Competencies to Contend with Hazards and Disasters

Abstract

This research study identified the competencies necessary to survive natural hazards and disasters. In addition, it held that these competencies are best identified by the (1) people involved in disaster risk reduction like planners, managers, and responders and the (2) survivors of major disasters like earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, and typhoon. The former have the training and experience in saving lives during critical times while the latter have directly experienced dangers and eventually triumphed over fatal conditions. Competencies gathered through focus group discussions and interviews were grouped into two: preparedness competencies and response competencies. The identified competencies include possession of disaster kit, ability to use disaster imagination, obedience to authority, trained in disaster preparedness or survival skills, application of science in decision-making, presence of mind, and possession of right attitude like optimism and being proactive. Finally, this research recommends that intensive disaster education and training in the schools and in the community be done, survivors' experiences in crafting disaster education and training programs be included and taught, non-skill competencies like behavior and attitude during disaster education and training.