Disaster Management Awareness and Preparedness of Marian Students

Abstract

This research study aimed to determine the level of awareness and preparedness among the students at Saint Mary's University. The study used a quantitative-descriptive research method. Four hundred (400) respondents were involved in the study: 100 students from each of the 4 schools, divided according to the enrollment in each course offered at those schools. A validated, reliability-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data for this study. The survey questionnaire gathered data regarding the (1) level of awareness of Marian students in terms of three disasters: earthquake, fire incident, and typhoon. (2) The perceived level of disaster preparedness of the students, and lastly, (3) the preferred manner/s in which they want to receive disaster information. A point system was used to determine whether students were highly aware, moderately aware, slightly aware, or not aware during an earthquake, fire, or typhoon. The same system is applied to students' perceived level of disaster preparedness and the manner(s) in which they want to receive disaster information. Based on the results, the students are highly aware of earthquakes, fire incidents, and typhoons, but are only moderately prepared for disasters. Most have received and attended disaster preparedness training and drills through the NSTP program and other learning areas; however, a few were not taught, nor are they sure they can perform what they have learned during a disaster. Most of our respondents also did not discuss an emergency plan in their family and have not assembled a "Disaster Supply Kit". Regarding preferred methods for receiving disaster information, nearly all respondents preferred technological means, such as TV and radio. Only a handful prefer to receive information through newspapers and notification services.