Social Studies 1stQ Lesson 7 - Disasters Affecting My Community.pptx

Disasters

1. SOCIAL STUDIES Lesson 7 : Disasters Affecting My Community

2. The Philippines is at high risk from natural calamities. Natural calamities are caused by disturbances in nature. Some natural calamities include typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions , earthquakes , and landslides.

3. Typhoons are violent tropical storms in the western Pacific Ocean that cause big damage to homes and properties of people who live in coastal areas and islands that are in the paths of the storms. High tides, storm surges, and floods together with destructive winds, usually occur during typhoons. Sometimes, lives are lost because of typhoons. Our country is located within the typhoon belt in the Pacific. The Philippines is visited by an average of 20 typhoons every year where five of which is considered destructive. Look at this community. This is what remained from a coastal community after a super typhoon had its landfall to this place.

4. Typhoons not only carry strong winds which cause objects to be blown away, but it may also carry heavy rains that can cause flooding in low-lying areas. An example is flash flood which is triggered by a big volume of water that flows from a denuded mountains. Floods destroy crops, properties, and even lives of people.

5. Have you heard about tsunamis? People mostly from coastal communities fear it when earthquakes occur. Tsunamis are large waves caused by earthquakes or a sudden disturbance under the ocean.

6. The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire . This is an area around the Pacific Ocean in the shape of an arc where most earthquakes and volcanic eruptions take place. Because of this, our country experiences frequent volcanic eruptions and strong earthquakes. Many homes, buildings, and properties are destroyed, and many lives are lost during theses catastrophes.

7. To reduce the effects of natural calamities, we must increase awareness, develop action plans, and practice them. At home and in school, we have to be prepared for the occurrence of various calamities. Here are some areas where we can be better prepared to respond and recover from disaster: Knowledge – be informed about the latest news and its effects on your community. Remember to take immediate actions around the house to help minimize a disaster. An example is knowing how to shut off electrical home appliances immediately. Communication – make an agreement with your family members about a disaster plan. This should include where will you evacuate, how to contact family members if you get separated, and who will be in charge of things during emergency. Trust – get to know your community officials who are responsible for giving instructions like announcing evacuation plans and other important information about the disaster.

8. 4. Preparation of “Go-Kits” or “Go-Bags” – prepare food and water for the members of your household that is good for at least three days. Include medicines you might need, pieces of clothing, flashlight with batteries, toiletries, and important documents in a waterproof bag. A small transistor radio may be necessary too. 5. Mitigation Activities – securing heavy furniture to the wall, stacking of groceries, and strengthening the house are some activities that reduce or eliminate the effect of a disaster. Remember, it is safe to stay at home as much as possible during stormy days. Keep away from floods. Dirty water can make us sick. Residents in high-risk communities must evacuate their houses immediately and go to designated evacuation centers. The “culture of preparedness” will save many people’s lives.