Hazard Preparedness and Action Plan Case Study 2022

HAZARD PREPAREDNESS AND ACTION PLAN
Hazard can be defined as any source of potential harm to the environment, both living and
non-living things. Hazards can be broadly categorized into two, natural and human-induced
hazards (Montz, 2017). In some cases, natural hazards are caused by human activities;
floods which are natural hazard can also be caused by poor drainage system resulting from
inappropriate human activities. On the other hand, drought, a natural hazard, can also be
brought about by over-irrigation. Both hazards expose the environment and its constituents to
potential risks.
Hazards can cause severe harms depending on the strength it carries; this means that stored
energy (strength) can be used to identify a hazard. The strength exists in many forms, such as
electrical, radioactive, etc. Apart from natural and human hazards, other classifications of
hazards include safety and health. Generally, hazards exist in different forms basing on the
damages it causes on the environment and to the people (Achour N., 2014). In most cases,
people confuse hazards with risks. Whereas hazard is the potential harm to the environment
and human beings, the risk is the probability of the hazard to occur. Risk can also be defined
as the level of exposure to potential harm (Shroder J., 2014).
Daily risks and hazards
In our daily lives, we are faced with lots of risks and hazards. In essence, our lives are at risk
all times since the world we are living in has been exposed to many risks, especially by the
activities undertaken daily. These risks can either be human-induced or natural, and they
include but not limited to storms, floods, slips, droughts, fire, electricity, earthquakes,
accidents, noise, radiation, climate change, chemicals, gases, viruses, vibrations, and
lightning. There are different categories of hazards ranging from environmental, chemical to
biological (Blaikie, et al., 2014).
Most of our daily activities, whether at home or workplace, involve the use of electric
appliances, and we cannot do without them. Take, for example, computers in our office; we
can run the office smoothly without using them. These electric appliances expose us to lots of
risks, such as electric shocks and fire risk due to faulty connections. There have been many
cases of electrical hazards in our nearest town with the most recent one that occurred a few
months ago claiming tree shops and all that was in these properties. Nevertheless, fire risks
are more frequent and are anticipated to happen any time though measures are being set to
avert (Thaker M, et al., 2013).
A storm is one of the hazards that are still in the talk in every corner of my city. Nearly all
trees and most of the physical standing structures were raced to the ground over after a
disastrous storm was experienced in the city. A gentle storm is a common hazard that we
have been experiencing more often, but recently an intense one was experienced that came
along with lots of environmental hazards (Plomaratis, et al., 2015).
The occurrence of fire is a risk that affects different areas, whereby, in some cases, due to
electric errors or related accidents and in some cases is caused by some people intentionally.
In reality, most fire outbreaks occur due to the weaknesses and negligence by the relevant
authorities. Fire outbreak majorly affects urban areas where buildings have been confined
closely; hence it starts in one place and spreads to different places easily. The effects of fire
are severe sometimes. In cases of emergence fire accidents, it may cause deaths and
destruction of properties. Many cases of fire outbreak have been experienced in our
community and its surroundings. The recent case of a fire outbreak was experienced in

Australia, which came with severe effects. The fire took at least 240 days, covered
approximately 5 million hectares, and claims a minimum of 15 lives (Sharples J. J., 2020).
Flood is a common hazard our community has encountered. Due to the different topography
of the area whereby some parts are lowland, the risk flood is seen to be inevitable. During
heavy rains, the lowland area will encounter the floods. Floods are common in many places,
especially where the terrain of the land is lowland. The history of floods dates back to the
early years of the world and has been occurring up to date. In most cases, human activities
have been shown to influence it in that the activities have led to the destruction of the objects
that would have help in controlling it. It occurs mainly during heavy rainy seasons, and their
effects are severe in some cases (Kusky T, 2010). Deaths have occurred due to this hazard
and, in some cases, cause displacement although the government has put in place measures to
curb this problem, no adequate assurance that it can happen in the future.
One day as I was walking within my house, I fell due to the slippery floor and got my arm
injured. Slips and trips are common hazards that we tend to neglect so much though
disastrous. My arm was injured, had to stay in the hospital for some days as I receive
treatment before I was released with a bandage. Slips and trips pose great risk yet caused by
simple actions such as unsuitable footwear, poor housekeeping, and inadequate maintenance.
The effects of the occurrence of one hazard may lead to occurring of another. Drought is a
hazard that may occur due to the effects of floods and even climate change. Drought is most
cases occurs to the agriculturalist due to maybe adverse weather conditions or the adverse
effects of floods, such as sweeping away of agricultural resources. Drought is also caused by
human activities such as the destruction of forests, which leads to falling of rainfall
(Guneralp B., 2015). It has affected many areas in our community since the early years.
Despite the measures taken by the government, drought can be said to ever exist as long as
human activities are carried out. The future is not yet bright with this since the measures that
have been taken cannot eliminate drought to its completion.
Climate change brings about unpredictable climate patterns. Altered climatic conditions of a
place may result in heavy rainfalls (floods), severe temperatures (droughts), and global
warming – these are threats to the environment. Climate change not only affects people
negatively but also the environment. Changes in climatic conditions that scientists had
predicted are currently being experienced, such as the rise of the sea level, loss of sea ice, and
intense heat waves. Scientists still affirm that a rise in temperatures globally will continue for
a couple of decades to come. This is associated with the amount of greenhouse gases released
to the atmosphere daily resulting from human activities (Keiler M, 2010).
Another disastrous hazard that has affected most parts of the world since the time of
memorial is viruses and bacteria. These hazards sound cool, but they have adverse effects
when they arise (Rodriguez-Lazaro, 2012). Our community is not exceptional to the
occurrence of these hazards, especially viruses, which in most cases, pandemic when on its
occurrence. They are seasonal risks, but then when it arrives, they have a lot of effects, which
in most cases, spread throughout the world. Deaths have been experienced in the event of the
occurrence of these hazards despite the efforts of the scientists and the government. Swine flu
and Ebola are examples of viruses that have been experienced lately, and it affected many
countries. Corona Virus is the most recent one; this virus is the most disastrous according to
history and has really shocked the world. The viral disease has so far claimed more than 200,
000 lives (Zhung, et al., 2020).
Preparedness and action plan for selected hazards

Is it necessary to always prepared for hazards? The obvious answer is "yes," we should be
prepared for hazards always as they can hit anytime. Hazard preparedness action plan gives
an adept framework to enhance coordination while responding to an emergency. The plan
details every single step and method to be employed to mobilize available resources
moderate, respond, restore from any hazard (Finnis, et al., 2010). The plan is designed in a
clear and precise style to ensure all bodies involved in the event of hazard occurrence are
well-informed of their roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion and conflict of interest.
Despite the fact that the consequences of most hazards are similar, we need to get informed
of the prevailing risks in the region for better preparation. Everyone should know what is
meant to be emergency prepared, but the good news is that we are prepared more than we
think. Preparedness is essential regardless of the chance of occurrence for each hazard, even
if the likelihood is low, the impact might be enormous.
 Alerting and responding to emergencies
It is often very essential to prepare the potential responses to a hazard in case of its
occurrence. The community should be well prepared, especially in working places. The
government always provides alerts to the community, but then that is not enough. In our case,
our community should set the possible methods of responding to emergency surgery in the
event of their occurrence. The community should understand the set alarms that alert them in
case of emergency of risks. These procedures should be well articulated in the community,
and the relevant authorities are made aware of them. It is an essential plan in preparing for an
emergency risk in that it will help in controlling and maintaining its outbreak.
 Escape routes
In the event of the occurrence of a hazard, the community should be made aware of the routes
to escape. Fire outbreaks and electric risks in most cases occur in buildings and may take
occupants, hostage, in case of delayed response. For this reason, therefore, the buildings
should have exit routes to allow the residents to escape the risks. The signpost that shows the
directions of the routes are clearly labeled to direct the people through the escape (Adjisk V.,
2015). In most cases, there are two evacuation routes available though one is not always
accessible at normal times. In order to make the escape convenient, evacuation coordinators
have been appointed with the responsibility of directing the people through the routes to the
meeting place.
 Assembly Point
The evacuation routes direct the people to a safe place. A safe place is a point where people
are supposed to assemble in the event of an emergency risk. These points are normally
referred to as assembly points or meeting place. It is actually one of the requirements by the
law under the Emergency Commission that every building should have an assembly point.
The place should be made aware of the occupants of the buildings to avoid confusion in the
event of an emergency, which may expose people to risks. However, there should be a
signpost to indicate the exact place.
 Information