Disaster Preparedness from Coursera

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Syllabus

Introduction & Disaster Cycle

A disaster can be defined in several ways, but in all cases is a destructive event that overwhelms all available resources. A disaster may originate as natural or manmade and may be intentional or accidental. A natural disaster is caused by the forces of nature such as a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake. A manmade disaster may be the result of a terrorist act or industrial accident. Depending on the scope of the disaster, the available resources may be local, state, federal, or multinational. In this module, I will introduce the phases of the disaster cycle. The disaster cycle is a process that we constantly review and strive to improve for the future. It is important for you to understand each phase because clear expectations will enable you to develop an effective plan to keep you and your family safe. At the end of the module, be sure to complete the quiz.

Personal Preparedness Basics

There are a few extreme circumstances such as a 30 foot wall of water during a tsunami or a 10-point Richter scale earthquake that are so severe it is impossible to prepare for the disaster. However, in most cases people can take a few steps to ensure their survivability during a disaster. Personal preparedness involves being both physically and mentally prepared to meet basic needs for at least three days without outside help. Last module, we talked about the disaster cycle including mitigation, response, and recovery. In this module, our focus centers on the response phase. The disaster has hit and you are taking steps to survive and to be as safe and comfortable as possible. In the lectures, I will focus on food, shelter, water, and light in a disaster situation. In addition, we have on-site instructional videos that highlight survival skills such as fire-building and water purification. Do we have any campers in the class? For those of you who are campers, these skills will be a familiar review of basic wilderness survival techniques. The lectures will also give you ideas of supplies that you might want to include in your disaster kit. Take notes during the lectures to prepare for the discussion and quiz.

Personal Preparedness Safety

As we have discussed, disasters significantly overwhelm community resources and it is critical that you have a plan. In the last module, we considered the basics of food, shelter, and water in your personal preparedness plan. In this module, we move on to the topics of security, first aid, and tools. Safety is a major concern for you and your family in post-disaster situations. Use common precautions such as drinking plenty of water, wearing protective gloves and shoes, washing your hands often, and avoiding exhaustion. Depending on the situation, you may have to deal with washed out roads, broken glass, contaminated water, downed power lines, or serious gas leaks.

Attitudes and Awareness

Disasters are understandably stressful situations that trigger panic, fear, confusion, and uncertainty. During a disaster, you lose control of many aspects of your life. Your family may not be together. You may not be able to access food, water, shelter, transportation, or communication. Since we do not have control of many variables, there is no point in worrying about possible disasters; however, having a clear, detailed plan in place will lessen anxiety and strengthen our ability to make timely, rational decisions if a disaster occurs. Disaster planning takes us “back to basics” and what is most important to our survival. A positive attitude and heightened awareness will help you cope with an emergency situation. In this module's lesson, we focus on attitude and awareness, discuss an awareness-building activity, and submit your disaster preparedness plans. In the next module, you will peer-review the plans and provide feedback to you classmates.

International Perspectives

In this module, we welcome guest speaker Dr. Kenichi Ogura who will discuss disaster planning in Japan. Dr. Ogura works at the Center for Emergency Medicine in Kanazawa Medical University Hospital. I am confident you will find Dr. Ogura’s presentation very helpful as the Japanese culture plans for disaster preparedness based on extensive research in earthquake and tsunami science. They have spent a great deal of money developing early warning systems and constructing buildings based on strict safety codes. Be sure to read the Time magazine article prior to viewing Dr. Ogura’s presentation. In addition, we will compare and contrast the emergency resources available in your countries. These resources will help you to recognize the role that culture plays in disaster planning. Note that you are also required to review three Personal Disaster Preparedness Plans from other students and provide feedback to them.

Support and Medical Considerations

During Module 6, we will explore triage as a necessary but difficult task during disaster management. Triage is using the available resources to effectively treat the maximum number of patients with the greatest chance of survival. The process requires the clinician to quickly prioritize patients’ treatment plans based on the severity of their conditions. Triage is part of everyday life in a hospital setting, but all patients ultimately receive the treatment that they need. During a disaster, the goal is to ensure that best positive outcome for the most victims.In addition, we will consider disaster preparedness on a larger scale. Perhaps you are responsible for a group of people beyond yourself or your immediate family. You might be responsible for children in a day care setting, employees in a business, customers in a store, or even pets in a kennel. What are the major issues to consider? What supplies and equipment do you need to have available? The activity for this module involves reviewing the feedback you received from your peers and revising your Personal Disaster Preparedness Plan. The discussion focuses on an ethical dilemma that occurred at Memorial Hospital in New Orleans during the Katrina hurricane (2009). Lastly, double-check that you have completed all of the quizzes.

Wilderness Survival

In the last module we talked about how disasters can displace you and your family from the comforts of your home, leaving you without food, water, and electricity. However, if you were left without shelter, or forced to take refuge in the natural habitat, are you equipped to survive? In this module we will review a set of wilderness survival techniques commonly known to many campers. Topics will include basic fire-building, water purification, constructing temporary shelters, and practical knives that can assist.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Well-suited for those who need foundational knowledge to prepare for natural disasters

Helpful for people with limited experience in disaster preparedness

Provides guidance on developing practical survival skills in the absence of resources

Offers valuable insights for international perspectives on disaster preparedness based on case studies

Focuses on developing a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan covering various aspects such as safety, shelter, food, and medical considerations

Requires students to engage with course material through quizzes, discussions, and peer feedback

Reviews summary

Prepared for anything: essential disaster planning

learners say this is a largely positive, well received course, highly recommended for anyone who wants to be more prepared for a disaster. It is especially appropriate for laypeople, first responders, and professionals in environment, health, and safety (EHS) fields.

Courses covers practical essential topics such as: preparing a personal plan, what constitutes a fully stocked disaster kit, and emergency first aid

"This course is very useful to everyone."

"I was learning and at the same time enjoying .Thank you for the course."

"Very informative course that actually taught me valuable information."

Learners develop their own preparedness plans and provide feedback on others' work; this helps solidify learning and provides a practical application of the concepts

"This online course is awesome,you have a lot of learnings from this ,and really help a lot in our day to day activity especially in times of disaster.Its worth it,and its really practical.Thank you for sharing and imparting all of your knowledge to us as a student."

"Developing a disaster preparedness plan requires you to pre-plan how you'll respond, regroup,and communicate in the event of disaster, and keeps everyone in your household aware of the steps they need to take."

"The training was really helpful and very informative."

The course instructors are highly experienced experts in disaster preparedness and response; they provide valuable insights and real-world examples

"The instructor is very knowledgeable and experienced."

"Excellent course, teaches disaster preparedness , after disaster response / survival, and recovery."

"This course taught me more on how to survive and handle disasters. Thank you so much!"

Some learners report that the course material can be somewhat disorganized; they would prefer a more structured approach

"The videos were good, and having the transcripts to read was very helpful, but some of the reading links don't work anymore."

A few learners note that some of the course material is outdated, with recommendations that don't reflect current best practices

"Examples slightly outdated, but the information is excellent. Glad I took the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Disaster Preparedness with these activities:

Volunteer at a disaster relief organization

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Make a meaningful contribution while gaining hands-on experience in disaster relief by volunteering with an organization.

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Research different disaster relief organizations in your area
Identify opportunities that match your skills and interests
Contact the organization and complete the necessary application process
Attend training and orientation sessions provided by the organization
Participate in disaster relief activities as assigned

Prepare notes and exam review

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Revising previous topics will ensure that you can make connections between new and previously learned information.

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Review lecture materials, including notes, slides, and recordings.
Complete practice questions and assignments.
Create a concept map to visualize the connections between different topics.

Attend a local emergency preparedness workshop

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Engage with experts and fellow community members by attending a local emergency preparedness workshop.

Browse courses on Disaster Planning

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Search for upcoming emergency preparedness workshops in your area
Register for the workshop and make necessary arrangements
Attend the workshop, actively participate in discussions, and ask questions
Follow up with any contacts or resources acquired during the workshop

Ten other activities

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Attend workshops and online webinars on disaster preparedness

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Engaging with experts and learning from real-life examples will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips.

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Research and identify relevant workshops and webinars.
Register and attend the sessions.
Take notes and actively participate in discussions.

Review "The Survival Handbook" by Colin Towell

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Gain valuable knowledge about survival skills and disaster preparedness techniques by reading this comprehensive guidebook.

View The Survival Handbook on Amazon

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Read the introduction and Chapter 1
Read Chapters 2-4
Read Chapters 5-7
Read Chapters 8-10

Complete practice problems and simulations

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Working through practical scenarios will enhance your problem-solving skills and prepare you for real-life situations.

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Identify potential disaster scenarios for your area.
Develop a plan for each scenario, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.
Practice your plan with family and friends.

Follow online tutorials on water purification techniques

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Expand your knowledge of water purification techniques by exploring online tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance.

Browse courses on Wilderness Survival

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Search for reputable online sources that offer tutorials on water purification
Choose a tutorial that aligns with your intended water source and purification method
Follow the tutorial instructions carefully, paying attention to safety precautions

Join study groups or online forums for disaster preparedness

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Exchanging knowledge and experiences with others will broaden your perspective and identify gaps in your understanding.

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Identify and join relevant study groups or online forums.
Actively participate in discussions and share your own insights.
Collaborate on projects or assignments related to disaster preparedness.

Practice fire-building skills

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Enhance your wilderness survival skills by practicing fire-building techniques in a safe and controlled environment.

Browse courses on Wilderness Survival

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Gather necessary materials such as tinder, kindling, and firewood
Choose an appropriate location with ample space and no overhead hazards
Prepare the fire pit by digging a shallow hole and placing rocks around the perimeter
Build the fire by starting with tinder and gradually adding kindling and firewood

Create a disaster preparedness plan for your family

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Develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan that outlines essential steps and resources for protecting your family during emergencies.

Browse courses on Disaster Planning

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Gather information about potential hazards in your area
Identify safe evacuation routes and meeting places
Establish an emergency communication plan
Prepare an emergency supply kit
Review and practice the plan with your family members

Develop a disaster preparedness guide or presentation for your community

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Creating educational materials will reinforce your understanding and allow you to share your knowledge with others.

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Gather information from reliable sources on disaster preparedness.
Organize the information into a clear and concise format.
Develop engaging visuals and examples to illustrate key points.
Share your guide or presentation with your community through presentations, workshops, or social media.

Start a project to build a basic emergency shelter

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Enhance your disaster preparedness skills by embarking on a project to build a basic emergency shelter.

Browse courses on Wilderness Survival

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Research different types of emergency shelters and select one that suits your needs
Gather necessary materials and tools
Choose an appropriate location for your shelter
Construct the shelter according to the chosen design
Test the shelter's functionality and make necessary adjustments

Volunteer with disaster relief organizations

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Practical experience in disaster response will provide you with hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of the challenges involved.

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Research and identify disaster relief organizations in your area.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training and orientation programs provided by the organizations.
Participate in disaster response activities, such as search and rescue, damage assessment, or providing assistance to victims.

Career center

Learners who complete Disaster Preparedness will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Food Service Manager

Food Service Managers may use the skills learned in this course to prepare for and survive natural disasters or large-scale emergencies. The ability to create a personal preparedness plan will be essential to ensuring that the staff of their establishment has the resources to stay safe and healthy in the face of an unexpected situation. During events that require the closure of food service establishments, such as hurricanes or snowstorms, Food Service Managers can draw from their knowledge of food preservation and water purification in order to organize the storage and distribution of food to people in need.

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Community Outreach Specialist

Community Outreach Specialists play a role in community preparedness efforts. When natural disasters or emergencies happen, this role is often responsible for organizing and distributing supplies, food, and care packages to those in need. The skills learned in this course will be instrumental in shaping outreach efforts. A Community Outreach Specialist with a strong background in personal preparedness will be capable of working with their local community on mitigation and recovery, and may lead efforts to encourage individuals and families to draw up their own preparedness plans.

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Emergency Manager

Emergency Managers lead and coordinate emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery efforts at local and regional levels. Local, state, and federal emergency management agencies heavily rely on the ability of Emergency Managers to develop and implement mitigation plans, mobilize resources, and effectively communicate with the public. By learning about the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery, this course will strengthen an Emergency Manager's foundational knowledge on emergency response, and teach skills that may be useful in developing mitigation plans and improving communication with the community.

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Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental Protection Specialists are responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and educating the public about environmental issues. The ability to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and emergencies may be an important part of their work in educating the public and managing environmental risks. Knowledge of personal preparedness and safety will also be helpful to the Environmental Protection Specialist in their day-to-day work, such as when assessing the environmental impact of natural disasters or conducting environmental inspections.

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Fire Inspector

Fire Inspectors play a key role in preventing fires and protecting buildings, property, and lives. Understanding how to prepare for and respond to disasters, especially fires, is critical to their work. Knowledge of the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery will strengthen a Fire Inspector's ability to develop and implement fire prevention programs, conduct fire safety inspections, and educate the public on fire safety. The skills learned in this course may also be useful during emergency situations, such as developing temporary shelters, water purification, and first aid.

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Health Educator

Health Educators are responsible for developing and implementing health education programs, and play an important role in teaching communities and individuals about how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Understanding the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery will help Health Educators create more effective educational materials and programs on disaster preparedness, particularly for at-risk populations. The skills learned in this course, such as first aid, safety, and maintaining a healthy attitude during disasters will also make Health Educators more effective in their work.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study water resources and their impact on the environment and human activities. The knowledge gained from this course may be useful to Hydrologists in understanding the role of natural disasters in water resource management, and in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of disasters on water resources and water quality.

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Logistics Analyst

Logistics Analysts plan, develop, and coordinate the movement of goods and materials within an organization or supply chain. The skills learned in this course, such as planning, organization, and problem-solving, may be useful for Logistics Analysts who are responsible for developing and implementing disaster response plans and ensuring the timely delivery of critical supplies in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

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Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and predict weather patterns. Understanding the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery, as well as the skills learned in this course on safety, first aid, and maintaining a healthy attitude during disasters, will help Meteorologists more effectively communicate weather forecasts and warnings to the public, and to develop strategies for mitigating the effects of severe weather events.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers develop and implement strategies for the management and conservation of natural resources. Knowledge of the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery may be useful for Natural Resources Managers in understanding the impact of natural disasters on natural resources and developing strategies to mitigate the effects of disasters on the environment.

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Occupational Safety and Health Specialist

Occupational Safety and Health Specialists work to identify and control hazards in the workplace, and to promote health and safety among workers. Understanding the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery, as well as skills learned in this course such as personal preparedness, safety, and first aid, may be useful for Occupational Safety and Health Specialists in developing and implementing safety procedures and training programs for the workplace.

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Park Ranger

Park Rangers protect and manage natural and cultural resources, and provide services to visitors. Understanding the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery, and skills learned in this course such as wilderness survival, safety, and first aid, will help Park Rangers more effectively prepare for and respond to natural disasters and emergencies in the parks they manage.

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Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses play a key role in protecting and promoting the health of communities. The skills learned in this course, such as personal preparedness, safety, first aid, and maintaining a healthy attitude during disasters, may be useful for Public Health Nurses in developing and implementing community health education programs and resources on disaster preparedness.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of an organization or community. Understanding the Disaster Cycle, Mitigation, and Recovery, as well as the skills learned in this course, may be useful for Sustainability Managers in developing and implementing sustainability plans that incorporate disaster preparedness and resilience measures.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and manage the use of land and buildings in cities and towns. The skills learned in this course, such as planning, organization, and problem-solving, may be useful for Urban Planners who are responsible for developing and implementing disaster preparedness plans for their communities.

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