Disaster Preparedness from a Student’s Point of View

Throughout history, disaster naturally may include earthquakes, cyclones, floods, and

drought. Minor disasters naturally include storm, heat, waves, cold waves, mudslides,

and thunderstorms. The major disasters that may occur in man-made activities include

deforestation, fires, and pollution due to some activities. It is impossible for a day to

pass without news about complex or major emergencies happening in different parts of

the world as disasters continue to strike causing destruction to both developed and

underdeveloped countries.

In my 20 years of existence, I have experienced some major and minor disasters. I am

not an expert when it comes to disaster preparedness as I just lived up to adulthood. My

experiences are not much, but I have read a lot of materials and watched a lot of videos

about it. For me, preparing for disasters is like preparing to stay alive. Whether major or

minor disaster, as long as it risks human lives, it matters. Preparing for disasters means

setting up and developing activities that will prevent deaths and minimize damages.

This includes proper building foundations, modernized societal structures, and more

relevant back-up plans for disasters. A safe and non-hazardous environment means an

eased people. Before we prepare for our individual safety, Let us first consider the

problems that we might face that align with the risks and disasters in our community.

As a student, I have deeply realized that there’s so many changes that are needed in

our City that will help lessen the possibility of worst cases during calamities. One

problem that needs to be addressed immediately is the drainage system in the whole

City. If this problem won’t be fixed, there’s a high risk possibility even from a slight rain.

And one thing I learned is also how we should not just be physically ready, but also

mentally, and emotionally prepared. To experience a disaster is emotionally devastating.

But if we’ll help ourselves to be prepared, we can lessen the chance of having PTSD or

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Once the needs of emergency are satisfied, and the

crisis is over, all people that were affected together with the community supporting them

remain vulnerable. In other words, being adequately equipped is the key element of

proper disaster management for every country.

BS Psychology