Chapter 4 – Disaster Management
1. What are the emergency contact numbers of the following ?
(a) Police Control Room
Ans: 10
(b) Fire brigade
Ans: 101
(c) Ambulance
Ans: 102
(d) National level single emergency number for disaster relief.
Ans: 108/112
2. What first aid will you provide in the following situations ?
(a) Dog bite
Ans: The wound caused by the dog bite should be washed with soap and clean, germ-free water. It should be rinsed with a solution of potassium permanganate. The wound should be covered with a dry cloth, and the victim should be taken to the doctor for dressing. An injection of anti-rabies should be given to the victim.
(b) Scratches/ bleeding
Ans: The very first thing to do in the case of bleeding is to stop it. Make the person sit or lie down comfortably. The bleeding part should be cleaned with germ-free water and kept above the level of the heart. Apply antiseptic cream to the wound. If the wound is deep, rush to the doctor to stitch it and get proper medical care.
(c) Burns/scalds
Ans: First of all, the extent and severity of the burning should be seen. If there is a minor burn. Immerse the burned part in cold water. Give cold water to the victim. Clean the wound with germ-free water and an antiseptic solution. Oily ointments should not be applied. If there are serious burns, give emotional support to the victim and seek medical treatment immediately.
(d) Snakebite
Ans: Wash the wound well with water and tie a tight tourniquet, i.e., a cloth strip, near the wound in such a way that the venom of the bite should not reach the vital organs. The victim should be given emotional support and taken to the doctor as early as possible for the anti-venom injection.
(e) Sunstroke
Ans: Take the patient to a shaded area or any cool place. Wipe the body with cold water. Keep the wet cloth on the neck and head. Plenty of water or sherbet should be given to avoid dehydration. If a person feels like vomiting, he or she should be made to lie down on his or her abdomen with the head turned to one side.
3. Write the causes of the following :
(a) Floods
Ans: When there are excessive rains in a short span of time in the same place, a river may overflow its banks. In cities, the water drainage system falls short. The gutters or drainage lines are choked. This results in overflowing water on the roads and surrounding areas. It may also enter the houses. Floods are caused in this way.
(b) Forest fires
Ans: The carelessness of someone can start a fire in the forest. If there is excessive heat and the branches rub against each other, causing friction, then naturally it can lead to forest fires too. If there is dry foliage in the forest and the winds are blowing at a high speed, the forest fires spread very rapidly.
(c) Landslides/building collapse
Ans: The vibrations in the earth’s crust result in an earthquake. These vibrations can cause the collapse of buildings. If inferior material is used in the construction, then there is also a chance of building collapse. Due to excessive rain or cloudbursting, landslides can take place.
(d) Storms
Ans: The formation of high and low pressure belts in the atmosphere results in changes in the weather. These pressure belts cause strong winds, resulting in storms.
(e) Earthquakes
Ans: In the interior of the earth, there is a tremendous amount of energy. This energy results In seismic waves. It causes movements of the earth’s surface in the form of tremors, shaking, and cracking. The vibrations caused by all these movements result in an earthquake.
4. Answer the following questions.
(a) What is meant by ‘disasters’?
Ans: A sudden event causing large scale damage to life, property and social aspects of our nation or society is called a disaster.
(b) What are the types of disasters?
Ans: Disasters are of two kinds, viz. natural disasters and man-made disasters.
(c) What is meant by ‘disaster management’?
Ans: Taking proper steps to prevent disasters, making plans to face the worst disasters, and developing the capacity to tackle such situations is called disaster management.
(d) Which are the main components of disaster management ?
Ans: Planning and executing these plans in case of disasters are the main components of disaster management.
5. Find out about the work of a ‘Sarpa-mitra’.
Ans: Sarpa-mitras are volunteers who help save the snakes. If people come across any snake in their vicinity, they usually kill it even before they learn about its toxicity. Sarpa-mitra goes to such places, captures the snakes, rescues them, relocates them, and releases them back into their natural habitats. Sarpa-mitra tries to create awareness about snakes, remove the myths associated with them, and explain their importance. During the festivals of Nagpanchami, if the snakes are seen to be abused, they rescue them too and educate the snake charmers.
6. Find out what a first aid kit/box contains.
Ans: A typical first aid kit often contains these 12 important items:
(1) Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
(2) Sterile gauze pads
(3) Adhesive tape
(4) Antiseptic wipes
(5) Scissors
(6) Tweezers
(7) Disposable gloves
(8) Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or combiflam)
(9) Antiseptic ointment or cream
(10) Burn ointment or gel
(11) Instant cold pack
(12) CPR face shield or mask
7. Suggest remedial measures for dealing with natural or man-made disasters.
Ans:
| Disaster | Remedy |
|---|---|
Fire | Call the fire brigade; use a fire extinguisher. |
Earthquake | Give help to clear debris; call an ambulance to send victims to hospitals. |
Building collapse | Give help to clear debris; call an ambulance to send victims to hospitals. |
Deluge | Donate food and clothing for flood victims; stay at some height if possible. |
Road accident | Call an ambulance, give immediate first-aid, and provide emotional support. |
Storm | Provide shelter and help in clearing the debris. |
Flood | Donate food and clothing for flood victims; stay at some height if possible. |
Tsunami | Move to a safer place and donate food and clothing for victims. |
War | Give shelter to innocent victims; provide food, clothing, and first aid to the victims. |
Drought | Donate food and water for victims, provide shelter, and provide monetary help. |
Bomb explosion | Call an ambulance, take the victims to a safer place, and provide basic first aid. |
Landslide | Help with rehabilitation services |