Disaster Preparedness of Employees and Students in an Asian Private University

This study sought to determine the disaster preparedness of employees and students in an academic institution. It evaluated the preparedness of one Higher Education Institution in the Philippines in terms of planning, conveniences and availability of equipment, and implementation of disaster plan. It also assessed the psychological preparedness of personnel and students in terms of knowledge and management of the external situational environmentt, anticipation, awareness and management of one’s psychological response. Additionally, it compared the responses of the two groups of respondents and lastly, it proposed plan of action on how to improve the institution’s preparedness towards disaster. Results revealed that the institution is moderately prepared as to planning while greatly prepared in terms of conveniences and availability of equipment and implementation of disaster plan. There are notable differences on the psychological preparedness of the personnel and students as to knowledge and management of the external situational environmentt, anticipation, awareness and management of one’s psychological response. Lastly, the personnel and students’ knowledge and the management of the external situational environmentt, anticipation, awareness are highly significant to management of one’s psychological response. Thereby, an action plan is proposed to enhance preparedness of the institution towards disaster. Likewise, reorientation and emergency drill may be conducted periodically to make everyone more resilient in the face of everyday crises, and better able to deal with the psychological impact in the event of disaster. Physical and Facilities Management Office may facilitate rescue and first aid training every semester to prepare personnel and students in response to disaster.

Keywords – Disaster, Physical Preparedness, Psychological Preparedness