Section D, part C
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

In the last lesson, I started to discuss question eight from the 2009 past paper. This is the first question in section D and it deals with the human/environment systems. Parts (a) and (b) were already discussed. I will now turn my attention to part (c) of the question. In this section -

You have been asked to prepare a household disaster plan for your family. List SIX items in your plan and suggest a reason why EACH is important.

Here are some items that can be included:

• An emergency communication plan. Make sure that all family members know where to shelter in the event of an earthquake, flood or hurricane and how and where they will meet up during/after the disaster.
• An emergency-survival kit. Some of the items will include a flashlight and extra batteries; a portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; first-aid kit and essential medicines; non-perishable food and water; a change of clothes for all family members. This kit is necessary so that family members can cope with being on their own, if necessary, for up to three days or more.
• Storage place for the emergency-survival items. After everything has been assembled, identify the best place to store them. Everyone must know where these items are and be able to access them in the event of an emergency. If some of the items are kept in the house for everyday use, make sure that family members know where to find them quickly when an emergency occurs.
• A getaway kit. Where it may become necessary to leave the house in case of an emergency such as a flood or volcanic eruption, a getaway kit should be prepared. This includes essential items from the emergency-survival kit, family documents and personal items.
• Places of safety within the home in the event of an earthquake. Safe places, for example, are under a strong table or somewhere close by to avoid injury.
• Properly secure items of furniture. During an emergency, heavy pieces of furniture need to be secured to the floor or wall. This will reduce damage/injury in the event of an earthquake.
• Family members need to know how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water in the home or business. If the gas line is broken or if the electrical system is damaged during an earthquake, these can cause fires.

This list is not exhaustive. Find out other items that can be included.

This concludes question eight. In the next lesson I will go on to discuss question nine. Here is the entire question. Use your textbooks to help you find the answers to the different sections of the question.

(a) Draw a sketch map of a named Caribbean country to show an area where marine pollution is a problem and indicate the source of pollution. (4 marks)

(b) Define EACH of the following terms:

(i) Global warming (2 marks)

(ii) Greenhouse gases (2 marks)

(iii) Pollution (2 marks)

(iv) Air pollution (2 marks)

(c)(i) Explain how TWO marine-based activities cause coral reef degradation. (6 marks)

(ii) Explain how global warming is likely to impact the coastal environment in the Caribbean. Include TWO ways in your response. (6 marks)

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com