Definition, Kinds and Characteristics of Hazards

Question 1

are “potentially damaging physical events, phenomena or human activities that may cause injury or loss of life, damage to property, social and economic disruption, or environmental degradation (UNISDR 2007).”

Answer 1

Hazards

Question 2

They are a threat to our safety and survival. Because of the adverse effects that hazards may bring, it is necessary for us to understand their nature.

Answer 2

Hazards

Question 3

The general kinds of Hazards

Answer 3

Natural hazards
Hazards induced by humans
Hazards that are planned by humans

Question 4

are beyond human control. Examples are:

• hydro-meteorological and climatological hazards,
• geologic hazards,
• biological hazards,
• astronomical hazards.

Answer 4

Natural Hazards

Question 5

may be due to accidents, carelessness, or inability to implement protective measures. Examples are:

• fire,
• Industrial and technological hazards,
• hazards related to high-risk recreation activities such as mountain climbing; and
• other hazardous human activities.

Answer 5

Hazards induced by humans

Question 6

because of personal or political interests, resulting in massive lost of lives and properties. Examples are:

• arson,
• terrorism, and
• wars

Answer 6

Hazards are sometimes deliberately planned by people

Question 7

is the “identification, study and monitoring of any hazard to determine its potential, origin, characteristics, and behavior (UNISDR 2007).” The purpose of this analysis is to

• Provide descriptions of the hazards;
• Help in setting priorities corresponding to the need for protection; and
• Assist in designing the appropriate DRRM system, plan, programs, and services.

Answer 7

Hazard analysis

Question 8

Tools in doing a hazard analysis

Answer 8

1. Community hazards and disaster history construction
2. Hazard and vulnerability mapping
3. Factor Analysis

Question 9

In this method, the existing hazards and the disasters that the community experienced are identified.

Answer 9

Community hazards and disaster history construction

Question 10

Areas in the community that are vulnerable to a specific hazard are identified then located in the map. For example, areas that become flooded at different levels (e.g., knee-deep, waist-deep, chest-deep, above the head) are highlighted in the map of a city or town.

Answer 10

Hazard and vulnerability mapping

Question 11

This tool describes the characteristics of the hazard in terms of the following (Heijmans and Victoria, 2001):
Forewarning – Is there adequate time to prepare upon detection? Are there signals before occurrence?
Manageability – How manageable are the effects of the hazard?

Answer 11

Factor Analysis

Question 12

Is there adequate time to prepare upon detection? Are there signals before occurrence?

Answer 12

Forewarning

Question 13

How manageable are the effects of the hazard?

Answer 13

Manageability