Determining the Disaster Preparedness of Students and Non-teaching Employees of Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) and Its Financial implications

Abstract

Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) campus is susceptible to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes and fires. Emergency preparedness can limit and minimize the impact of these hazards in the university. Determining the level of disaster preparedness and its financial implications for the university was the purpose of this study. A total of 155 students and 76 university non-teaching employees responded to the survey questionnaires. The results revealed that: the students experienced typhoon (83.7%), earthquake (91.3%), and flood (43.7%) for the last three years. They observed and experienced that the condition of the schools, houses, hospitals and apartments near to them were partly and totally damaged. The respondents were informed of the safety precautions and warning signals about the disasters through television, internet, family, newspaper, and radio. Further results revealed that there are positive inter-correlation between knowledge, attitude and practices. The attitude and practices on disaster preparedness of non-teaching employees are better than the students, but the knowledge are statistically comparable. The results of this study are basis for the disaster preparedness plan that highlights the need for budget allocation on safety precautions and resources needed for the University. Further study is recommended to assess the University’s capability in withstanding natural disasters.