Hazards occur in different forms, and their duration can range from hours to days of ongoing destruction (Ranghieri & Ishiwatari, 2014). Hazards can be classified into natural and human-made. Both can impact the community in a great way. For this assignment, I will propose a policy for approval by the city manager that focuses on tsunamis (a natural hazard) and workplace fires (human-made). A tsunami is a major natural hazard that results from natural earth processes. When they occur, they can cause great property damage and loss of life in affected areas. Workplace fire can cause death or injury to employees (Oxlade, 2012). It can even destroy and damage property costing thousands of dollars. However, with this policy recommendation, these types of hazards can be prevented.
Mitigation
Much can be done to protect against fires. The best defense is to prevent a fire from starting by removing as much flammable material and as many potential sources as possible. Though not everything can be removed, things that are less of a fire risk can substitute those that pose a high risk (Oxlade, 2012). For instance, water-based substances can replace flammable chemical adhesives. This approach is the best way to mitigate fires. Tsunamis can wreak havoc on landscapes and populations. Like other natural hazards, tsunamis are beyond human control. However, various strategies can be used to reduce the detrimental impacts of tsunamis on individuals, the environment, and communities. A strong community organization, thoughtful design, and an effective warning system can help mitigate harm from natural hazards such as tsunamis (Steigenberger, 2016).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Preparedness
A simple preparedness for most tsunamis is for buildings to be erected at least 3 meters above the high tide level (Schaefer-Jones, 2007). There should be special precautions for buildings that supply essential services. Besides, people can prepare by knowing the warning signs of tsunamis such as rapidly falling or rising coastal waters and rumbling offshore earthquakes.
Proper training can help prepare people and equip them with knowledge on how to act in case of fires (Oxlade, 2012). Also, there should be an emergency exit route which should be a permanent part of the facility. This exit must contain ramps, a series of exit doors, stairs, and passageways. It may lead from one floor to another and one area to another (Steigenberger, 2016).
Response
If a fire breaks out, the first response should be to sound the alarm to alert others. If the fire is small and controllable, the next step would be to use a fire extinguisher. If there is no fire extinguisher around, dial 911 to communicate the hazard to the local emergency responders. If the fire is too big and cannot be controlled by a fire extinguisher, then everyone should vacate immediately (Oxlade, 2012).
During a tsunami, the first response should be to move to higher ground if possible. Move away from the water bodies or the coastal lands. Tsunamis can totally wipe out roads so move at least two miles away from the waves. Avoid bridges and buildings from which dangerous, sharp, and heavy objects might fall during the aftershock (Ranghieri & Ishiwatari, 2014).
Recovery
Various recovery steps follow immediately after a disaster. The first and most important recovery step is safety assessment (Oxlade, 2012). In such a case, experts are called upon to look for dangers like chemicals and asbestos, which could harm people re-entering the area. The next step is the damage assessment. Before the actual recovery, experts must determine if the building is safe for re-occupation (Steigenberger, 2016). At this time, the experts will look closely at potential sources of damage like electrical systems and establish what goods, documents, and property may be salvaged. Next is clean-up (Schaefer-Jones, 2007). Here, the restoration team should start the cleanup process as soon as the building is declared safe. They may use structure cleaning solutions and cleaning agents to salvage equipment, furniture and flooring impacted by smoke and soot. The final step is re-entry and retrieval coordination. During this step, retrieval of items and other documents may be coordinated with specialists such as hygienists. Tsunamis are destructive, and recovery can take years. However, if a tsunami hits unexpectedly and people did not salvage their belongings, they should relocate to an evacuation shelter immediately (Ranghieri & Ishiwatari, 2014). Organizations and those affected by the hazard should take inventory of the damage inflicted on their important belongings such as vehicles, buildings, and homes. They can also apply for government assistance such as food stamps and medical help.
References
Oxlade, C. (2012). Fire disaster . Mankato, MN: Arcturus Pub.
Ranghieri, F., & Ishiwatari, M. (2014). Learning from megadisasters: Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake . World Bank Publications,
Schaefer-Jones, J. (2007). Preparing for the worst: A comprehensive guide to protecting your family from terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other catastrophes . Westport, CT: Praeger Security International.
Steigenberger, N. (June 01, 2016). Organizing for the big one: A review of case studies and a research agenda for multi-agency disaster response. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 24, 2, 60-72.
