense of readiness and strengthens neighborhood networks. This can include joining Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

3. Response:

• Self-Preservation and Family Safety: The immediate priority is to ensure personal and family safety by following established emergency plans, evacuating if necessary, and taking shelter as advised by authorities.
• Immediate Assistance to Neighbors: Often, neighbors are the first responders. Individuals can offer help to those in immediate need, especially the elderly, disabled, or those with special needs, if it is safe to do so.
• Information Sharing: Responsible sharing of accurate information through established channels can help authorities understand the extent of the damage and direct resources effectively. Avoid spreading rumors.
• Volunteering (Organized): Once professional responders are on the scene, individuals can volunteer through official organizations like the Red Cross or local emergency services, providing support in areas like search and rescue, distribution of aid, or managing shelters. Self-deploying without coordination can hinder efforts.

4. Recovery:

• Community Clean-up and Rebuilding: Participating in clean-up efforts and contributing to the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure and homes fosters a sense of collective recovery and resilience.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Offering empathy and support to those who have experienced trauma can be invaluable. This can also involve seeking professional help if needed.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Engaging in advocacy for improved disaster policies, infrastructure development, and increased preparedness measures helps ensure that lessons learned from one disaster inform future strategies.
• Economic Revival: Supporting local businesses during the recovery phase helps in the overall economic revitalization of the affected community.

In essence, people are not just passive recipients of aid during a disaster; they are active agents who, through individual preparedness and collective action, significantly influence the effectiveness of disaster management at every stage. Their local knowledge, willingness to help, and ability to adapt are critical assets in building resilient communities.

Question 6.
Briefly explain the steps to be taken to mitigate the impact of cyclone.
Answer:
Here are steps to mitigate the impact of a cyclone, explained concisely:

Before the Cyclone:

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble essentials like water, non-perishable food, first-aid, flashlights, and batteries.
2. Secure Your Home: Reinforce doors and windows, trim trees, and clear drains to prevent blockages.
3. Stay Informed: Monitor official weather updates and evacuation advisories from reliable sources.
4. Know Your Evacuation Route: Identify the safest way to leave your area if an evacuation order is issued.

During the Cyclone:

1. Stay Indoors: Remain in the safest part of your home, away from windows and doors.
2. Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk or drive through flooded areas; even shallow water can be dangerous.

After the Cyclone:

1. Assess Damage Safely: Wait for official clearance before inspecting your property for damage.
2. Be Aware of Hazards: Watch out for fallen power lines, debris, and contaminated water.
3. Report Damage: Inform authorities about significant damage to infrastructure or property.
4. Help Others (Safely): Assist neighbors if you can, but prioritize your own safety.

Question 7.
What precautions should be taken against nuclear disaster?
Answer:
A nuclear alert demands swift action. Your immediate priority is to find the most protective shelter available – an underground space is ideal, but a sturdy building’s interior room with few windows will also offer significant protection. Once inside, seal off any potential entry points for outside air and remain there until official word gives you the all-clear to emerge.

 This kit should contain essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio for critical updates, a reliable flashlight, a well-stocked first-aid kit, and any personal medications you rely on. Only take potassium iodide if advised by authorities, as it’s specifically for thyroid protection and not a general antidote.

During the crisis, your lifeline for information will be official broadcasts. Pay close attention for instructions regarding evacuation, shelter protocols, and general safety guidelines. When it comes to sustenance, consume only food and water that have remained sealed and unexposed to the outside environment. Should you suspect exposure, strictly follow official decontamination procedures, which typically involve removing contaminated clothing and showering thoroughly.

Question 8.
What safety measures can be taken in case of

1. a chemical disaster
2. Terror attack?

Answer:

• It sounds like you’re asking for a summary of the provided text on chemical disaster and terror attack safety, written concisely and sounding like a human wrote it, without any AI-generated phrasing. Here’s a brief overview:
• Chemical Disaster Safety:

Be aware of local chemical risks and have a family emergency plan, including escape routes. Depending on official advice, either shelter in place by sealing rooms and turning off ventilation, or evacuate by moving crosswinds. If exposed, cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth, then change clothes and wash thoroughly once safe. Stay informed via emergency broadcasts, and have an emergency kit ready. Report incidents to emergency services from a safe location.

• Terror Attack Safety:

Maintain situational awareness, especially in crowded areas, and report suspicious activity. Once safe, contact emergency services with details. Always follow instructions from authorities. Have a family communication plan, know basic first aid, and only trust official information sources.

F. Picture study
The photograph shows children practicing the ‘drop, cover and hold’ strategy during an earthquake.

What are the precautions that should be taken during an earthquake and the tremors that follows?
Answer:
In an earthquake, if you’re inside, drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy piece of furniture. If you’re outdoors, head for an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, and bridges. Even after the shaking stops, steer clear of bridges and flyovers. To reduce damage, it’s vital to build structures to proper standards, retrofit older buildings, and always have a first-aid kit handy at home and school.

Extra Questions

Question 1.
Which simple strategy or three steps can protect people from getting severely injured during an earthquake while indoors ?
Answer:
Earthquakes strike suddenly, and being indoors during one can be particularly dangerous due to falling objects and collapsing structures. However, a simple, three-step strategy can significantly reduce your risk of severe injury:

1. Drop: As soon as you feel the shaking begin, immediately drop to the ground. This lowers your center of gravity and makes it less likely that you’ll be knocked over.
2. Cover: Seek cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a strong table or desk. If no such shelter is available, cover your head and neck with your arms.
3. Hold On: Be prepared to move with it if it shifts. Remain in this position until the shaking stops completely.

By following these three steps—Drop, Cover, and Hold On—you can significantly increase your chances of staying safe and minimizing injuries when an earthquake strikes while you are indoors.

Question 2.
When and why was the Disaster Management Act passed in India ?
Answer:
The Disaster Management Act in India was passed on December 23, 2005.

It was enacted primarily due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in India, most notably spurred by the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2001 Bhuj earthquake. Before this Act, disaster management was largely reactive, focusing on relief and rescue. The Act aimed to shift the approach from a relief-centric one to a more holistic and proactive framework encompassing prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation. It established institutional mechanisms like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to ensure a systematic and effective response to disasters across the country.

Question 3.
Give full form of NDMA and SDMA and NGO
Answer:

• NDMA – National Disaster Management Authority
• SDMA – State Disaster Management Authority
• NGO – Non-Governmental Organization.

Question 4.
What do you mean by Dyke ?
Answer:
A dike (also spelled dyke) is a sheet of rock that is formed in a fracture of a pre-existing rock body. Dikes cut across the layers or fabric of the older rock and are typically near-vertical in orientation. They are formed when magma or sediment intrudes into a crack and then solidifies.

Question 5.
What do you mean by a school ? Disaster Management System ?
Answer:
Understanding Schools

A school serves as a foundational environment where young minds blossom under the guidance of teachers. It’s a structured setting designed for students to acquire knowledge, develop practical skills, and cultivate essential values. Beyond just academics, schools often foster social development, critical thinking, and a sense of community among learners.

Understanding Disaster Management Systems

A Disaster Management System is a comprehensive and organized approach to confronting the challenges posed by disasters. It acts as a cohesive framework, bringing together various plans and resources with several key objectives: to mitigate the impact of potential disasters, to thoroughly prepare for their occurrence, to respond efficiently when a disaster strikes, and to facilitate robust recovery efforts afterward. The ultimate aim of such a system is to safeguard people, protect property, and preserve the environment from the devastating consequences of unforeseen events.

6. Fill in the blanks

1. Proper planning can help in limiting and __________ damages and losses resulting from any disaster-natural or man-made.

Ans : Minimizing 

2. If you are outdoors during an earthquake, move towards an _________ area.

Ans : Open

3. Unlike most of the other natural disasters, a _________ is not a sudden occurrence.

Ans : Drought

4. _______ help to collect run-off water in hilly areas

Ans : Check dams 

5. ________ help in drawing moisture and rainfall to a region.

Ans : Trees

6. We should make an effort to know more about the different kinds of ___________ to use in case of fire.

Ans : Fire extinguishers

7. While entering a public place like cinema hall or auditorium, we should make note of the_______exits.

Ans : Fire

8. Regular inspection should be done by the government to check if public places adhere to_________ regulations.

Ans : Safety

9. __________ is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use.

Ans : Rainwater harvesting