Disaster Risk Awareness and Preparedness of Junior High School Students: Basis for Capability Building

ABSTRACT : Given the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, fostering disaster risk awareness and preparedness among young people is crucial for building resilient communities. This study assessed the disaster risk awareness and preparedness of Junior High School students in the District of San Jorge, Schools Division of Samar. Key findings revealed significant disparities in student preparedness levels, influenced by socioeconomic factors such as parental education and occupation, housing conditions, and student location of residence. School location also emerged as a crucial predictor. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the level of disaster risk awareness and preparedness among studentrespondents and the factors that influence it. Challenges identified included limited awareness of humaninduced disasters and concerns about managing fear and stress during emergencies. Recommendations include addressing socioeconomic disparities, implementing location-specific school preparedness plans, enhancing teacher training, fostering community-school partnerships, integrating comprehensive disaster education, promoting community engagement and peer-to-peer learning, providing psychosocial support, encouraging home resilience, and conducting ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The study emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to enhance disaster preparedness among students, addressing both individual and communitylevel factors.

KEYWORDS : Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Preparedness, Socioeconomic Factors, School Location, Community Engagement, Disaster Education