Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 Social Science Solutions Chapter 8 Disaster Management: Responding to Disasters

I. Choose The Best Answer

Question 1. One among the following is not the first responder in case of a disaster.
(a) police officers
(b) firefighters
(c) insurance agents
(d) emergency medical technicians
Answer: (c) insurance agents
In simple words: Insurance agents help with money and policies, but they are not the first people to help directly in an emergency. First responders are those who offer immediate help to save lives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that first responders are directly involved in emergency relief and immediate safety measures, not financial services.

Question 2. 'Drop, Cover, Hold' is a mock drill a vowal for
(a) Fire
(b) Earthquake
(c) Tsunami.
(d) Riot
Answer: (b) Earthquake
In simple words: The 'Drop, Cover, Hold' practice drill is specifically designed to teach people what to do to stay safe during an earthquake. This drill helps people know how to protect themselves from falling objects during an earthquake.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the purpose of different safety drills helps in recalling the correct response during specific emergencies.

Question 3. When you happen to see a fire break out. You will make a call to
(a) 114
(b) 112
(c) 115
(d) 118
Answer: (b) 112
In simple words: If you see a fire, you should call the emergency number 112 for help. Calling 112 quickly helps emergency services respond fast and prevent more damage.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorizing universal emergency numbers like 112 is essential for quick action in any crisis.

Question 4. Which of the following statements is untrue?
(a) 'Stop, Drop, Roll' is for fire.
(b) 'Drop, Cover, Hold' is for an earthquake.
(c) 'If sea water recedes back, run to higher places' is for flood.
(d) 'If gunshots are heard, drop to the ground and cover the head with hand' is for riot.
Answer: (c) 'If sea water recedes back, run to higher places' is for flood.
In simple words: The statement that says 'If sea water recedes back, run to higher places' is about floods is incorrect. This action is actually a crucial safety measure during a tsunami, not a flood.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between safety measures for different disasters; confusing them can be dangerous.

Question 5. Which of the following statements belongs to responding to earthquake?
(a) Avoid any place where police or security forces action is in progress.
(b) Know the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast.
(c) Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall.
(d) Before opening a door, feel it of your hand.
Answer: (c) Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall.
In simple words: When an earthquake happens, you should stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, walls, and anything that might fall down. These areas are very dangerous during an earthquake due to potential shattering glass or collapsing structures.

🎯 Exam Tip: Prioritize immediate personal safety during an earthquake by avoiding areas prone to falling debris or broken glass.

II. Answer In Brief

Question 1. Who are the community's first responders to disaster?
Answer: Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians are the first people who help during any disaster, such as fires, floods, or terror attacks. Their quick actions are vital in the immediate aftermath of an emergency to save lives and manage the situation.
In simple words: Police, firefighters, and emergency medical staff are the first to help in a disaster.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the three main groups of first responders: law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services.

Question 2. What are the four phases of the Disaster Management Cycle?
Answer: The disaster management cycle has four main steps: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. Each phase plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of disasters and helping communities recover.
In simple words: The four steps in managing disasters are reducing risks (Mitigation), getting ready (Preparedness), taking action during the event (Response), and getting things back to normal (Recovery).

🎯 Exam Tip: Visualizing the cycle helps remember the sequence: Mitigation and Preparedness before, Response during, and Recovery after a disaster.

Question 3. Though Japan has the densest seismic network, Indonesia has the most number of earthquakes. Why?
Answer: Japan is in an area where many earthquakes happen and has the best network to detect them. Indonesia also has many earthquakes because it is a very active seismic zone and is bigger than Japan. The larger landmass of Indonesia means there are more fault lines and tectonic plate interactions, leading to more frequent seismic activity.
In simple words: Japan is very active in earthquakes and has many sensors. Indonesia has more earthquakes because it is a bigger country in a very active earthquake zone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that geographical size and the extent of active tectonic plate boundaries significantly influence earthquake frequency, even with advanced detection systems in place elsewhere.

Question 4. How many males and females die per day due to fire in India?
Answer: In India, around 25,000 people die each year due to fires. Females make up about 66% of these deaths. Daily, an estimated 42 females and 21 males lose their lives because of fires. These numbers highlight the urgent need for better fire safety awareness and prevention measures across the country.
In simple words: About 25,000 people die from fires in India each year, with 66% being females. Every day, about 42 females and 21 males die from fire incidents.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering statistics-based questions, provide specific numbers if available and highlight any significant patterns, like the higher fatality rate for females in this case.

Question 5. What should you do after a Tsunami?
Answer: After a tsunami, keep listening to a weather radio or local news for updated emergency information. First, check yourself for injuries and get first aid if needed, then help others who are hurt or stuck. If people need rescuing, call trained professionals. Offer help to infants, older people, large families, those without transport, and people with disabilities. Do not enter buildings if water is still around, as the foundations might be damaged and the building could fall. Always check for gas leaks; if you smell gas, open a window and get everyone outside quickly. Following these steps can greatly reduce risks and ensure safety in the chaotic aftermath of a tsunami.
In simple words: After a tsunami, listen to the radio for news, check for injuries, call for help if needed, assist vulnerable people, stay away from flooded buildings, and check for gas leaks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Prioritize clear communication, self-care, helping vulnerable populations, avoiding compromised structures, and addressing immediate dangers like gas leaks after a tsunami.

III. Answer In Paragraph

Question 1. Write a short note on Tsunami.
Answer: A tsunami can kill or hurt people and destroy buildings and roads as huge waves crash onto land and then pull back. It is a series of massive ocean waves that are caused by things like earthquakes, landslides underwater, volcanic eruptions, or even asteroids. Tsunamis can travel very fast, up to 700-800 km per hour, with waves that can be 10-30 meters high. They cause widespread flooding and stop services like transport, electricity, communication, and water supply. The devastating power of tsunamis makes early warning systems and evacuation plans extremely important for coastal communities.
In simple words: A tsunami is a giant ocean wave caused by undersea events like earthquakes, moving very fast and high. It causes huge floods and destroys buildings, stopping essential services.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing a natural phenomenon like a tsunami, include its causes, characteristics (speed, height), and consequences (damage, disruption).

Question 2. What do you do if you are indoors during an earthquake?
Answer: If you are inside during an earthquake, quickly drop to the ground. Find cover under a strong table or other sturdy furniture to protect your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops. If there is no furniture nearby, cover your face and head with your arms while crouching in an inside corner of the building. You can also take cover under a door frame, in a room corner, or even under a bed. Stay away from glass windows, outside doors, walls, and any items that could fall, such as light fixtures. It's important to stay indoors until the shaking completely stops and it is safe to exit. Practicing these "Drop, Cover, Hold On" steps regularly can help you react instinctively and correctly during a real earthquake.
In simple words: During an earthquake indoors, 'drop, cover, and hold on' under strong furniture. If no furniture, crouch in a corner, covering your head. Stay away from windows and falling objects until shaking stops.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" technique and avoid windows or outer walls, as these are common sources of injury during earthquakes.

Question 3. How do you respond to Tsunami?
Answer: To prepare for a tsunami, first check if your home, school, or workplace is in a tsunami danger zone along the coast. Create evacuation plans from these locations to higher, safer ground. Always listen to a weather radio or local TV/radio station for official warnings and updates. It is important to discuss tsunamis with your family so that everyone knows exactly what to do when one happens. Also, review general flood safety and emergency steps with your family. Early preparation and clear communication within the family are key to surviving a tsunami.
In simple words: Prepare for a tsunami by knowing if you're in a danger zone, planning escape routes to high ground, and listening to emergency broadcasts. Discuss safety with your family and review flood plans.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on pre-emptive measures like identifying safe zones, planning evacuation routes, and family communication, as these are critical for tsunami safety.

Question 4. Write three sentences about what to do during a fire.
Answer: For fire safety, always know your building's evacuation plan. When a fire alarm or carbon monoxide alarm sounds, calmly and quickly leave the building. Before opening any door, touch it with the back of your hand; if it feels hot, do not open it. If you see smoke while evacuating, stay low to the floor where the air is cleaner. Also, you should know where your building's outdoor meeting point is, and be aware of where fire extinguishers, fire alarm buttons, and exits are located. Regular fire drills help ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a real fire, making evacuation faster and safer.
In simple words: During a fire, leave calmly when the alarm sounds. If a door is hot, don't open it. Stay low to the floor if there's smoke, and know your building's evacuation plan and exits.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize quick, calm evacuation, checking doors for heat, staying low in smoke, and knowing your escape routes and meeting points.

Question 5. What should be done during a fire?
Answer: If there is a fire, first, stay calm. Pull the closest fire alarm or call 112. Tell the emergency dispatcher your name and exactly where the fire is, and only hang up when they say so. Leave the building right away and tell others to leave as you go. Walk, do not run, to the closest exit. It is very important never to use elevators during a fire, as they might stop working and trap you. Acting calmly and following established safety procedures can make a huge difference in surviving a fire.
In simple words: During a fire, stay calm, activate the alarm, call 112, evacuate immediately, warn others, use stairs, and never use elevators.

🎯 Exam Tip: Prioritize alerting others and swift, safe evacuation via stairs during a fire, as elevators pose a significant risk.

Intext Hots

Question 1. Why should you cut off all the branches of trees below 3 meters of height standing near your house?
Answer: You should cut off tree branches below 3 meters near your house to create a safety zone and reduce fire risk. This helps keep trees a safe distance from your home: large trees at least 20 feet away, medium trees 15 feet away, and small trees 8-10 feet away. Trimming branches that extend over your property line also helps prevent them from causing damage or spreading fire. This practice, often called "defensible space" landscaping, reduces the chances of a house catching fire from a nearby tree during a wildfire.
In simple words: Cutting lower tree branches near your house helps prevent fires from spreading to your home and keeps a safe clear space, which is good for fire safety.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connecting the act of trimming branches to concepts like "defensible space" and fire prevention adds depth to the answer.

I. Choose The Best Answer

Question 1. Find out the correct statements.
(a) The place on the earth's surface above the focus is epicenter.
(b) During an earthquake, be chosen to building
(c) Stay inside until the shaking stops.
(d) Fire causes injuring to people and animals.
Answer: (c) Stay inside until the shaking stops and (d) Fire causes injuring to people and animals.
In simple words: The correct statements are: (c) you should stay inside until an earthquake stops shaking, and (d) fire can harm both people and animals. Knowing basic safety rules for different disasters can help protect you and your pets.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a question asks for correct statements among options, ensure you identify all true statements provided in the answer choice.

Question 2. Match the following:
1. Firefighters - (i) 10 – 30 mt high
2. Seismograph - (ii) Respiratory hazard
3. Tsunami - (iii) Forests
4. Smoke - (iv) First responder
5. Wild Fire - (v) Earthquake
Answer:
1. – (iv) First responder
2. – (v) Earthquake
3. – (i) 10 – 30 mt high
4. – (ii) Respiratory hazard
5. – (iii) Forests
In simple words: Here are the correct matches: 1. Firefighters are First responders. 2. A Seismograph is an instrument for measuring an Earthquake. 3. A Tsunami can have waves 10-30 meters high. 4. Smoke causes a Respiratory hazard. 5. Wild Fire often happens in Forests. Understanding these connections helps in quickly identifying and responding to different types of disasters.

🎯 Exam Tip: For matching questions, carefully link each term to its most appropriate description or associated concept.

II. Very Short Answer

Question 1. What is a disaster?
Answer: A disaster is a very bad event that causes a lot of damage, loss of lives, and harm to property. Disasters can be natural, like floods, or man-made, like industrial accidents.
In simple words: A disaster is a harmful event that causes big damage, loss of life, or property destruction.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define disaster by its key impacts: damage, loss of life, and property destruction.

Question 2. What is meant by stop, drop, and roll?
Answer: 'Stop, drop, and roll' is a safety action for two main reasons: firstly, to escape a fire, and secondly, if your clothes catch fire, you should stop running, drop to the ground, and roll to put out the flames. This simple technique can be life-saving if your clothing catches fire.
In simple words: 'Stop, drop, and roll' means to stop moving, get on the ground, and roll your body to put out flames if your clothes are on fire, or as a general fire escape instruction.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both the general fire escape meaning and the specific use for clothing on fire when defining "stop, drop, and roll."

III. Short Answer

Question 1. What do you mean by Disaster Response?
Answer: Disaster response is the immediate help given after a disaster to save lives and support affected people. It involves repairing buildings, helping people recover their livelihoods, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. This phase mainly focuses on emergency relief, such as providing first aid, restoring essential services like transport and communication, and ensuring basic needs like food, water, and shelter, along with offering mental and spiritual support. Effective disaster response can significantly reduce suffering and speed up the recovery process for a community.
In simple words: Disaster response is the quick action taken after a disaster to save lives, provide immediate aid, restore basic services, and begin rebuilding.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight "immediate action," "saving lives," and "restoring essential services" as key components of disaster response.

Question 2. How is the Earthquake caused?
Answer: Earthquakes are caused by the Earth's plates moving suddenly, which makes the ground shake. These movements mostly happen along the edges of these large plates. The point deep inside the Earth where an earthquake starts is called the focus. The point directly above the focus on the Earth's surface is known as the epicenter, and this is where the most damage usually occurs. A special tool called a seismograph measures earthquakes, and their strength is recorded on the Richter scale. While earthquakes are natural events, understanding their causes helps in building safer structures and developing early warning systems.
In simple words: Earthquakes happen when Earth's plates move suddenly, shaking the ground. They start at a 'focus' deep inside and are strongest at the 'epicenter' on the surface, measured by a seismograph on the Richter scale.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure you clearly define key terms like 'plate movements,' 'focus,' 'epicenter,' 'seismograph,' and 'Richter scale' when explaining earthquake causes.

Question 3. What is to be done after a Tsunami?
Answer: After a tsunami, continue listening to a weather radio or local news for updated emergency information. Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary, before helping others who are injured or trapped. If anyone needs rescue, call professionals with the right equipment. Help people who need special assistance, such as infants, elderly people, those without transport, large families, and people with disabilities. Stay out of buildings if water remains around them because tsunami water can weaken foundations, causing buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse. Finally, check for gas leaks; if you smell or hear gas, open a window and get everyone outside quickly. Rapid and organized response after a tsunami is crucial to minimize casualties and facilitate community recovery.
In simple words: After a tsunami, listen to news, check for injuries, get professional help for rescues, aid vulnerable people, avoid flooded buildings due to damage, and check for gas leaks.

🎯 Exam Tip: List actions logically, from immediate personal safety to helping others, addressing structural dangers, and recognizing hidden hazards like gas leaks.

Question 4. Write about Fire Safety Do's and Don'ts.
Answer: For fire safety, always know your building's evacuation plan. When a fire alarm or carbon monoxide alarm sounds, calmly and quickly leave the building. Before opening any door, touch it with the back of your hand; if it feels hot, do not open it. If you see smoke while evacuating, stay low to the floor where the air is cleaner. Also, you should know where your building's outdoor meeting point is, and be aware of where fire extinguishers, fire alarm buttons, and exits are located. Regular fire drills help ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a real fire, making evacuation faster and safer.
In simple words: Do know your fire escape plan, evacuate calmly, feel hot doors before opening, stay low in smoke, and know where safety tools and exits are. Don't open hot doors.

🎯 Exam Tip: Present fire safety advice clearly, separating actions to take (do's) from actions to avoid (don'ts).

Question 5. What should be done during a fire?
Answer: If there is a fire, first, stay calm. Pull the closest fire alarm or call 112. Tell the emergency dispatcher your name and exactly where the fire is, and only hang up when they say so. Leave the building right away and tell others to leave as you go. Walk, do not run, to the closest exit. It is very important never to use elevators during a fire, as they might stop working and trap you. Acting calmly and following established safety procedures can make a huge difference in surviving a fire.
In simple words: During a fire, stay calm, activate the alarm, call 112, evacuate immediately, warn others, use stairs, and never use elevators.

🎯 Exam Tip: Stress the importance of an immediate and organized exit during a fire, prioritizing stairs over potentially unreliable elevators.

IV. Answer In One Or Two Sentences

Question 1. Why do you think you should cover your head with one hand and hold the table with the other hands during an earthquake?
Answer: You should cover your head with one hand and hold onto a table with the other during an earthquake mainly to protect your head and neck from falling objects. This "drop, cover, and hold on" technique is a basic earthquake safety drill.
In simple words: Covering your head and holding a table during an earthquake protects you from falling items and debris.

🎯 Exam Tip: The main goal is protection from falling objects; the specific actions are part of the "drop, cover, hold on" drill.

Question 2. During an earthquake, why should we exit through the staircase and not use elevators?
Answer: During an earthquake, you should use the stairs instead of elevators because the power is likely to go out, causing elevators to stop and trap people inside. Elevators can be very dangerous during power outages or structural damage from an earthquake.
In simple words: You should use stairs during an earthquake because power cuts can trap people in elevators.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that power failure and the risk of being trapped are the primary reasons to avoid elevators during an earthquake.

Question 3. Suppose you are in a room of a strong building without any furniture when an earthquake occurs. What would you do to protect yourself from the earthquake?
Answer: If you are in a strong room with no furniture during an earthquake, and the doors are open, stand under a doorway or crouch in an inner corner of the room, using your arms to cover your face and head. Even without furniture, finding a safe corner or doorway provides some protection from falling plaster or objects.
In simple words: If in a room without furniture during an earthquake, stand in a doorway or crouch in an inner corner, covering your head with your arms.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on finding the safest structural elements like doorways or interior corners for protection when furniture is unavailable.

Question 4. Reason out why should you stay away from buildings with glass panes during an earthquake.
Answer: You should stay away from buildings with glass windows during an earthquake because the shaking can cause walls to crack and glass panes to break and shatter, which is very dangerous. Flying glass shards are a common cause of serious injuries during earthquakes.
In simple words: Stay away from buildings with glass windows during an earthquake because the shaking can shatter the glass, causing dangerous flying shards.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the danger of shattering glass and flying debris as the main reason to avoid windows during earthquakes.