Disaster Preparedness among Locals in Flood-prone Areas of Lucena City

This study aimed to measure the disaster preparedness among locals in the flood-prone areas of Lucena City. Specifically, it sought to determine the strategies employed in the implementation of disaster preparedness; the respondents’ level of concern with natural hazards affecting the community; their level of awareness; identify their sources of information and communication utilized for oncoming disasters; as well as investigate preparedness measures used. With a descriptive research design, the study used a survey questionnaire that involved 120 locals residing in flood-prone areas of the city. The data was analyzed with the use of percentage distribution, ranking and weighted mean. Results show that strategies implemented were an IEC campaign, information dissemination through text, calls and social media, training and seminars, and open emergency lines; all of which were generally much employed in the flood-prone areas of the city. However, the IEC campaign for the flood-prone areas is lacking compared to the aforementioned. The locals were also extremely concerned with natural hazards affecting their community, But are only slightly concerned with their knowledge on risk and sdisasters. Disaster experiences have made them extremely aware of the evacuation route and facilities and early warning systems existing and available in the area. The locals have multiple sources of information but mostly used internet/social media among other sources identified; while for communication utilized, most of the respondents use cellular phone while also considering traditional person-to-person communication. They have done disaster preparedness measures along the areas of protecting assets (keeping family records), stocking of supplies (a 3-day supply of food and water, medicine, change of clothes, flashlight, etc.) and a discussion about disaster preparedness and an evacuation plan. Due to limits of their financial capacity, the only measure left by the majority of the respondents under plannd to do was saving money for emergency purposes.