3.1.2 Hazard Management Flashcards
Prediction
It might be possible to give out warnings that will enable action to be taken. The key to this is improved monitoring in order to give predictions.
E.g. The National Hurricane Centre in Florida. Communication is essential. [More common in HICs than LICs]
Prevention
This is possible for some hazards, but not all. Some schemes like seeding clouds in potential tropical storms in order to cause more precipitation, which would weaken the storm before it hits land.
Protection
The aim is to protect people, their possessions and the built environment. This can be modifications to the built environment (e.g. sea walls in Japan to protect from Tsunamis) or by changing the behaviour of residents and their attitude to hazards.
Community preparedness (or risk sharing)
Community preparedness (or risk sharing) involves prearranged measures that aim to reduce loss of life and property damage through education and awareness. These can also be attempts to modify losses through insurance (HICs) and international aid (LICs).
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Integrated risk management
Where risks are managed using the most effective use of money available.
It incorporates:
* Identification of the hazard
* Analysis of the risk
* Establishing priorities
* Treating the risk and implementing a risk reduction plan
* Developing public awareness and a communication strategy
* Monitoring and reviewing the whole process
Give an example of a successful management schemes to hazards
For example, the use of dynamite to divert lava flows on Mount Etna (Italy) and pouring sea water on lava flows in Iceland.
Hazard Management Cycle
A four stage cycle that authorities go through in the management of hazards.
What are the four stages of the hazard management cycle?
1) Mitigation: This aims to minimise the impacts of future diasters. For example, building flood defences or adding fire-resistant roofs to buildings in areas prone to volcanic eruptions. Mitigation can happen before a hazard occurs or afterwards, when teh area is recovering.
2) Preparedness: This is about planning how to respond to a hazard, e.g. making sure there are warning systems in place or educating people about how to evacuate safely if there is a cyclone.
3) Response: This is how people react when a disaster occurs, e.g. emergency services rescuing people who have been trapped or evacuating people from the danger zone.
4) Recovery: This is about getting the affected area back to normal, e.g. repairing or rebuilding houses and restoring services such as emdical care and electricity.
Application of the Hazard Management Cycle to the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
1) Mitigation: World’s largest tsunami barrier. Strict building regulations enforced by a stable government.
2) Preparation: Disaster plans and emergency measures in place. Early warning system. Education and public awareness. But oversight of possible Fukushima disaster.
3) Response: Immediate military deployment, search and rescue teams.
4) Recovery: Community projects safeguarding mental health. Education (of communities, not just schools). Mapping radiations levels near Fukushima and land use zoning.
Park’s Disaster Response Curve (1991)
The Park model describes three phases following a hazardous event – relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Park model shows how responses progress during a disaster, which may help planners predict what resources will be needed at each stage. The model can also help planners to prepare for future hazard events.
- For example, the reconstruction phase of the model shows that conditions can be improved after a disaster (e.g. by designing hazard-resistant buildings or installing warning systems), which will help to mitigate the impacts of future hazard events.
What are the three phases of the park model?
1) Relief – In the aftermath of the event, rescue efforts focus on saving people and preventing further damage.
2) Rehabilitation – Once the immediate impacts are under control, people start to resolve longer-term problems, e.g. providing temporary shelter and aid for those affected.
3) Reconstruction – Rebuilding permanent houses, infrastructure, etc. This results in one of two outcomes:
- If rebuilding is done to the same standard as before, the area returns to normal.
- If rebuilding is done to a higher standard, the area improves (vulnerability to hazards decreases).
