Primer on natural disaster preparedness and coping mechanisms

Disaster preparedness is a continuous process, it requires concerted efforts. Natural hazards need not become natural disasters if both the general public and the government are well prepared for coping with them.

This primer is limited to three natural hazards— earthquakes, volcanic eruption, and tsunamis. Its goal is toward disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation. Specifically, each topic covers four parts:

1. Basic understanding about the event
2. What to do before the event
3. What to do during the event
4. What to do after the event

There are also activities that will develop thinking skills. These can be integrated in Science, Social Studies and other relevant subjects. This material includes the criteria for integration of natural disaster concepts in the curriculum. Countries which experience similar disasters can readily adapt this material.