Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Faculty of Architecture
Response and Adaptation in the Event of Disasters Workshop
Lecturers : Slavis Poczebutas Eglė Navickienė
Students : Ieva Birieta Aurimas Dambrauskas Anna Don Marija Neringa Filipovaitė Prabhansh Lashkar Ieva Kontautaitė Alexandra Amann-Schmitt Paulina Stancelytė Dominykas Špogis Daugirdas Šulskis Toma Tamošiūnaitė Greta Vasilkovaitė
2020, Vilnius
Content
Introduction 1. Communication 1.1. Physical Communication 1.2. Spatial Communication
6. Storage 6.1. Seed Banks 6.2. Data Storage
7. Emergency Response Plans
1.3. Digital Communication
7.1. Threats of Astravets
1.4. Summary
Nuclear Power Plant
1.5. Communication at School
7.2. International Response
1.6. Summary 1.7. Developing Strategies
2. Supply Chains 2.1. Food 2.2. Supply 2.3. Money 2.4. The Concept
3. Transportation 3.1. Means of Transportation during COVID-19 3.2. Comparison : Lithuania and Germany 3.3. Final product : The Disinfectant Shower
7.3. National Response 7.4. Emergency Evacuation 7.5. Outcome of the Experimental Project
8. Prepper Scene 8.1. Types of Hideouts by the Usage 8.2. Technical Details of the Hideouts 8.3. Official and Non-official Hideouts 8.4. Metro as a Hideout 8.5. Onground Investigation
4. Digital Infrastructure
8.6. Types of the Bunkers by
4.1. E-Commerce
the Usage
4.2. Online Pharmacy
8.7. Bunker in the University
4.3. What can be developed?
8.8. Bunker in School
5. Physical Infrastructure
8.9. Bunkers in Israel 8.10. Hoarding
5.1. Air Ventilation in Public Buildings
8.11. Preparation
5.2. Water Supply
8.12. Conclusion
5.3. Water Treatment 5.4. Masks and Respirators 5.5. Additional Solutions
Conclusion References
Introduction Disaster - catastrophic situation during which normal functioning of the society is disrupted and extra-ordinary emergency interventions are required. They come when we least expect them and they reveal all the weakest sides of preperation. All becomes questionable – our daily routine, comfort and satisfaction, our relationships and communication, and as a result, lives. We decided to investigate how global catastrophies may rapidly change the well-established rules and all the aspects of the society’s growth.
1. Communication. Physical, spatial and digital communication in Lithuania during the global Covid-19 pandemic Social distancing, self-isolation and other measures aimed at suppressing the COVID19 pandemic are drastically changing the behavior of billions of people worldwide. Physical and spatial communication is based on social norms and etiquette, therefore during the global disaster people are reshaping their behavior to adapt and protect themselves. Digital communication is necessary to maintain an effective information exchange during the disaster event, in order to prevent panic, mobilize resources, and form new behaviors for appropriate response.
1.1. Physical communication From the coronavirus outset people became more physically restricted. In most public places people were obliged to keep a distance of 2 meters from each other, which prevented them from having any physical contact. In addition to that, it became challenging to comprehend emotions of others while wearing masks (whether they were smiling etc.). Handshakes and hugs weren’t considered a polite gesture anymore, instead people chose elbow bumps. At the beginning of the disaster not everbyone was obeying the new laws of the wear of masks and self-isolation, so the government decided to tighten the rules. Since the 25th of the March the police contributed to helping the government while walking the streets and watching everyone to follow the rules otherwise they would be charged. Most people became afraid of paying high fees and started strictly following the restrictions. Official duration of the quarantine in Lithuania : 2020.03.16 – 2020.06.16 Restrictions’ description
Date when the restriction was establised
Wear of the face coverings is mandatory in all public places. Penalties for non2020-03-13
compliance : for person : 60-140 €, for institution : 140-600 € Wear of the face coverings is mandatory in
2020-03-25
all
public
places.
Strenghtened
administrative accountability : for person : 500-1500 € for institution : 1500-6000 €
Wear of the face coverings is obligatory only in enclosed public places. In open public spaces it is recommended. 2020-05-14
Fees for not following the government’s restrictions : for person : 500-1500 € for institution : 1500-6000 €
Shortly after the quarantine people loosened up even though the restrictions remained the same. Now, despite the fact that the number of cases is rising again, many people are not minding the restrictions anymore. While some people are cautious, others are only optionally wearing masks in enclosed public spaces and not even worrying about the overcrowding.
“M.A.M.A.“ festival, Raudondvaris, 2019-09-01, associative photo by Vilmantas Taraškevičius
“Sostinės dienos“ festival, Vilnius, 2019-09-06
Grocery store “Lidl“, Vilnius, 2020-09-09
Unlike in most public spaces it is very unlikely to see people with no face coverings in health institutions. Before entering the building there are many posters, reminding to put your mask on, to disinfect your hands before entering and leaving, to stop to check the temperature and not to enter if you have fever. Even though people are doing all of the above, there are many other regulations, that are being ignored by some. For example, the sign near the elevator, in which it is written that the elevator can be used only by one person at a time. People see and read that sign, yet choose to take the elevator all together. Those who are feeling well have to follow the green arrows saying “for those, who don’t have fever� inside of the health institution. For those with fever different entrances, corridors and staircases are being used.
1.2. Spatial communication In the event of global disasters society is adapting not only to the new social norms, but new requirements for the spatial distance as well. In case of a virus that spreads through the air, the government must ensure safe distance in every public place where many people can gather at the same time. Therefore, we can see safe distance measures in every bus stop or any waiting line in supermarkets and restaurants. Wear of personal protective equipment for visitors, customers, service users and employees is mandatory. There is a safe distance between workplaces of 2 meters, which may be less if there is a partition. Distances in rows must be not less than 1 meter.
Spatial distancing measures in bus stop, grocery store and fast food restaurant
In order to avoid unnecessary physical contact many companies, institutions and schools had to start working remotely. This major change made an impact on peoples’ behavior in their private space: each family member had to have a separate area. In addition to that, due to the global pandemic many exchange students had to come back home and isolate themselves, which adds to the challenge of space allocation. Open-air restaurants: During the quarantine restaurants had to undertake the condition to ensure safety distance of at least two meters between people sitting at tables (in most of the restaurants it meant sitting at every second table only) and only two people were allowed to sit at one table except the same family members. Many restaurants faced difficulties while trying to implement these requirements and were worried that they would have to close. If so, not only would some people lose their job, but Vilnius wouldn’t be the same lively city anymore.
Considering such situation, the Vilnius city mayor allowed restaurants to take their tables out into Vilnius old towns public spaces, such as city squares and streets that were previously used as a driveway. This decision was made when countries around the world were considering how to help the economy recover while maintaining safe social distances. As a result, many previously busy car streets have been transformed into outdoor restaurants where traffic is prohibited. This significantly changed the old towns structure and affected the spatial communication.
Vilniaus gatvÄ—, Vilnius, 2019-09-05
Open-air restaurant in Žemaitės skveras, Vilnius, 2020-09-09
The government published a map with eighteen public places in Vilnius, which can be reserved and used by the nearby restaurants. The Vilnius city mayor noted that owners of the restaurants can suggest even more public places if needed and these will be added to the list too.
Public places reserved for an open-air restaurants
Some restaurants seized the opportunity to use public spaces and expand their range. Owners and employees of Gaspar’s, Drama Burger, Gyoza, Grill London, Sugamour, Plus Plus Plus and Talutti restaurants shared their experience concerning the open-air restaurants. The owners claimed that it was quite simple to get a public space and they got it as soon as the initiative was taken – you just had to be quick when reserving the preferred space. Employees of the Plus Plus Plus bar noted, that even though they have many tables set up in Moniuškos skveras, they don’t always have waitresses to serve clients. Employees of the Sugamour restaurant shared the only downside of the open-air restaurants in current global situation: employees have to change, clean and disinfect tablecloths regularly and they can’t remove them since it’s a part of their corporate identity.
L. Stuokos-Gucevičiaus g., Vilnius
Vilniaus gatvė, Vilnius, 2019-09-05
1.3. Digital communication The COVID - 19 situation strongly affected people’s life in digital way. Due to the spread of the virus, live interaction (eye to eye) suddenly has been replaced by digital one by using various devices. Digital 2020: July Global Statshot, annually conducted by the DataReportal team, showed that compared to 2019, global digital growth increased by 2.4 - 10.5% in the respective areas, which is about 843 million more users.
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2020-july-global-statshot
According to Digital 2020: July Global Statshot, COVID - 19 situation led to: a 16% increase of video activities, a 43% increase of using social media longer time and a 42% increase of spending more time on messenger services.
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2020-july-global-statshot
The COVID-19 situation, which has been going on for a while, has led to a strong increase in digital activities. That is why, it is natural that people ‘s new digital habits have begun to take shape. These graphics show percentage of users who expect to make video calls or video conferencing more even after outbreak ends.
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2020-july-global-statshot
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2020-july-global-statshot
For many people, all work, education, culture and personal communication matters mostly were done through video conferencing platforms. Here are the five most known video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Cisco Webex. The table shows the number of participants in each program per day. According to the results, the leading program is Zoom.
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2020-july-global-statshot
Zoom Zoom has become the most widely known video conferencing program in recent years. In December 2019, Zoom had 10 million DAUs (daily active users) and in March it reached 200 million DAUs, overall, it’s +190 M DAUs in 3 months. In such a short period of time, the demand for the Zoom program broke records. In two years, Zoom has reached the TOP 3 of worldwide downloaded programs and has even surpassed such well-known programs as: Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp etc.
https://sensortower.com/blog/top-apps-games-publishers-2018
https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2020/06/tiktok-zoomwhatsapp-these-are-most-downloaded-apps-lastmonth.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR2r1sQKQUA2TyVZYo68lb0Kwto5Hgw x0SceGHEk1cJdK4_DownKPioLF2M
Such enormous attention and use also showed some issues of the program. The CNN news network reported that the New York City schools will not use Zoom program
anymore because federal officials warned about privacy and security concern called "Zoombombing." This term refers to the unwanted, disturbing incursion by Internet trolls and hackers, into a video conference call. In New York several incidents have happened during Zoom classes with people, who was yelling profanities or exposing themselves.
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/04/us/nyc-schools-zoom-online-security/index.html
Also, Lithuanian National Cyber Security Center warned about video conferencing and chat platform Zoom: "Still, communication platform users should remain cautious. The system should not be used to transfer confidential data. During a video conference, we recommend using only the video functionality, and choosing another communication program for correspondence, or using the Zoom platform through a browser without installing the system on the device itself."
Security problems 1. Zoom ID With every Zoom call you get some meeting ID, which is 9 to 11 digits long. Essentially, what people doing is randomly generate these Zoom ID, just forgetting a bunch of numbers between 9 -11 and naturally joining and broadcasting inappropriate stuff of the Zoom calls. A lot of people accidentally reveal the ID number (visible in the corner of the zoom window) when displaying remote work on social networks or other platforms. That is how improper people could join the meeting and get all information he need. An obvious example of this would be: Boris Johnson - the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom shared screenshot of his first digital Cabinet in Twitter and Zoom Meeting ID was seen very clearly.
2. Zoom sending data to Facebook Zoom was quietly sending data to Facebook about user's Zoom habits and even then, those users do not have Facebook account.
3. E2E The idea of E2E is to secure all communication from the preliminary source to the end destination using relevant security protocols to eliminate all potential for third party intrusion. However, in a statement to The Intercept Zoom’s spokesperson revealed that: "Currently, it is not possible to enable E2E encryption for Zoom video meetings." The problem was that they claimed that Zoom meetings have E2E encryption but that was not true because they are using transport encryption. Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol secures the connection between a user and the server they are connected to.
4. Attendee Tracker This feature (once enable) allowed you to check whether the participants clicking away Zoom window during a call. This feature has been removed.
https://allthings.how/how-does-zoom-attention-tracking-works/
Zoom announced 90-Day security plan in which all zoom's engineering resources were refocused on 7 commitments that embedded security and privacy permanently in the program.
Why people choose Zoom? 1. It is a quite simple program, easy to use. 2. There is a free use option, even if is limited meeting time (40 min). 3. Zoom program has a wide selection of plans: Zoom Meetings, Zoom Phone, Zoom Video Webinar, Zoom Rooms. They can provide services for meeting that includes 50,000 attendees. 4. Having no choice to use another program, for example, if a company decides to use Zoom program, then they have no choice but to use it. 5. There is a psychological aspect: everyone is using – I should do too. People do not take an interest, do not analyze programs, the positive, negative aspects.
What video conferencing programs are used in Lithuania? The government uses Zoom program for public information and for inside meetings they are using Microsoft Teams.
Universities VU (Vilnius university)
Microsoft Teams
Vilnius Tech (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University)
Zoom
KTU (Kaunas University of Technology)
Zoom
LSMU (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences)
Microsoft Teams
VDU (Vytautas Magnus University)
BigBlueButton
Schools Zoom, Skype
Kaunas Jesuit gymnasium
Google Classroom, Google Hangout
Kaunas Sun gymnasium
Microsoft Teams
KTU gymnasium
Zoom
Klaipeda Lyceum
Zoom
Respondent
Vilnius Žirmōnai Gymnasium
Workplace
1.
Danske Bank, AML
Skype, Outlook
Facebook, Messenger
2.
Logistics
Zoom, Gmail
Facebook, Messenger
Zoom, Messenger
Facebook, Messenger
Avad Baltic, IT
MS Teams, Outlook,
Facebook, Viber,
Distributor
FaceTime, iMessage
iMessage
Zoom, Skype
Microsoft Teams
Facebook, Messenger
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Business consulting, training.
Environmental
Communication program at work
Policy
Center Lithuanian Roads Administration Booking.com customer service in Lithuania
Zoom, Gmail
Communication program in personal life
Facebook, Workplace, Gmail
* prepared according to the respondents (watch below)
According to the results, the most popular video conferencing program in Lithuania Zoom. The most personally used applications - Facebook and Messenger.
Articles, people's opinion and positive / negative aspects about digital communication • An article about how distance learning reduces bullying in Lithuanian schools. According to a survey conducted by Telia Company in the Nordic and Baltic countries, distance learning during quarantine in many Lithuanian schools revealed a positive trend: "almost a third of the surveyed students say that the level of bullying has decreased. However, two-thirds of students did not notice significant changes in this regard, and 7 percent of children believe that the level of bullying in the virtual learning environment has increased." https://telefonai.eu/technologijos/apklausa-nuotolinis-mokymas-mazina-patycias-5081
• An article about how quarantine has affected communication between different generations. Some believe that quarantine separated people, weakened their relationships, but according to psychologist (Rosita Pipirienė) - quarantine had a positive effect because people began to communicate more with grandparents, who often remain not involved in a young man ‘s life. The specialist explains that in crisis situations, people sometimes behave in a way that they would not behave on normal days, for example by starting to communicate with distant people more. For seniors, social networks provide an opportunity to participate more in grandchildren's lives. When entering the digital space, seniors can not only communicate more often with their grandchildren, but also watch them - see how they grow, what they do. https://www.15min.lt/gyvenimas/naujiena/santykiai/kaip-karantinas-paveike-skirtingu-kartu-bendravima-10241313984?fbclid=IwAR0ptXFeDPD6QVZjr914L0l31HK8Q9nEpuyebAtTizglqxwmOxLaxFM6q0Y
• The survey. The questions were designed to reveal people's workplace/area and what communication programs they use at work and in their personal lives. Also, people were asked what impact the COVID-19 situation had on the current/future communication and what, in their opinion, are the positive negative aspects of digital communication. Interviewed people were met on the street. Number of respondents – 7.
1. Company, area of work. 2. Due to the situation caused by COVID-19, what applications did you use/are using at work to communicate remotely (e.g. Zoom, Skype, Gmail, etc.)? 3. What communication programs do you use in your personal life (e.g. Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp, etc.)? 4. Whether the forced remote communication caused by the COVID-19 situation affected the current or future communication at work / in your personal life (examples: you started using video calls more often, more business meetings are organized remotely, etc.)? 5. Pros, cons of remote communication. 1. Danske Bank. Workspace - AML 1 1. Logistics 2 2. Skype, for emails - outlook. 2. Zoom, Gmail. 3. Facebook, Messenger. 3. Facebook, Messenger. 4. Yes it did. All the meetings at work moved to a 4. Yes it did. In the past, many meetings at work virtual space, even after the quarantine ended, took place in real meetings, the covid-19 situation many people remained to work from home, so showed that it is not necessary to meet in person, there was no other way just still to support it is possible to discuss things perfectly remotely. communication on the skype platform. I didn’t I think we will communicate more remotely in the notice much change in my personal life. company. In my personal life, I noticed that 5. The positive aspects might be in a work instead of writing messages, I started to send environment where you can move your work more videos (it is faster and easier than writing home and that doesn’t cause a problem, you’re messages). I also feel better in front of the still as accessible as sitting in the office. The camera than before. biggest downside might be that live contact is 5. Virtual communication saves time, money, more humane and closer, you can spend a lot on fuel, also more trees are saved because the virtual communication, misinterpret a friend's demand for paper becomes less high, and you messages, misunderstand a person's mood, etc., can also work in any environment you want - you and lose the ability to see human body language, don't have to sit in the office all the time. gestures that give us much more information than Cons - you spend more time sitting next to words. devices - that is nor healthy; sometimes it’s harder to understand a person, especially if you’re communicating in messages. 1. Business consulting, training. 3 1. Avad Baltic, IT Distributor 4 2. Zoom, Messenger. 2. We’re using MS Teams, Outlook, FaceTime. 3. Facebook, Messenger. iMessage 4. Telephone counseling has become more 3. Facebook, Viber, iMessage common. Meetings, seminars or trainings have 4. Covid-19 has impacted the way I communicate begun to take place through the Zoom program. in personal and professional world. Regarding We completely abandoned direct communication professional life, due to the nature of my position with the client. most of the time I spend at my partners and 5. At first stress - how everything will be here. customers, however, due to Covid-19 crisis I had Then realizing that using digital communication to move all my meetings online, no more travels tools is not difficult, then just work. nationally or internationally. In my personal life, Minus - communicating directly makes it easier to due to lockdown, I also didn’t meet my friends and feel an atmosphere of the audience, easier to acquittances face to face and all the understand the customer during the negotiation. communication was digital. Now it’s back to Plus - you learn new means of communication, normal, at least for a while :) understand that there is no big problem to work 5. Positive things of digital communication are from home office. that you can meet more people/companies in one day because you don’t have to travel from one place to another, so from this perspective work
1. Environmental Policy Center, 5 formation and implementation of environmental policy. 2. Zoom, Skype. 3. Facebook. 4. Yes. I still work from home, communicating with co-workers via email, phone and skype. All meetings are now organized in zoom. 5. Pros - saves time because you don't have to fly abroad, even go to work; I use much less of any transport, so I reduced the CO2 footprint. Cons - I don't see any cons yet, just the pros. I hear the argument from co-workers that they lack human contact with co-workers, but for me personally, it is not.
1. Booking.com customer service in 7 Lithuania, Tourism Sector. 2. Zoom, Gmail. 3.Facebook, Workplace (company-bought mini Facebook for employees only), Gmail. 4. In the face of the Covid pandemic, I tried not to change my personal communication habits, the only significant change was a slight increase in communication via Facebook because always you could meet live. And job conversations (looking for a new job) take place via Skype /zoom in) 5. I see the biggest plus when looking for a new job, because before you had to take part in a job interview and with transportation it took a huge part of the day. Also, during working meetings. In digital space there is more time for the meeting itself, because before it took long time for everyone to went on place, prepare for meeting.
became more effective, however , on the other hand all those remote meetings are lacking human touch which is harmful in long term partnerships/relationships. 1. Lithuanian Roads Administration. 6 Workspace – Lithuanian roads projects. 2. Microsoft Teams. 3. Facebook, Messenger. 4.The remote communication affected the communication at work. From now on we will be using the Microsoft Teams program more often. I didn’t notice any significant changes when it comes to communication in my personal life. 5. The Microsoft Teams program brings along many amenities. Due to this program it became a lot easier to reach a coworker. Earlier we had to be looking for them in their office and if they weren’t there at the moment, we had to come back later. In Microsoft Teams we can instantly reach a person if the green or yellow badge is shown, which means that he is available at the moment. We can send a message to the needed person even if the red badge appears next to him – that just means that he is currently having a meeting or a call.
Positive and negative digital communication aspects (according to people ‘s opinion) Positive aspects •
Negative aspects
Digital communication allows people to • It is not healthy to spend more time by work from different places. It is not
using devices.
necessary to be attached to one work • Virtual communication causes the lack environment. •
Virtual
of human touch that can be harmful in
communication
saves time,
long term relationships
money, fuel, also more trees are saved • Lose the ability to understand person by because
the
demand
for
paper
becomes less high. •
Possibility to communicate with more
not seeing his mood, human ‘s gestures • It is harder to feel an atmosphere of communication.
people/companies - work became more • Communication through messages can effective. •
be misinterpreted
Less demand for using transport reduces the CO2 footprint.
•
Easier to reach a coworker – do not have to search them in the office.
•
Distance learning reduces bullying in Lithuanian schools
•
For seniors, social networks provide an opportunity to participate more in grandchildren's lives.
•
A big step forward for the education
system. Both teachers and students developed digital literacy skills. Distance learning encouraged students to learn to work with a computer and to take notes not only by hand but, also, by using technologies, previously that was unacceptable in Lithuania. Now a lot of textbooks have an e-book version, so students do not have to carry books everywhere. All actions are likely to be more digital rather than hand done.
1.4. Summary It may seem absurd how people’s behaviors can be influenced by the government and their ability to determine high fines and make people pay them. When the government established new restrictions with penalties and people didn’t follow them, they simply strengthened the administrative accountability. Currently, when the restrictions were loosened up most people obeying the rules can be found only in serious institutions, because these institutions have to control every person entering the building. Otherwise the institution would get an even higher fine than an individual. Why aren’t people aware enough of the situation and aren’t trying to protect themselves without others forcing them to do it? In the event of global disasters society has to adapt not only to the new social norms, but new requirements for the spatial distance as well. During the Covid-19 pandemic restaurants had to ensure safety distance between people sitting at tables. However, many restaurants could not implement these requirements and were on the verge of closure. In order to prevent Vilnius city from economic collapse and people losing their job, mayor “donated” public spaces of Vilnius so that restaurants could open outdoors and form a major “open-air restaurant”. This solution not only drew attention of other countries but changed the spatial communication in Vilnius city as well. The COVID - 19 situation strongly affected people’s life in digital way because live interaction suddenly has been replaced by digital one. From a global perspective, all statistical indicators have risen by almost half in digital activities. For many people, all work, education, culture and personal communication matters mostly were done through various apps and video conferencing platforms. According to the worldwide results, the leading video conferencing program is Zoom. Zoom has become the most widely known video conferencing program and in two years has reached the TOP 3 of worldwide downloaded programs. However, such enormous attention showed some issues of the program that turned out to be quite beneficial thing that led to improving. Zoom announced 90-days security plan in which all resources were focused on safety and privacy issues. Considering all video conferencing programs that are used at workplaces, schools, universities in Lithuania the most popular is Zoom. Though, people in their personal lives are more likely to use Facebook and Messenger apps.
It’s unexpected, but now people are seeing more positive aspects of virtual communication than negative. The main disadvantage is that in such communication it is more difficult to understand, to feel the person and the surrounding atmosphere. However, such type of communication constantly takes place only for half year. If we communicate more like that for a longer time, perhaps then the ability and understanding of how to do it would appear?
1.5. Communication at school (Physical, Spatial, Digital)
The surveys were conducted on Friday evening. There were no school principals at the time, so only teachers and students, who were met, were interviewed. 4 schools were visited: Vilnius Varpas Adult School, Vilnius Karoliniškės gymnasium, Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center and Vilnius Ozas gymnasium. Number of respondents – 6. Biology teachers from Vilnius Varpas Adult School and Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center were interviewed. Also, a Lithuanian teacher and one student from Vilnius Ozas gymnasium were interviewed. From Vilnius Karoliniškės gymnasium a German teacher and one student were interviewed.
Laws/educational models prepared by the government for 2020-2021 school year Place of study
• It is necessary to assign a specific Vilnius Ozas gymnasium, room to each class of students in Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center A different room is assigned to each which the lessons will take place; • In specialized subject rooms, only class. Teachers come to the proper those lessons can take place in rooms on the established time. classes that equipment;
Movement of student flows in school
Situation at school
require
laboratory
Vilnius Karoliniškės gymnasium, • In the laboratory, it is recommended Vilnius Varpas Adult School to organize two in a row lessons for The orderliness did not change. Students have to come to the specific the same class; • It is recommended to place the rooms by themselves. student lockers on the same floor where the students take the classes. • The school should prepare a map of Vilnius Karoliniškės gymnasium student movement directions on the There is only one entrance into the school, however inside of it all of the school premises; • The movement of student flows stairs are marked with arrows showing should, if it is possible, be directed in the allowed direction to climb them.
such a way as to avoid intersections with other flows; Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center • If there is an opportunity in the school, School has opened more doors in order it is necessary to provide several to provide students with more entrances, exits and the path that is entrances. closest to the place of learning; • The directions of student movement should be marked with signs.
Peculiarities of educational process organization
• It is recommended to organize two lessons of the same subject in a row; • Longer break for lunch so that students could not only go to eat but also walk outside and gather less at the schools’ corridors; • It is recommended to organize lessons outdoors, if the peculiarities of the subject content, the school environment and weather allow that; • To provide different starting times for students of different classes.
Vilnius Karoliniškės gymnasium Schools' alarm bells are temporarily turned off so that teachers can have different starting times of lessons and there are less students in corridors at the same time. Even though some lessons were planned to be held outside, the majority of teachers refused to because of the bad weather conditions or the lack of willingness. Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center, Vilnius Varpas Adult School Teachers are trying to organize two in a row lessons of the same subject whenever it is possible. School switched off their alarm bells as well. In addition to that, schools’ community has discussed the possibility of
Student catering
• Meals may be arranged in: a) classes - meals are served in disposable containers; b) in the school canteen - separate areas for different classes; • The school canteen must provide safe access to cutlery without touching other cutlery; • Appropriate facilities of the hand hygiene must be provided for the staff and students in the school canteen.
organizing lessons outdoors. Teachers are willing to do that, but not all the lessons can take place outdoors and it is a must to inform the deputy and sign a document before leaving the school with students. Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center School closed one canteen leaving only one out of two available to make it easier to disinfect. Students can either eat in the canteen or in rooms, taking their food out in disposable containers. Vilnius Karoliniškės gymnasium The canteen is separated into different areas.
It is given that students can use their schools’ canteen only every second break. Students of the 8th and 9th classes can go there after the 1st, 3rd and 5th lessons, while students of 10th and 11th classes - after the even numbered lessons. Student transportation
• Students on the school bus must sit at a safe distance from each other and the driver; • Students traveling to/from school by school bus must wear masks, except for students who can’t wear mask because of health problems; • The school bus must be disinfected before picking up another group of students.
Safety measures and their use
• When a distance of 2 meters is not maintained, face coverings must be worn indoors by the teachers in
Teachers and other school staff adhere to the given conditions. Teachers in classrooms are maintaining the
Distance learning
classrooms, other school staff in common enclosed spaces, such as corridors, canteens, teachers' rooms, etc. Also, adults participating in events, such as parents.
distance of 2 meters and in times when it is required to come closer to a student, they put on a mask or a face shield to protect themselves.
• It is not necessary to wear masks for teachers in classrooms where a distance of 2 meters is maintained between teachers and students or people who are unable to wear them because wearing may be harmful to their health.
Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center School organized three events of September 1st, which is usually held only once. This decision was made in order to reduce the number of people at the event but so everyone could celebrate the day.
• Only educational institutions that have legalized the method of organizing the distance learning process in their regulations may organize education at a distance.
The mixed education program - one week students go to school, the next week they study remotely and then again - one week students go to school and so on. In this way it’s able to provide less contact between children of different ages, and less students are at school at the same time. Also, it is better to organize the disinfection of school.
• A school whose regulations (statutes) do not legalize distance learning may provide distance learning for students only in emergency situations like that: for students in grades 5-8 up to 10% of the time devoted to education during the school year; for students of grades 9–10, I – IV gymnasiums - up to 30 %. Mixed education program - 50% live learning - 50% distance learning.
From students there are no feedbacks or observations about the new mixed education program because it takes place for the first year and only a week went by. Vilnius Varpas Adult School The teacher said that, for her as a biology teacher, she often has to show models of cells or other things, so such a mixed education program makes it difficult to transport all the models. Now she has to carry things from school to home in a suitcase.
Answers of the Ministry of Education and Science
What does a school / state do if a teacher or student does not have the opportunity to work / study remotely? The school may temporarily provide a school computer, tablet or telephone. Also, with the help of the municipality, it is possible to rent or buy the necessary equipment, take care of the Internet connection.
How physical education lessons are organized?
Vilnius Žirmūnai Education Center Students could go to the deputy and ask for a computer for their studies after signing the application document, the computer was given. Vilnius Varpas Adult School After the municipality bought the tablets at the end of May, they distributed them to the students. Until then, the school was just waiting for devices. Although the municipality took some time to buy tablets for many students, they were still useful because the school year was extended and exams were postponed. The teacher said that even after signing the documents, the students were late in returning the devices to the school and in some cases, it was difficult to get them back. The principal even intended to go with the police to pick up the devices. In some schools every second week all the lessons including physical education lessons have to be organized remotely. In such cases, teachers send students some video material with exercises that have to be done during the lesson. However, students tend to not do them all the time since no one is controlling that.
Teachers should assign students tasks or exercises that can be performed in a confined space but safely. Feedback with the teacher should also be provided such as completing a physical education diary and submitting it remotely (by photographing, scanning, etc.) How was the Ministry of Education and Science preparing for distance learning, what did they improve? • At the beginning of distance learning the state bought about 15,000 tablets and about 20,000 laptops with an Internet connection. • To help schools, a free digital learning base has been created with learning environments, methodological materials, teaching aids and other information relevant to schools. The training base is being constantly updated. https://www.nsa.smm.lt/nuotolinis • The Ministry of Education and Science organized the cycle of consulting seminars for teachers, parents, school leaders that they could prepare for distance learning.
• The Ministry of Education and Science prepared recommendations for the educational community: recommendations for teachers for online safety during distance learning: recommendations for parents on child safety online; tips on how to avoid network breakage when starting distance learning; recommendations for schools on learning using information systems, e. diary services; recommendations for parents raising children with disabilities.
The current news of school and distance learning. The LRT reports that doctors say that there is a growing number of parents who because of the threat of COVID-19 are asking to recommend the distance learning for children. Schools say that they are also seeing this trend, more and more parents are looking to move their children to distance-learning schools. In the report, the father (Baltrus Bružas) talks about compulsory school attendance and not providing an opportunity of distance learning. Father would like that his children could study at home because he liked distance learning, and he and his wife say they are at risk group of the virus. "When that number started to rise, in the case of the virus, we hoped there would be at least the possibility of distance education, optionally perhaps. There was no opportunity. All August I called the school, no one could give me an answer how it will be. The last day we received the information - there is a mandatory attendance. We were ready to hire a tutor, but one day wasn’t enough because we already had to accept the fact - the students' baskets were distributed and we could no longer move to other schools. "
• Also, in reportage epidemiologists say that they have heard of parents collecting signatures for distance learning. • In the Democratic School most children study in the classroom. However, there is also a distance learning class. "We have meetings and interested parents who, after returning to physical school after the first of September, realized that it may not be safe for them and they are suddenly looking for an opportunity to continue this school year remotely. " said head of school - Nerijus Buivydas.
1.6. Summary Even though most schools did take into account the educational recommendations prepared by the government and followed them, there are still some flaws in the system. For instance, even though teachers are keeping a distance of 2 meters from students or otherwise wearing face coverings, it doesn’t ensure enough protection, because teachers have to meet different classes and change rooms quite often. Teachers in some schools are also trying to have two in a row lessons of the same subject whenever it is possible, so that they have to switch rooms less often. Otherwise, in case of a virus in one class, the teacher would spread it to other classes as well. When it comes to organizing the educational process and the movement of student flows in school, some schools marked corridors with arrows, showing which way to go and provided with more entrances in order to avoid high student flows. Most schools decided to temporarily turn off their alarm bells so that the starting time of the lessons for separate classes is different and students can hang out at the corridors with the reduced physical contact. However, some students still have to be reminded to put their masks on when walking in a corridor. Most interviewed teachers are willing to implement the governments recommendation to organize lessons outdoors, but some of them refused to because it requires signing different documents and informing the deputy in advance about leaving. Talking about student catering, most schools’ canteens were separated into different areas for different classes and in some of them meals can be served in disposable containers, so that students can take their food out and eat in rooms or outdoors. However, schools weren’t able to implement all of the governments recommendations, since most of the schools stated, that the safety distance of at least one meter between students in class is not provided and students are still sitting like they did previously and not even wearing any face coverings. Teachers, on the other hand, adhere to the requirements and use face coverings nearly all the time. Moving on to the distance learning. Most schools decided to switch weeks of studying at school and at home for students of different classes. To be more precise: students of one class have to go to school every second week and when they don’t they study remotely. Nevertheless, it will reduce the number of students being at school at the same time by a half, it will be a burden for some teachers. Because teachers of
subjects, where real models are being used for lessons (such as biology, physics etc.), will have to carry these heavy models from one room to another or, even worse, from home to school and vice versa. Another thing to highlight when speaking about remote studying would be physical education lessons, which have to take place at home every other week. Teachers then send students some exercises and most students don’t even do them, because nobody is watching and controlling them. When it comes to the necessary digital devices, of course, not every student can afford to buy it for remote studying. Considering that the state bought about 15 000 tablets and nearly 20 000 laptops with an internet connection, so that in such case students can go to the deputy and get a device for free for a limited time after signing the application document. The downside of it is that the school’s staff is responsible for returning these devices to the municipality if it wasn’t schools’ property and even though students signed the official documents, some of them were still late at giving the devices back. The state did even more things to prepare for the distance learning: they created a free digital learning base, organized the cycle of consulting seminars for teachers and even more. Even though the new school year has only started, the current studying situation draw a lot of attention and parents are widely discussing this topic already. In general, there are some parents, who don’t like the idea that their kids have to study at home, because then parents are responsible for their attendance and they have to be sitting and watching them while helping them nearly all the time. Meanwhile there are completely opposite type of parents, who are afraid of the spread of the virus and would like their kids to study remotely all the time, but schools can’t provide such kind of learning anyways.
1.7. Developing strategies Problem – idea – strategy
The physical communication problem - people lack of awareness. The idea is to show people what is invisible - the real danger. People do not see the real danger by the naked eye and therefore they are not afraid of it. Maybe if they could see that danger, they would become more aware and try to be more careful. The strategy – to remind people that, if the threat is invisible, it does not mean that it does not exist. We also wanted to see how people would interact with something unpleasant and unexpected and encourage people to be more aware.
How did we do that? To reflect the real danger (COVID-19), we created clothes specifically in red, because everywhere the virus is associated with red color. Also, we wanted people to pay attention to us.
We went to the city center and walked over 10 km. This journey took about 3 hours. There were two stages: first - communicating with people, questioning them, second behaving normally, doing normal, usual things or invading their personal space.
We talked to people because we wanted to know their opinion on COVID-19 issues. We asked provocative questions (what if you saw the virus by the naked eye?) that way, we were trying to encourage people to think.
- Hello, may we ask you something? - About COVID-19? - Well, kind of. First of all, did we scare you with our outfits? Did you even notice us? - You definitely drew my attention, however I am not scared. - What if coronavirus would be visible by the naked eye? If you could see virus’ particles flying in the air, would you try to protect yourself more? - No, I think that if they would be here, there would be much more cases of sick people.
We came to this man as soon as we noticed him not wearing a face covering. It turned out that he didn’t speak Lithuanian. We asked him then in English : - Why are you not wearing a mask? - I was just eating, - he answered completely scared and disturbed. - Oh okay. Don’t forget to put your mask on later, because if coronavirus would be visible you would wear it more often probably. Don’t you think so? - Yes, thank you. - Okay, bye.
- Oh God! - Isn’t it scary when COVID-19 is visible? - It is scary - Good. Would you be more careful if you actually saw the threat? The corona virus is now invisible, but once it becomes visible and reaches out to you, then you want to beware, right? - Yes. - Beware and goodbye.
While we were talking to these girls in this shopping mall, guard came to ask us what we were doing here and asked us to leave even though he was unable to explain why we can not film here or remind people to wear face coverings.
This couple turned their heads to look at us while bypassing us. We were curious why they did it and caught up to them to find out. - Hello, we saw you looking at us and we wanted to find out your thoughts. - Our thoughts? At first we thought it was some kind of freshman event and we turned around to read the sign. - And if you could see the virus by the naked eye, would you be more aware? How do you think? - Yes, definitely we would be more aware. - Thank you very much. - You are welcome.
After seeing these girls at the bus stop not wearing face coverings we approached them to find out why they are not obeying the governments’ rules. - Can you guess why we are dressed up like this? - Something about blood maybe? - Not really. We are dressed like that to represent COVID-19. Do you think that you are protecting yourself enough during this pandemic? - We are following the recommendations, washing our hands often, wearing masks etc. - But why are you currently not wearing a mask even though there are many people around and it is mandatory to wear them in a bus stop? - We think that it is not necessary in this case and as much protection as we do now is enough.
We sat next to a stranger and he was not happy about it at all. - Is that some kind of a joke? - Would you mind if we would ask you some questions? - I would not. - Did we disturb you? - A little. - Next question is : if coronavirus particles would be visible by the naked eye would you try to protect yourself more? - Am I not protecting myself now? I was sitting here alone before you approached. If I would have known that you are going to sit next to me, I would have put on my mask. (Didn’t put on his mask during the whole conversation and it is a public space where anyone could sit next to him without asking in advance.)
- We mean would you try to protect yourself more if you would see the real threat? Not necessarily by wearing masks. - I think yes, I would. - Thank you for your time.
- Why are you sitting here without a mask, aren’t you afraid? - I am not. - Why are you not afraid? - I am more scared when women dressed like that come to me. - Understandable. But if coronavirus would become visible just like we are now, would you be more cautious? - I am just sitting here, why should I wear a mask? - We are not judging you by any means. We are just curious if you would protect yourself more if you could see the real threat. - We do not care about the coronavirus, because we are young and strong and it won’t affect us.
Girls saw us and initiated the conversation : - Why are you dressed up like that? - We wanted to dress up like a coronavirus to see if people would care more about the current situation if the virus was visible. Right now it is invisible by the naked eye, however it still can be around us anytime. Would you personally protect yourself more if you could see it yourself? - Maybe we would try to protect ourself more if we would know someone who got sick from this virus. For example, like from cold. We just know it is real, because we've seen our families get cold and so on. Now this coronavirus just doesn't seem real.
In the second part, we observed human reactions during our usual behaviour and while violating people’s personal space. After a long walk we felt thirsty, so we went to the store to buy some drinks. We walked close to the people, we‘ve even tried to get to the same place where people were already standing, thus pushing them out of their comfort zone. Some were abundantly staring.
We sat on a bench to rest in a public place. There were a lot of people around. One man walked around and watched us for maybe 15 minutes - he kept turning to us and then walking away then coming back again and so on.
As we walked down the street the we saw that these guys could not stop looking at us. So we stopped to talk to them. - Why did you stare at us like that? - Because you're dressed up like this. Very bright. And creating this noise. - Oh, okay. - Where are you going? To the club? - Yeah, yeah (joking). Actually we would like to ask you, would you be more aware and cautious if you would see the real thread by the naked eye? - Yes, for sure.
We went to the bar to get some drinks and only later while watching the video we‘ve noticed that the bartender was secretly watching us constantly. We wonder what was on his mind. Afterwards we passed by one club and decided to
come
priceless.
in.
Bartenders’
reactions
were
In the Moniuškos park, we sat down next to the guy trying to violate his personal space. The guy moved to another table because of discomfort and confusion, but we followed him anyway and sat down next to him again.
Then he decided to talk to us and asked why are we dressed up like that. We’ve decided to pretend that we don’t think this outfit is something extraordinary and answered that we just wanted to. Shortly we left leaving him completely confused and all the people around staring at us even more.
This woman praised us for dressing up like this and said that we looked like cranberries. She was in a hurry and ran away fast enough, but we had enough time to say that our intention was not cranberries. We’ve met many people who were staring at us during our journey.
While we waited for the green traffic light, the photographers took photos of us.
We were also noticed on social networks.
Vilnius city photographer (Vincas Alesius) took a photo and uploaded it into Facebook. This photo received nearly
500
reactions
and
35
comments.
People also started uploading our photos to the Facebook story - there people recorded how we drove on public transport.
About our experiences • The outfit was uncomfortable, we felt like robots... • With the mask on, no one saw who we really were. So, it gave us the confidence and an opportunity to act bolder. • We went out of our comfort zone completely. • It was very annoying when absolutely everyone was staring at us. After a couple of hours we’ve got used to it a little. • It was funny when some people put on their masks immediately after seeing us. • It was weird, when some people were scared of us and barely talked. Then we felt like bad guys. • When we needed to speak, words got stuck. • We noticed that some people were more conscious than others. Some tried to show that they cared by putting on a mask, even if it was for the image, while others simply claimed that they are not afraid of anything and that showed their indifference. • We laughed a lot ☺ • It was weird when people filmed us, photographed us, and especially when they tried to do that secretly.
Greta VasilkovaitÄ— 2. Supply Chains
Introduction By the Cambridge dictionary, supply chains are explained this way: "the system of people and things that are involved in getting a product from the place where it is made to the person who buys it". In other words, it is a network between product suppliers and consumers. This network involves a great deal of planning and structuring in an effort for it to function successfully. Over disaster events, a supply chain can be highly disrupted. Any change or crisis, natural or mankind, local or global, can negatively impact the supply network. Whether it is a hurricane, pandemic, or a flood it will surely disrupt some supply chains mostly by unbalanced supply and demand. Raw material suppliers are such organizations who provide manufacturers or producers with a primary product. For example, farming, mining for minerals, drilling for oil or gas, cutting timber, raising animals. Manufacturers use raw material supplies and produce finished goods. Distributors are companies that take the finished product and deliver it to a retailer.
Retailers are organizations that take the delivered finished goods, stock them and sell in smaller quantities.
A costumer is the final end of the supply chain. They buy a product in order to consume it.
The goal of the research At the time of disaster events, it is essential to analyze the emerged situation. With the intention to do so, the research is directed to the response and adaptation after the disaster had struck. One of the fundamental aspects of the successful disaster response measures is managing the supply chain. The research is aimed to understand how supply chain components and members maintain an effective network. It is done by investigating three vital points of the chain during the calamity: 1) food, 2) supply, 3) money. To get a better understanding of the aspects and depth of the theme it was important to use different means of analysis: 1. The research about supply chains; 2. Real-life experience of one of the aspects; 3. Survey - 18 people COVID-19 experiences; Data of participants: •
In total 18 people
•
From Lithuania
•
Age groups: o 0 – 30: 6 people o 30 – 60: 6 people o 50 - 100: 6 people
4. Interview with a supply chain member; Farmer: Dairy farmer 5. The conclusion – the concept.
2.1 Food
The main concern following a natural disaster such as pandemic, hurricane, wildfire, and so on is safe food and water supplies. Successfully managing the food supply chain can reduce stress, worry, and inconvenience. One of the most vulnerable members of the food supply chain is the consumers. In case of disaster, if some part in the supply network is not working, when it can lead to starvation, a spike in prices, etc.
Demand and supply of food Consumers hoarding food and ingredients contributes to food security challenges and created waste as products deteriorate. The act of hoarding could potentially impact our communities as supply chains struggle to maintain usual levels. According to the survey, younger people tend not to hoard that much as older generations. But the majority does buy more food than is recommended.
Did you buy more food during quarantine? 7 6 6 5 4
4
4 3 2
2
2
1 0 0
0-25
25-50 yes
no
50-75
Empty shelves in stores Consumers around the world were rushing to grocery stores to stock up long-lasting food items and basics. And it resulted in supply chain disruption, visible in shops, when supply does not meet demand. Most of the interviewed people also encountered this type of supply chain disruption. Hoarding example in Lithuania. @lrt.lt
Have you encountered empty shelves in stores?
NO
YES
Food delivery During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were quarantined, so they were not allowed to leave their homes. Naturally, there was a spike in food delivery. Delivering companies, such as Lithuanian brand BARBORA had record-high orders. Many people lost their jobs due to disaster, but food delivery also created many new job positions.
On the other hand, it only partially covered the problem. As in the event of disasters, delivery companies are not always available, then it is suggested to contact your family, friends, or neighbors for help bringing the groceries you need. BARBORA food delivery truck in Lithuania. @E. BlaĹževiÄ?
Logistics of deliveries To investigate how members of the supply chain work it is necessary to be involved yourself. A great role in the supply chains is played by logistics - the management of physical, informational, and human flows. To analyze the infrastructure of logistics in the supply chain I participated in driving with the courier who works at ZitiCity.
ZitiCity Logo
For one evening on September 2nd, 2020, I accompanied a courier. The company specializes in item delivery on the same day or even at the same hour. Couriers deliver food, shipments, flowers, correspondence - everything in the same city. Working with the courier. @Greta VasilkovaitÄ—
To truly be involved and investigate it is not enough to be an observer, it is also essential to participate yourself. For example, deliver the parcel from the shop to the customer's door.
Greta VasilkovaitÄ— delivering parcels @Dominyka IvanovskytÄ—
The route The delivered parcel @Greta VasilkovaitÄ—
Courier routes
We spent 3 hours driving around the city (from 6 pm to 9 pm). In that time there were 3 available deliveries. Which takes on average 10 minutes to deliver. The remaining time we had to spend waiting for the orders.
Supply chains have many members and aspects to it. As it is so complex, I got a chance to investigate one part of the chain - logistics of deliveries. Only in one day, it became clear that it has a huge effect on the environment as driving around the city back and forth with a car does a lot of harm. Although it is comfortable for people to get parcels, such as food, fast. It has a huge impact on a global scale - from sourcing raw materials to create products, to how finished products are transported to their final distributor, the supply chain can utilize many valuable, non-renewable resources during each step of the way.
Food banks Also, many seniors who are unable to prepare their meals, have no family members or caregivers to help them, have a high chance of starvation. With the intention of helping elders or less affluent people, some local food banks are able to deliver home. Food bank charity. @15min.lt
To reduce the impact of disasters and to maintain the national network many people gather to help to respond a disaster and it helps to keep the supply chain moving. People show solidarity, reciprocity, strong values in the toughest times. Volunteers. @Jurgita GrigelytÄ— After the start of quarantine due to the threat of coronavirus, volunteers of the Lithuanian Red Cross, Gediminas Legion, Lithuanian Riflemen's Union, Silver Line, and other organizations began to gather, but there is a lack of people to help resist COVID19. In response to this situation, the Youth in Action Association has launched a platform that is expected to help streamline the search and registration of volunteers.
Food supply chain members helping each other Equally important supply chain members are manufacturers and product suppliers. During disasters, whether it is a hurricane, tornado, or outbreak like COVID-19 – can have a disastrous effect on small or medium food providing businesses. All types of disasters can end smaller businesses if they and the government are not prepared efficiently. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania retail chain Maxima together with half a hundred major Lithuanian manufacturers has reduced the regular prices of as many as 500 popular Lithuanian products. "Together for Lithuania" aim is to make the products produced in Lithuania even more attractive to customers, and the growing demand for them would stimulate production - it would help the Lithuanian economy. Lowered prices in Lithuania @Delfi In America, examples show how medium companies work together in order to keep the supply chain moving. Shortly after Hurricane Harvey companies like Bimbo Bakeries USA, Harris Baking Co., Hugg & Hall Equipment Co., Peppersource, and Tyson Foods worked together to efficiently maximize relief efforts.
2.2 Supply
Repurposing production during disasters Supplies during the disaster events are a critical aspect of response and adaptation. Companies must quickly respond to the crisis and show solidarity to face it together. Oftentimes during such events, the manufactures must reorient their businesses to serve the citizens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies across Europe changed their production with aim of reaching the demand of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and other medical devices. Distilleries or textile companies have the chance to repurpose
in
order to produce needed products, for instance, hand disinfectants, masks, protective gowns. Lithuanian textile company repurposed to make masks @15min.lt •
Germany: Company: BASF. Regular production: chemicals Corona response: around the world distributed free of charge masks and disinfectants Capacity: support with ca. 100 million euros to fight the pandemic through
•
Company: Philips Regular production: health technology company Corona response: ramping up ventilator production Capacity: from 1,000 to 2,000 ventilators per week
Supplies for response
As the coronavirus outbreak has spread and its humanitarian impact has grown, retailers have stepped up their efforts to provide consumers with essential goods and to protect the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve. Given the alarming exponential increase of infection rates across the globe, sustained community masking in public is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19 and continue the supply chain working, even as situations vary around the world. Due to disinformation, people tend not to listen to requirements given and even protest wearing masks. Protestors against masks. @ Cheney Orr
Do you agree with requirement to wear a mask?
NO
YES
Bigger part of interviewed people agreed that until we have vaccines or medicines to fight COVID-19, face coverings are one of the best tools we have – particularly where social distancing is not practical to continue the supply chain and the world working.
2.3 Money
Financial support for citizens and businesses Following an event like a virus, earthquake, flood, or tornado, the government may declare an area a natural disaster and allow individual assistance for those affected. Many citizens, businesses and other can qualify for disaster help with food, bills, unemployment, tax relief, and more.
Lost jobs The supply chain network can be disrupted by the loss of jobs after the disaster. The financial changes create a hole in the chain as it no longer is balanced.
How did your financial situation change?
50-75
25-50
0-25
0
1
2 DIDN'T CHANGE
3
4 GOT WORSE
5 GOT BETTER
6
7
Older interviewed people claimed that during the pandemic their financial status did not change. A similar situation is with middle-aged interviewers - their situation remained the same, and 2 people claimed that it got worse. But the younger side of questioned people revealed that their financial situation got worse.
Financial aid
During the COVID-19 crisis the Lithuanian government approved financial assistance and support measures for employees, the self-employed, people who lost their jobs and employers after quarantine. Most of these measures will be in place temporarily, that is, until the country succeeds in recovering from the shock of the coronavirus pandemic.
For example, selfemployed people received a benefit of â‚Ź 257 two months after quarantine, incapacity for work and Recipients of other social insurance pensions and social assistance benefits EU economic response @European Commission
received a sum of EUR
200. During emergencies and quarantine, support would continue without a separate request.
Many business financial support measures are available to EU businesses. Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the government declares their location to be a major disaster area.
Interview with a dairy farmer Farmer: Auksė Čečetienė, Dairy farm, Lithuania, Alanta Interviewer: Greta Vasilkovaitė, student
Interviewer: Were you prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic? What was the most difficult part of adaptation? Farmer: No, our farm was not prepared for the pandemic that suddenly appeared. Although it did not quite change our work environment, we had to learn a new way of communicating with workers,
Interview with dairy farmer. @Greta Vasilkovaitė
but other than that, we had very little aspects to adapt to.
Interviewer: What other measures (supplies) did you have to take place in the supply chain? Farmer: One of the measures to go through this disastrous event was having to keep the distance from workers who work on a farm. We were used to driving in the same vehicles, communicating daily. During a pandemic, it was necessary to protect yourself and others. The drivers delivering dairy production didn't get out of the car picking up the product - we would attach the dairy pump machines ourselves. In other words, that was not hard to adapt, surely, the communication changed, but we are managing to go through it.
Interviewer: Did you struggle financially? Did the government provide for your financial recovery? Farmer: Our farm did not struggle financially during a pandemic. Inevitably, we had new challenges, but they did not have heavy consequences. Although the demand for milk stayed pretty much the same, a few months ago the price manufacturers were willing to pay dropped. Eventually, it would have developed into a problem, but the government provided our and other farms with financial aid. These budget funds were allocated to reduce the negative consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine for the agricultural farms. And it worked, now the situation is normalizing again.
2.4 The concept
Goal The goal is to document what the sustainable supply chain would look like. From raw materials to a consumer the process is as close as possible zero-waste, biodegradable, from vegan products. Transportation is strictly limited to bikes, non-electrical scooters, or simply going on foot. The product to be used for disaster event response is a candle. A necessity at home at all times.
Raw supplier To produce a candle, it was necessary to find a supplier, whose products were ecologically friendly. Soycandles.lt sells vegetable wax in the form of chips with soya-derived additives. Which is not tested on animals, easily decomposes and can be the wax reused. The logistics also had to be friendly for the environment, so it was appropriate not to use a car, public transport, or another means of a vehicle. For the length of the distance, it was suitable to go by bike. Data: •
Distance: 53.74 km
•
Time: 5hrs 39 mins
•
Average pace 9.5 kmph
•
Calories burned: 3559
Data
Data gathered by FitBit app and smart wristband.
Experiences Most of the way while driving to pick up the supplies the bike line was missing, or it would not be built properly. Although it was quite easy to navigate around the city (picture 1), but rather difficult when out of the city (pictures 2, 3, 4). To take a break, there were a few charming places to stay (pictures 5, 6, 7).
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 5
Picture 3
Picture 6
Picture 4
Picture 7
Manufacture Time spent producing candles: making the candle 45 minutes Time solidifying: 12 hrs
1 kg of soy wax and wicks
Melting process 1
Pouring wax into the container
Melting process 1
Melting process 1
Setting was secured with pencils
Experiment Before going into the next supply chain step, it is required to test the product. In total there were made six candles, one of them will be put to the test for one night, and the other 5 will be sold. Candles will be tested for one evening as if the disaster event is happening – no electricity, no flashlights, just candlelit surrounding, and the necessary evening activities.
Late night snacks
Doing chores
Evening activities 1
Evening activities 2
After testing the candles, the product was ready to get to another stage - retail. The marketing was placed online. The product was uploaded to Facebook Market Place.
Facebook marketplace
The consumer got the natural product in a half an hour, delivered by bike.
Delivery route
Delivering the parcel
The conclusion
The goal of the research was to create and analyze how would completely sustainably supply chain would work. Adapting it during the COVID-19 pandemic. The product made on this supply chain was candles. Some data from the research: 1. There were made 6 candles 2. One was put to the test, others were intended to be sold 3. The supply chain in total took 18 hrs and 45 mins to make 4. In total 9 euros was spent on materials
In the research, it became clear that it can take more time to create a sustainable supply chain, but it is important to take steps towards that direction. Responding to a disaster is also preventing another one. It is possible to create the response measures waste-free, vegan, and from biodegradable materials.
3. Transportation
Introduction
Transportation is defined as a movement of goods, humans or animals from one point to another. In our following text we will focus on the transportation of people which is possible with different means of transport. The transportation system which is considered as the life line of urban areas is an important part of urban development. In the event of disaster transportation plays a significant role in every phase (pre-disaster phase, during disaster and post disaster phase) covering a wide range of issues such as search, rescue, relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation. The following text records the changes of the transportation system during the Covid 19 pandemic, focusing on the new situation for pedestrians and cyclists, the public transportation system, taxi services, car and truck drivers as well as the changes in the air transportation system. Trough a survey we captured the general mood of citizens regarding the safety measures and the restrictions taken by the government.
Ressource objectives ➢ How did the transportation system in Lithuana react to the pandemic? ➢ Comparison Lithuania and Germany
Similarities and differences with the handling of Covid19
What problems do people face?
➢ How can we improve the transportation system for future disasters
3.1. Means of transportation during Covid19
1. Pedestrians and cyclists ➢ Due to Corona a project (that was set for the next year) was already finished this year in Vilnius Old Town. They divided in four one way traffic zones; on the map below colored in dark blue, light blue, brown and light brown. Traffic between the zones will not be possible.
The changes: ➢ Speed limit 20 km/h ➢ 4 streets freed for pedestrians ➢ Bicycle traffic is now allowed in both directions The benefits: ➢ less car traffic, noise and cleaner air ➢ more appealing leisure time ➢ Support of cyclists and pedestrians Till now people couldn’t really feel any affects yet and have trouble finding the right entrances and exits of the loops. The Mayor of Vilnius asked them to be patient.
2. Bus and train Measures: ➢
Face mask obligation
➢
Marking tapes at busstations
➢
No access to the driver
➢
Ticket purchase only via „Trafi“
➢ Hand sanitizers in every bus and trolleybus
➢ Inspectors monitored bus stops in high intensity (so people could plan their trip at the least visited hours)
3. Taxi Services We interviewed a BOLT-Driver with the following questions (original language; Lithuanian, we translated it analogously into English):
a.How have the traveling routes, working hours changed? Routes – hasn‘t changed, working hours – 10.00-19.00 (night shift is gone, but not for everyone). b. Has the number of employees decreased? The number of employees hasn‘t changed, but it‘s too much employees for Bolt food. c. What safety measures are being taken?
Face masks and disinfectants. d. Has anyone gotten Covid19 during working hours? (You/coleagues) No. e. Has the number of passengers decreased? The number of passengers decreased but not much. f. What new additions come up in the work place at the start of Covid19? Some drivers are seperated from passengers with plastic sheet. (Protect bolt) g. How would you describe the percentage of people who are taking appropiate safety measures during the pandemic? 85-90 % h. How do you feel knowing that there is global pandemic while being in a work environment? I feel safe. i. Have was there ever a need to take the Covid19 test during work hours? (If so – how many times) Not yet. Our Conclusion: ➢ Night shift is controlled ➢ Too much employees for „Bolt food“ ➢ Night shift is controlled ➢ Bolt protect service ➢ 85-90% passengers follow restrictions so drivers are feeling safe
4. Car traffic ➢
No safety restrictions during the pandemic
➢
Safest way to travel during a pandemic
➢
Limitations: Road work, Bike-lanes, Restructuring city centers
5. Trucks We interviewed two truck drivers travelling through Europe. The first truck driver who travels in Germany/Belgium/Nytherlands for CM logistik (the interview was taken on the phone because he had to isolate for 2 weeks): a. Has the number of employees decreased? The number of employees hasn‘t decreased. b. What safety measures are being taken? Not able to get out of the truck, there is extra employees in the terminals to help fill documents without direct contact with other people. c. Has anyone gotten Covid19 during working hours? (You/coleagues) One colleague gotten Covid19 but not at close environment. d. Has the number of exported goods decreased? The number of exported goods decreased especially from China, the number of imported goods decreased from Europe. e. What new additions come up in the workplace at the start of Covid19? To avoid a physical contact with people there is monitors installed. The public places like WC and showers – for free. f. How would you describe the percentage of people who are taking appropiate safety measures during the pandemic? 30% g. How do you feel knowing that there is global pandemic while being in a work environment? Feeling stressful but safe. h. Was there ever a need to take a Covid19 test during work hours? There is a need to take the Covid19 test for private people not for drivers, sometimes they check temperature.
The second driver frequently drives through France/Italy/Spain (we sent the questions via gmail): a. How have the traveling routes, working hours changed? Routes didn‘t changed. Well, at least our company did not face any traffic restrictions due to Covid-19. The main problem was the inability of third-country drivers to move freely (To go home or from home to work due to restrictions on passengers on international and even domestic routes. b. Has the number of employees decreased? The number of employees hasn‘t decreased. c. What safety measures are being taken? Drivers are allowed only in a specially adapted room where they are admitted to a special window lit for safety glass. It is mandatory to wear masks and disinfect hands in this room and follow other safety requirements. Vehicles are disinfected during driver changes. Understandably, every driver, during his working hours, follows hygienic norms. d. Has anyone gotten Covid19 during working hours? (You/coleagues) No. e. Has the number of exported goods decreased? The field of work of our company is the transportation of powdery food products. There are two lines. One works in Western Europe and the other in the Baltics. So the first has very little to do with exports. But there was less cargo coming from Lithuania. The volume of goods exported on the Baltic line didn’t change. We have worked and are working now at full capacity. f. What new additions came up in the workplace at the start of Covid19? Work from home for office employees. g. How would you describe the percentage of people who are taking appropriate safety measures during the pandemic? 70%
h. How do you feel knowing that there is global pandemic while being in a work environment? Since we didn‘t have 19 cases of COVID even during the epidemic in countries such as France, Italy, Spain and others, we are relatively calm. i. Was there ever a need to take the Covid19 test during work hours? (If so – how many times) Drivers don‘t need to take tests when entering other countries. j. Please provide pictures of the routes (before and after Covid-19). First map: route from 2020.03.01 to 2020.03.31 Second map: route from 2020.08.01 – 2020.08.31
Conclusion: No substantial changes
6. Airplanes We interviewed a worker from ELSA: JSC „ELSA“ is a General Aviation aircraft maintenance company, which provides aircraft repair solutions and services. The company matches the requirements for certification of aircraft maintenance organization PART 145. JSC „ELSA“ is an approved EASA Part-M Subpart G organisation that can provide full continuing airworthiness management service for the aircraft and keep the aircraft airworthy all time. a. How have the traveling routes, working hours changed? It hasn‘t changed. b. Has the number of employees decreased? The number of employees hasn‘t decreased. c. What safety measures are being taken? Disinfectants. d. Did anyone get infected by Covid19 during working hours? (You/colleagues) No. e. Has the number of passengers decreased? Yes. f. Did your company provide additional safety measures at your work place due to Covid19? There are no new additions in the work place. g. How high would you rate the percentage of people who take appropiate safety measures during the pandemic? Probably 40% of the customers. h. How do you feel knowing that there is global pandemic while being in a work environment? Safely and calm. i. Was there ever a need to take the Covid19 test during work hours? No, not yet. The worker couldn’t provide picture of the workplace, because it‘s forbidden to take pictures with aircraft numbers.
We took some photos from inside of an airport during Corona through a journey with Baltic airline starting from Lithuania (marked with an L) to Riga (marked with an R) to Munich (marked with an M).
L1
L2
L3
L4
L6
L7
L5
L8
L9
L 10
L 12
L 11
R1
R2
R3
M2 M3
M1
M4
Conclusion: ➢ Empty hallways, just a few passengers ➢ Many and overwhelming restrictions ➢ Some people don’t obey the mask obligation
3.2 Comparison Lithuania and Germany
1. Restrictions: Lithuania
Germany
Entry from risk area:
Entry from risk area:
(for foreigners: 25 cases per 100000
(50 cases per 100000 citizens)
citizens,
Positive test-result: 14 days of isolation
for lithuanians: 16 cases per 100000
Negativ test-result: no consequences
citizens) 14 days of isolation Entry from non-risk area:
Entry from non-risk area
If symptoms occur National Public
No consequences
Health Centre will give further instructions Public transportation:
Public transportation:
Mask obligation
Mask obligation
Distance
Distance
Disinfectants
Wash your hands frequently
Border controls
Travel warnings (no consequences)
Conclusion: ➢ Stricter entry requirements in Lithuania ➢ Consequences for disobeying the restrictions are harder and more expensive in Lithuania ➢ Differences between the „Länder“ in Germany make the situation unclear
2. Survey: The survey compares the countries Lithuania and Germany, regarding changed travelling behaviour, satisfaction with the measurements and how people feel with the restriction in transportation services. The goal is to analyse peoples’ problems with the restrictions, to detect ways of improvement for both countries and that both countries can learn from each other. In the following we will show some of the questions we asked people on the streets (where we tried to cover all age groups). First tables always contain answers from lithuanian citizens, the second table contains the answers from german citizens.
➢ Before the pandemic people in Germany use their bicycle more often than Lithuanians, while Lithuanians use taxi services more often than Germans ➢ The most used mean of transportation in Lithuania is walking by foot ➢ The most used mean of transportation in Germany is driving by car
➢ During the pandemic Lithuanians still walk by foot most often ➢ During the pandemic Germans the most used mean of transportation is still the car ➢ In both countries the airplane use goes down to 0% ➢ The biggest difference compared to “before the pandemic” is the decline of people using public transportation
Do you agree with the restriction in public transport?
➢ In both countries most people agree to the restrictions or want to have even more restrictions, which means people understand the urgency and importance of them ➢ Only a few amount of people preferred different restrictions or disagree with them
Do people obey these restrictions in your vicinity?
➢ Statistically half of the people in Lithuania obey the restrictions not fully or not at all ➢ Statistically 83% people in Germany obey the restrictions not fully or not at all ➢ If measures that are taken for the security of people are not met, their safety (and in this case everybodys safety) is at risk
Conclusion: ➢ People respect measurements taken in the transportations system in both countries and claim to use less public transportation to keep their distance ➢ On the one hand they understand and agree with the restrictions or think it would be good to have even more restrictions in local and far travelling ➢ On the other hand people in both countries (apparently expecially in Germany) think, that the people surrounding them don’t take the measures seriously The reason for that behaviour could be due to the high amount of changes each country is going trough in the transportation system and the obscurity of the measurements. People are scared to get infected in public places, but while using public transportation most of them don’t follow the restrictions correctly (e.g not covering mouth and nose or keeping their mask in their hand instead of using it) and apparently not intentionally. To ease the situation a bit we invented the disinfectant shower that is supposed to give travellers an “all-around protection” during their time in public transport. Since we touch surfaces not only with hands but also with our clothes and shoes, it‘s important to also wash our clothes when we come back home.
3.3 Final product: The disinfectant shower Things we needed: 5 wooden boards (3 metres length), Flexible plastic tube (6 metres), needle, syringe, 8 metal angles, board for the title, screwdriver, screws, disinfectant, lighter
We cut wooden boards into 2 and 1 metres, then strengthened them with metal angles and screws. After that attached syringe and made holes in tube. Print the title and stick to the board, attached tube and title to the wooden frame. Only thing you need to use “Disinfection shower‘‘ – too press syringe and disinfectant is spraying.
Passengers looked surprised with this construction, most of them were even too scared to try it. We found one volunteer to evaluate the ,,Disinfection shower‘‘.
Conclusion
During the Covid 19 pandemic especially public transportation systems were affected by most restrictions, because it is usually an area where governments are not able to ensure the safety of their population. The transportation system that usually connects people all over the world turns in this kind of disaster into a dangerous place with high infection possibility. On the other side the limitation of people using public transport and public spaces holds a big chance for restructuring streets, city centres, bus, train and car routes. Many cities took the opportunity to introduce and support environmentally friendly options for the public use. Although Lithuania and Germany took different measures the citizens of each country reacted similar to them. Overall people are overwhelmed by the new and unfamiliar transportation situation but understand and mostly agree with the restrictions they have to face. The biggest problem for the majority is the fear that others will not obey these restrictions.
Alexandra Amann-Schmitt, Toma Tamošiūnaitė, Dominykas Špogis
4.Digital Infrastructure
Fig.1 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2Fdigital-infrastructure%
Digital infrastructure comprises the physical resources that are necessary to enable the use of data, computerized devices, methods, systems and processes. Digital infrastructure has become indispensable to the functioning of society and the quality of life of its citizens. In today’s world it has not been just limited to websites or selling online, but much more like configuration, logistics, secured payment gateway and more…. And this all might accelerate ecommerce processes to meet customer expectations. What other things does it include-Internet, Broadband, Mobile networks, Communications satellites, Data centres, End-user devices, Internet of Things (IoT), Ecommerce, Applications (‘apps’), API integration, The Cloud and etc…...
4.1 E-commerce E-commerce (electronic commerce) is the activity of electronically buying or selling of products on online services or over the Internet. Electronic commerce draws on technologies such as mobile commerce, electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data
collection systems. E-commerce is in turn driven by the technological advances of the semiconductor industry, and is the largest sector of the electronics industry. 4.11 E-Shopping
Brief timeline can be seen how online platforms were adapted in human history resulting in every requirement we can imagine money exchange, food, clothes, shelter, or everything got digitalised before we step into pandemic. But with every problem comes the solution and so thus we had it before just now we are implying. For ex. E learning which came around 10 years a go but wasn’t practice efficiently but now has to be used. 4.12 Retailers getting their business online this conversion become trend
Fig. 2 Photographed by Prabhansh Lashkar, the main objective was to shop retail stores and influence of globalization Affecting their name to websites
Digital marketing or advertising becoming much popular. According to Google, The usage of data through smartphones are 77%, 43% and 30% for Business, purchasing, locations and others respectively.
The results from graph can be reasonable as increased investment provides bigger returns through digital marketing platforms.
In percent usage 100 80 60 40 20 0 Business
Purchasing Location and others In percent usage
Fig.3 Graph showing statistics
Retailers are keeping track of their products in stock and making accessible to consumers with almost no effort. This online retailers provide their service by giving all information like store name, location, contacts and much more. This become increasing reason for consumer to use search engine for this purpose. Some of this retailers also participate in events, fair or campaigns which inspire more local shoppers to get in it. This is also done by promoting themselves through discounts, promotions, vouchers or etc. Though it have its own drawback like a shopper not getting digitalised maybe out of market.
Fig.4. Clicked in Vilnius Event Above picture is clicked by Prabhansh Lashkar in Vilnius at a time of traditional event, the main purpose is to show this picture is about how art shop with its name has attached website. It has not become trend but a 2nd source income for many while for many it also has become curse. And in similar way more pictures are clicked, the motive is to show the shop with web connections and how its been become easy for both provider and consumer to contact. Since finding way to buy or sell is not a big deal now a days but what’s more
important is to advertise it. In financial term it can be understood as a term leverage which depend on work done. For ex. Painter who earns 500$/week gets fix amount of money since leverage is set to 1, but the same painter will most probably will get paid more if also works online. Income=Rate* Wage *Leverage (generally 1 for fix jobs but differs in online shopping) Though digital art, graphic designing and more techs are taking part off fine arts due to which more scope of digital media is increasing but still some of the other way solutions have been put up to keep fine arts alive just like above example. And like that traditional markets also become much popular as they map within social media which help them to go more advertised.
Fig.5 Photo is clicked in Kaveriju Market, Vilnius Picture clicked by Prabhansh Lashkar at Kalveriju Turgus Market, Vilnius. The reason behind to click this picture was to see whether at time of resilience. But its clearly seen that it works nicely to increase resilience. Hence, not just online platforms but also offline markets work very well. 4.2 Online Pharmacy E-shopping is becoming so vast that anything a person can assume can be ordered, And so thus pharma industries had make it much possible at any time of disaster. Pill Pack, an independently operated subsidiary of Amazon, is a pharmacy that makes it simple to take the right medications at the right time. They combine convenient packaging, modern technology, and personalized service to create a system that enables people to take the right medications every day, this means they can spend less time dealing with errorprone pill boxes or manual solutions and more time doing the things they enjoy.
Fig.6 Photo is clicked in Vilnius Event.
Fig.7 pcmag.com A lot of companies are growing like pill pack to held in market place which is helpful at time of disaster, one of the example can be seen above. By providing healthcare training and expanding the healthcare workforce, cities can also reduce unemployment and decrease the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic. Providing training online cannot just be less time consuming but also more productive and safe at time of disaster. For ex. Healthcare training at the time of pandemic not just reduced health risks but also helped in providing employment to newbies for supplies like, masks, thermometer, etc‌ online. But this also caused a lot to retailer chemists to lower sells. Changes after digitalization (also at time of disaster)Growing no. of Organizations or build-ups which use technology more then employees. Aesthetics is not priority for storage centres. Increase in transportation and the hallways because of growth in logistics(less probable) Infrastructure should be flexible that it does not become disadvantage for other community while providing advantage to one community, in this age of globalization. Still Basic necessities will not fully depend on e-services. So less but enriched stores can or should be locate do that at the time of disaster just like funds, e-shopping would be less reliable. Increased no. of isolating department or spaces like that lead to convert stadiums, hotels, schools, hostels etc. for use of isolation use. So a multifunctional government building can be made in order to get people in isolation ward, which later can be used for some other purpose.
Fig.8, 9, 10, 11 The images took from internet shows the online grown business, Resilience, and job stats.
Due to this more exposure to eshops and online platforms, the risk of get infected also grown in workplaces due to which many companies have to spend a lot on precautions like sanitizing while sealing products, masks and gloves used while contact. Though it got high resistance in start of this pandemic main reason is that we could buy or sell stuffs in very short period of time, more efficiently, it become vast in size due to online platform which connects business around world with less efforts.Moreover, internet become more reliable source for income, education, food, profession and etc. this helped in growing graph of users in investors, freelancers, and more educational platforms remotely and this helped in increasing resilience.
Fig.12 Above picture is clicked in Akropolis Mall, where digital board is been seen as it keeps everyone aware of latest updates.
In any disaster its most important to have reliable on true knowledge which by media or government or newspaper like source provide us but this place is been also taken by Digital Media which not just help in get news but all precautions, measures and other actions to be taken at the time of epidemic. Though from a time last epidemic online education is been practised but no one knew that it would become so practical. At one point it has also become way out for opportunity for those who have to do meeting, which earlier had to travel from one place to another. 4.3 What can be developed? Though a lot is in process but with every problem comes solution depends on us whether we want to use it as a permanent or alternative. And just like this we got this time also when Corona changed the way of living and helped in many possibilities like online meet up, learning, and much more‌ which helped and will help in future for climate control, less emission, and tending to better world. The other major impact and influence in any disaster is on energy industries, so it can go much better and sustainable. If used wisely then it may later lead drone technology for different purposes. The expand of this ecommerce companies can be done in each continent in order to have balanced economy. Because most of the market have foundation in American companies, at time of event recession or something like that economy driven depends over it. Due to which economy become more dependent to foreign source rather then its own.
4.4 Data centers in pandemic
All roads lead to... energy-hungry data centres How can swimming pools make data centres more energy efficient? -finding the most efficient ways to cool data centres(in cold countries) -re-using the waste heat(by own) -powering them with green electricity.(wind and solar)
Things like facemask, sanitizer, and distancing become fundamental for living in social world, due to which less interactions between people at data centres were seen, resulting in more reliability on remote monitoring and automation technology. Because in worst case it can handle and take place of us. More focuses on securities from hacking It not just reduces human error but provide more precise services to users with less amount of time and money. less requirement of humans, not just matter in design but also functionality of buildings will matter. As Data centres are great consumer of energy more majors will be taken as a result more energy efficient designs will be created. As Data centres are great consumer of energy more majors will be taken as a result more energy efficient designs will be created.
Name, Company,
Why or why not online platform is good?
During Disaster
Scopes
Problems faced
Comments
Technology is driven by economy which might lead less to science.
Many online services improved.
Much automated structures can not just improve human devloopment but also less time consumption.
Money scams,
If use wisely can be productive which it is still.
Maybe if transferring of goods are made tax free or cheaper to transfer then
For individual its hard to pay for import/export tax for particular painting which not only lowers the demand but also exposure.
Its not like traditional shopping that u can look items at a same time and buy with real life experience.
Designatio n
Bhaskar Tak, IT and Telecomm unications, Student
Tadas, Artist(sellin g paintings)
To reach a broader market and get more exposure.
Data storage become todays treasure
In particular to pandemic Their were less sales
Data stealing can lead to cold war, fake news get amplitude And what will happen without internet???
there is a future of retailers. Anjandeep Singh, Jaspreet Enterprises private limited, Sales Manager
SyngyzKha n, Dagsa Logistics UAB,
Much preference is to the online market because of trust they have gained. Not online yet due to less developed automation sector.
Many services have been turning online. Though its either way fruitful business
But misleading can be harmful
Not most effective way for retailers.
During time of supplies within country have grown. Many new online pharmacies got business on boom, by just selling masks, sanitizer, or etc. essentials.
If in future transferring goods and services become part of digital world then it will be much cheaper and more efficient and working.
At time of recession GDP decreased due to which every person was suffered because of high tax over commodities(oil, petroleum etc‌.)
Online platforms are hard to compete by local markets or wholesalers.
Much care was taken but increase no. of medical and food supplies.
Services can be provide 24/7 with more no. of demand in scale.
More people get unemployed as day by day things improe
Though a lot have been done this field for transferring goods fastly, Drone technology can be future.
If people get same service and good then its better to go onliine
Sales Manager
4.5 Above Survey from people their views about ecommerce and digital infrastructure.
4.6 ConclusionBoth positive and negative -Helping innovation go up, but at same time in particular path just like E-commerce -Sustainability is getting in demand, at a same time less is spend on necessities. -Speed of ecommerce got boom, but people in need still didn’t get it, -Less human mistakes, but same time more dependence on digital devices. -People get employed, at a same time unemployment because of technical knowledge, - Resource for energy in more sustainable. -If used in right direction can be helpful for society but at same time if not used wisely, it can be destructive. -Working together became towards anything like envoirmental impact, pollution control, and etc. became much easier at anytime of disaster.
4.7 Innovation For Sustainable Future(Data walls) Aim-The main purpose of this experiment is to create a small scale part of wall, which can use external walls in northern countries for data storage and the heat released by it can be used in the same volume. Needs for experiment- Knife, ruler, scissor, glue, digital thermometer, double sided tap, thermal box for isolation or no heat exchange, laptop(storage device),etc. Process done- Simple thermal box is taken and laptop(storage device) size is been cut out in such way that the exhaust heat is thrown inside and the surface of laptop work as external wall. Then digital thermometer reading were taken as initials on room temperature. Now after taking the reading the thermometer was placed inside the thermal box. Now laptop was turned on very slow speed with least no. of applications, and slowly the heavy applications were run to observe the data storage to work and show results as assumed. The temperature in the box was increased above from expectations in such way that later checked with room temperature, it was almost same. Hence, the results were more interestingly undeniable source for work in future for not just still building structures but maybe for means of transportation. Result timeline-
1.
3.
2.
4.
5. (Highest temp. achieved)
6.
Final temperature after dropping it from normal water.
Conclusions- The very exciting results were achieved while doing experiment as in the field of data centers or digital infrastructure. And future possibility for innovations like this small sample wall could might turn into real building in wise manner which will help our ecology to get back in balance, and cause less disaster. Quote- Being sustainable is a true freedom other than getting way out of our problems( like, global warming, pollution, ecological disbalance and etc.) and all we need is innovative ideas‌. -Prabhansh Lashkar More detailed video of this experiment- https://youtu.be/M-s5cunuo08
Topic 5: Physical Infrastructure
Physical infrastructure – basic physical structures and systems required for society and economy to function and survive. These include water supply, air ventilation systems, heating and electrical systems. People can also be considered part of physical infrastructure, because they are needed for other systems to function. Due to the significance of physical infrastructure, measures should be taken to prevent them from malfunctioning in the event of a disaster.
Air Ventilation in Public Buildings An event that can have an effect on the usage of air ventilation – is a pandemic, such as Covid-19. During a pandemic public buildings should have air constantly circulating between the inside and outside. Air conditioning units and vents should regularly be cleaned to avoid virus survival within the system. The temperatures should be regulated to minimize the survival of viruses. Air ventilation systems in public buildings should use high efficiency filters to capture viruses.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are air filters that remove 99.95% of particles that are equal or larger than 0.3 Îźm from the air that is passing through. These filters are an industry standard and are used in medical facilities, food production and storage facilities, factories and other public buildings.
Water Supply During a pandemic the need for clean water increases, so public utility companies have to ensure that the water itself doesn’t get contaminated. They do this by treating raw water which comes from groundwater, lakes and rivers. Water treatment facilities are located close to the city or town in order to reduce the risk of water getting contaminated while being delivered between the facility and our homes.
Water Treatment The first step is clarification, which is the separation of particles from the water by sticking them together and then filtering them out in a sedimentation basin. The second step is filtration in which filters remove smaller particles from the water stream. The final step is disinfection which is usually achieved through the addition of chlorine or fluorine, which kill any bacteria or viruses.
Masks and Respirators In order to prevent further spread of a virus one of the first actions that should be taken is to supply medical workers with respirators and face protection equipment.
The general public should also be instructed to wear masks in public because it greatly decreases the risk of transmitting a disease by air. Medical masks are preferred but even non-medical fabric masks are effective.
Additional Solutions To Protect Physical Infrastructure During a Disastrous Event
Air Ventilation Other emergencies that could hinder the usage of air ventilation is a poisonous gas spillage or a fire inside a building. To understand how to counteract such events, I contacted a ventilation system professional. I was told that the standard procedure would be to turn off the intake of air from the outside, increase the output of air from the building, in order to reduce the circulation of contaminated air, or in the case of a fire – the amount of oxygen. Once the building is evacuated, specialists should deal with the spillage or fire. The system should then be cleaned or replaced to get rid of any leftover contaminants.
Water Supply The main threats for water supply systems are contamination and burst pipes. In case of these events, bigger cities should have multiple water treating plants, in this case, if one of them stops working, others could still supply the public with clean water. Smaller cities with a single water treatment facility, should still have backup water towers for water storage, so even if the main water tower or even the facility is damaged, there is still enough clean water for some time. If the entire water supply system fails there are still water filters that, while not as effective at cleaning water as treatment facilities, can still help people survive by filtering rain water or water from streams.
Electric grids The main threats to electric grid systems are natural disasters that could damage the power lines, such as earthquakes and storms. To counteract these threats, a power grid should have several “branches”, so if one power line is damaged the whole city doesn’t lose power. In the case of a power loss, facilities should use power generators, whish are usually run by gas and convert mechanical energy to electrical power.
6. Storage Storage is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a disaster. Everyone, from an ordinary person to a large company, knows that storing valuable resources, both physical and immaterial, can help survive global catastrophes, such as climate change, natural disasters, war. There are many ways how to store resources. Regular people stock food, supplies, while companies and governments establish institutions (for instance, seed banks or data centres) to survive a vast tragedy when all humanity is in danger. 6.1. Seed Banks What is a seed bank? When people get asked whether they know what a seed bank is, they rarely give a correct answer. To test the internet community’s knowledge of seed banks, a short survey was conducted, which included major questions about seed banks worldwide. Twenty-one people participated in this online survey from such countries as the USA, Australia, Colombia, UK, Sweden, Finland, Italy. To begin with, eleven people knew what a seed bank was, five were not sure, and five had not heard about the seed bank before. However, only three participants were able to provide an exact or brief location in their countries e.g. Millennium seed bank in Kew, UK, and somewhere in Arctic or Alaska; the majority could not give the location. Also, the participants were required to specify the reasons for the establishment of seed banks. The most popular answers were for the preservation of rare and endangered species, protection of food supplies in a case of disaster, and academic research, as well. In contrast, participants’ opinions varied when they were asked to suggest a possible location for a seed bank. Many guessed that the best place to keep the seeds was somewhere cold and dry, away from the disasters, though others stated that it is important to keep the seeds in a more populated area so that more personnel would be available to work at the seed bank and seeds could be easily transported from one point to another. Overall, the participants had a positive opinion on seed banks. They provided the advantages of a seed bank, for instance, the opportunity of research and the preservation of biodiversity. Nevertheless, the disadvantages included the security of the premises, and the need of power and financial resources. To conclude, no matter people’s age, education level, nationality, the participants showed that they had even the slightest idea what a seed bank is and what it is used for. It is clear that everyone
should be informed about the possibilities of the preparedness for the event of a disaster. According to Wikipedia, a seed bank stores seeds to preserve genetic diversity; hence it is a type of gene bank. The gene banks are the store houses of plant genetic resources, providing the raw material for the improvement of crops. There are over 1,700 this type of facilities throughout the world. The majority of them were established in order to gather the seeds for plant breeding and research. On the other hand, the purpose of seed banks are the conservation of native species and collection of seeds, which would restore food sources in a case of disaster, such as global warming or nuclear blast. Noah’s Ark And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. (Genesis 6:13). The Biblical story about Noah and his Ark can be considered not only as the first gene bank in the event of a disaster but as a prototype of functionalist architecture, as well. God instructed Noah to build a ship which could survive the Flood, which destroyed every living creature. However, the Ark more resembles a house or a box than a large boat, but layout, logistics and accommodation are considered for both. According to the Bible, the Ark was three hundred cubits in length, fifty cubits in width, and thirty cubits in height. Those dimensions are arguable since the cubit was a human measure equal to the length of the arm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, which varied from culture to culture and ranged from 444 to 529.2 mm. On average, the Ark had to be 150 m long, 25 m wide, 15 m tall. As far as the materials go, the vessel was built from wood and reeds, the spaces between the wood had to be insulated with pitch. The Ark was comprised of three floors and had a roof and small opening bellow it. The three floors symbolised a three-part Jewish universe: heaven, the earth, and the underworld. The upper floor – heaven – was reserved for Noah’s family and birds, household utensils, the middle floor was used for provisions and food supply, and other animals occupied the bottom floor. However, door placement was not clear: predominant opinion is that door had to be located on the smaller side, so it would not spoil the symmetry, though this placement could cause problems, such as tilting. Furthermore, the decks had a layout of cells for each animal specie. Many
historians and researches argue about the total capacity of the Ark since it is nearly impossible to fit two of every species of land animals – at the time of this story’s creation, the lists of existing animals were incomplete, they did not include animals from unexplored parts of the world.
Noah’s Ark. From John Wilkins, ‘An Essay towards a Real Character, and a Philosophical Language’ (1668)
52 m ~25 m
~150 m ~15 m
Noah’s Ark size comparison to Vilnius Bell tower.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault Located in a remote island, 800 km away from mainland Norway, Svalbard Global Seed Vault is one of the ways to prepare for a possible future disaster. The project, which was launched in 2008, has succeeded and now the Vault stores over a million seed samples of more than 5,000 plant species from all over the world.
The most important feature of this vault is its structure. The elongated facility is embedded into the mountain and contains space for safe seed keeping. Initially, the narrow entrance catches the eye of visitors and leads to a long corridor. This corridor was dug inside the permafrost to maintain the stable sub-zero temperature inside. It has a sleeve wrapped around it to protect the tunnel from erosion. The corridor ends with three identical vault rooms where seeds are kept. The rooms with airlock doors are 27 m long, 10 m wide and 6 m high, the seeds are stored on tall shelves. There are auxiliary premises for refrigeration and control, as well. The whole construction was built in a way to survive earthquakes and explosions, and the rise of sea level. The Vault is an experiment, which provides knowledge about seed preservation. Researchers have been trying to find the best practice for longer seed storing. In order to preserve the seeds, the storage rooms are cooled down to -18°C. The cooling devices get the electricity from a power plant in Longyearbyen, and in a case of a power outage, the electricity is provided by generators inside the facility. Additionally, the seeds are stored in moisture-resistant packets, which always remain unopened. Those packets are placed in sealed plastic or wooden boxes and stacked on the shelves. The Global Seed Vault is an international project, as well. The vault is open for every country, where they can keep as many seed samples as they want. The biggest contributors include USA, Mexico, Australia, Philippines, India. A notable example includes North Korea, which stores its seeds in the Vault. Furthermore, the Vault demonstrated its usefulness when one of the first emergencies happened in 2015. During the war, a major seed bank in Aleppo, Syria became inaccessible. Besides, the country decided to withdraw the seeds from the Global Seed Vault and establish additional banks in Lebanon and Morocco.
The entrance to the Vault. Photo by Riccardo Gangale
Seed storing. Photo by Riccardo Gangale
The interior of the Vault. The walls are frosted from the low temperature. Photo by Philip Sunden
The methods of seed storage: glass tubes and aluminum pouches. Photo by Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Entrance Corridor Vault rooms
Control room Refrigeration unit
Plan of the Vault
Lithuanian Plants Genes Bank In 2004, the Lithuanian Plants Genes Bank was established near Kėdainiai, Lithuania. The institution was created to collect, study and secure plant genetic resources, and provide the information about them. The plant seeds in this bank are kept in the freezers. Before storing, the seeds are dried for about two months. Then, the seeds are put inside sealed foild bags and then they are frozen in temperature of 18-20°C. In this way, seeds can be stored for twenty years. The seeds are checked every five or ten years to make sure they are still fertile. Now, there are more than 3,000 seed samples of 271 plant specie in the bank. The bank preserves crops, forest trees, medicinal, decorative and garden plants. The bank has a database, which can be accessed online. The database provides the name of the plant, origin location, date, donor name, and other information about specifications and usefullness of the plant.
Freezer where the seeds are kept. Photo by AGB
The refrigerator of Plant Genes Bank
Experiment This experiment aimed to see what it takes to prepare seeds for storage. This home-made seed bank was created according to instructions provided by Amy Grant from gardeningknowhow.com. Fully ripe red bell pepper was chosen for seed harvesting. The tiny seeds were removed from the vegetable and spread on the paper sheet to fully dry in a warm spot (the whole process of drying can take up to a few weeks), so the seeds would not rot. After drying, the seeds were placed in a closed glass jar (another storage method could be placing them in a sealed plastic bag within Tupperware container). Furthermore, the jar was labelled with the name of a plant and date of collection. Finally, the jar with seeds can be stored in a fridge in a constant temperature of 1-10°C.
Storage proposal One of the first things that humans started to preserve was food. To keep the food fresh, they used to build a primitive refrigerator – an Icehouse. Those facilities were usually dug underground with a space for storage for food and ice, however nobles had a separate house for this purpose. Moreover, the ice was collected in winter from frozen lakes and rivers. The melted water was collected with drain and moisture came out through the openings, but the low temperature was kept throughout the year. In addition, the Icehouses were properly insulated with thick walls and a layer of soil, moss. Nowadays, these facilities are mostly abandoned, but they could be easily restored to preserve food in a case of long electricity shortage.
Abandoned Icehouse in Vilnius
Ice storage area Storage area
Openings
This Icehouse was designed by me. The staircase leads to an underground storage room (~30 m2) where shelves and ice could be placed. The Icehouse would be insulated with thick soil layer.
6.2. Data storage How data is stored? According to Cambridge Dictionary, data is information, especially facts or numbers, collected to be examined and considered and used to help decision-making, or information in an electronic form that can be stored and used by a computer. Nowadays, when electronics are replacing manual labour, preservation of data can be crucial in an event of disaster. There are many data storage methods, both digital and physical. Most likely, digital data preservation method is a popular way to save a huge amount of data collected during the disaster. In this case, analysed data can help respond to the emergency quicker, prepare the emergency plan: mapping, sending information. There are many means of digital data storage. These means have their own advantages and disadvantages: Means of storage Internal electronic
Advantages
Disadvantages
Portable, easy to use,
Price increases with an
device storage;
password protection, data
amount of storage space,
External hard
backup, any type of data
can be infected with
can be stored.
malware, easy to lose or
drive/flash drive
break. CD/DVD
Affordable, easy to use.
Can be easily damaged, requires a device with a disk reader, no password protection, no backup, different types of disks to store the data.
Memory card
Small, portable, data
Can be lost or damaged,
backup, easy to use, used
not universal, data can get
in various devices.
corrupted.
Floppy disk
Cheap, portable, built-in
Outdated technology, less
wire protection, compatible
storage capacity, sensitive
with early computers,
to moisture and dust, low
which may not recognise
data transfer rate, requires
modern data storage
a floppy disk reader.
devices, reusable.
Tape
Cloud
Easy to store, large
Susceptible to climate,
storage capacity, cheap,
easy to destroy, requires a
easy to replicate, safe.
tape reader.
Data backup, can be
Less control of the data,
accessed by many people
can be targeted by
at the same time,
hackers.
password protection.
Data centre Data centre is one of the most popular methods among companies to store their data since the invention of computer. This facility is usually a building or a room, which contains computer and storage systems, servers, control systems. The design of data centres is unique because they require certain infrastructure. To begin with, the infrastructure consists of IT devices, equipment, and technologies. The first and the most important part of data centre is servers, computers. As far as the construction and operation go, one of the distinctive features is raised floor. This type of floor is elevated to allow air circulation and access for wiring. Another feature, which is used in Rackray data centre in Vilnius, is a building inside the building – additional walls are added for protection against blasts and fire. It is interesting that the fires sometimes are put out not with water, but with gas, usually CO2. Furthermore, electricity is required for the centre operation. This includes server work and cooling or dehumidification, so data centres are equipped with additional generators in a case of disaster. The facilities must have the highest level of security. The data centres feature many modern security measures, such as surveillance cameras, fingerprint
recognition, especially where sensitive data is kept. In addition, many bigger data centres back up the data offsite, sometimes abroad.
Servers in Rackray data centre in Vilnius.
The fire is put out with Argonite gas.
External walls
Platform
Server room premises Internal walls
Raised floor scheme.
‘A building inside the building’ principle.
Data Embassy Disasters usually show that it is important to secure and back up important data. In 2017, Estonia became the first country which established a Data Embassy outside its borders. Situated in an undisclosed location in Luxembourg, the Embassy was created to back up and store vulnerable and important data outside country’s boundaries in a case of cyber or military attacks. The data is secured with blockchain technology and it cannot be manipulated or lost. In addition, this Data Embassy laid a foundation for a discussion about new laws and agreements regarding the immunity of the embassy and developing the project. Disaster of Register Centre data centre
The recent disaster of Register Centre data centre in Vilnius showed us how vulnerable this facility is. On 20th July, 2020 during rainstorm, old wastewater pipe broke resulting in data centre flooding. The system shutdown affected many people, including pharmacists, doctors, real estate assessors, notaries, as data was not backed up. Systems, such as e-signature or e-health, stopped working; some people were not able to receive their negative Covid-19 results. As an outcome, the director of Register Centre promised to search for a new data centre. One of the people affected by this shutdown was my mom Jurgita, who is a pharmacist working in Panevėžys, so I decided to ask her about her experience:
How is e-sveikata beneficial to pharmacist’s job? What is e-sveikata used for? It is useful. We use it for prescription managing and information about the customer’s history of medicine use. It is more convenient, because we do not need to write by hand. How did you react when you found out that the system stopped working? I was worried. Everyone was in shock; it was unclear what will happen next. And it is the main tool when working, so there is also a lot of cofusion, anger, dissapointment and unknown. Were customers informed about the system shutdown? Not initially. Information about what had happen was received much later than the shutdown appeared. But there were some customers who knew about the shutdown. How did the customers react to the system shutdown? There certainly was an anger among them, we even got told some angry words. But with time they were more compassionate about the situation. How was the work organised during the shutdown? What difficulties did you had to deal with? We completely could not sell electronic prescription drugs; we came back to the old method of writing everything by hand. There were a lot of mistakes in the prescriptions what complicated the service. But we also could not see what medicine and for how
long it had been taken by customers. And there was some dishonesty from customers’ side, because and doctors did not have any information. Was the important data lost? No. Well, at least I did not notice. How long did it take to restore the system? About two or three weeks. What were the management’s actions? Did you get help? Did they explain what to do in a case of system shutdown? Yes, we were solving problems together, everything was explained. We were waiting for the system restoration. In this case, we were told not to sell electronic prescription drugs, but the system for the paper prescription did not shutdown. We advised customers to ask their doctors for paper prescriptions. Have you experienced the system shutdown before? Quite rarely. How do rate the Register Centre’s decision to establish the data centre in an old and unsafe building? In which place could it be established that incidents would not repeat? I rate it obviously negatively. This type of buildings should be new and meet the highest safety, including fire safety, requirements. Experts should evaluate the condition of the building, consistent system, electricity inlets, sewage and condition supervision and inspection are a must.
Time capsule Time capsule is a fun and interesting way to store data for future generations and in a case of disaster. In this scheme I showed what I would put in a time capsule.
This year’s calendar with marked events The data should be stored in a rust-resistant box.
The most secure way to preserve the data would be storing it in digital storage.
A fresh newspaper or magazine providing the latest news on current situation
Photos of the environment, including architecture, people, etc. Also, video material in digital storage.
Latest edition paper map
Personal diary or notebook
Collection of current coins Letter to future generations
The most important matter of time capsule is selecting and marking the location of it. Unfortunately, a lot of capsules are being lost or forgotten.
7. Emergency Response Plans. Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency in Lithuania
Astravyets nuclear power plant, which is being constructed next to the Lithuanian border in Belarus, is often understood as a threat to Lithuania ’ s national security, public health, and environment. As a result, preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological response in Lithuania arr becoming the topic of the primary importance. 7.1. Threats of Astravets nuclear power plant Lithuania ’ s State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI) provides four main arguments as to why the Astravyets nuclear power plan is unsafe: 1.
The location of construction site is not suitable for the project, as it is
located in a seismically active territory, where earthquakes had been recorded over the past few centuries. 2. The nuclear power plant does not meet modern security requirements. For example, resilience to the impact of a heavy aircraft crash has not been assessed. 3. The tendency of low level of security culture. Belarusian and international media reported several incidents at the construction site, which the authorities attempted to deny or cover up. 4. The Astravyets nuclear power plant is a threat to water resources, as the water from the river Neris is planned to be used for cooling the reactors. According to Lithuania’s Geological Service, radioactive pollution of the Neris
is dangerous for water supply in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Jonava. If the power plant is not operating properly and the water contaminated with radioactive elements is discharged into the river, it will endanger the entire drinking water supply system.
7.2. International response The response to the threat of nuclear and radiological accidents in the Astravyets nuclear power plant is international. The governments of the three Baltic nations have announced that they will sign a declaration of intent to oppose electricity purchases from Astravyets nuclear power plant. 7.3. National response The national response to nuclear and radiological emergencies includes national cooperation and organization, provision of public information and resources. 7.3.1. Cooperation and organization In response to a nuclear or radiological emergency, Lithuania is improving national cooperation and organization in the event of a nuclear or radiological disaster. In 2019 the Lithuanian Government has initiated a collaboration with the Lithuanian Red Cross and signed an agreement on cooperation in emergencies, nuclear disasters, and crises (Figure 7.3.1.1). Furthermore, in 2019 national civil protection training was organized,
during which nuclear or radiological incident was imitated (Figure 7.3.1.2). Twenty two responsable state institutions and six municipalities had to respond to a possible disaster following the State Plan for the Protection of the Population. The Lithuanian Government has also initiated to organize the European Union civil protection model exercise EU-MODEX in Lithuania in 2020, during which teams from foreign countries
would improve their skills in the case of nuclear or radiological disasters. However, international training has been recently canceled due to the restrictions of COVID-19 situation.
Figure 7.3.1.1. The Lithuanian Red Cross Society signed a momerandum with fovernmentrepresentatives.
Figure 7.3.1.2. One of the six maps of radiological contamination that were suggested during the national training in 2019. In case of radiological contamination, the citizens will be directed to interactive map of the current radiological contamination. The map includes recommendation fot population according to different zones.
7.3.2. Public information In response to a nuclear or radiological emergency, Lithuania is improving the public warning system, which contains of: 1. Warning sirens; More than 800 warning sirens are used to warn about 48% of Lithuanian population (Figure 7.3.2.1). The sirens can be activated by the units of the State Fire and Rescue
Service and the units of municipal administrations. In
preparation for the start of the Astravyets nuclear power plant, the number of warning sirens were increased
in the recent years.
Figure 7.3.2.1. The map shows the audible areas of the sirens that broadcast the warning signals for civil protection. The interactive map is accessible for the public on www.lt72.lt.
2. Short alert messages to mobile phones; Since 2012 the population warning and information system GPIS operates in Lithuania, which efficiently and in real-time transmits information about impending dangers by short messages directly to the population's mobile phones. Short notices
may be sent by the Fire Protection and Rescue Department,
municipal
administrations, the General Assistance Center, county fire and
rescue boards, and other state institutions. 3. Lithuanian national radio and television. According to Lithuanian law, producers and disseminators of public information must publish official state announcements free of charge and promptly in the event of an emergency.
Lithuanian population can be warned by interactive maps that includes the values of current ambient activity in Lithuania and abroad (Figure 7.3.2.2 and Figure 7.3.2.3). In preparation for the start of the Astravets nuclear power plant, many additional radiation detectors were built along the Lithuanian-Belarusian border.
Figure 7.3.2.2. Citizens are enabled to follow radiation levels of each decector on European radioactivity data exchange platform: www.radis.gamta.lt
Figure 7.3.2.3. The map shows the average and maximum values of ambient radioactivity over the last 24 hours.The measurements are provided by about 5,500 stations from 39 European countries and can be found www.radis.gamta.lt.
7.4. Emergency evacuation Evacuation - one of the main ways to protect the population in the event of a disaster. In the case of a radiological emergency, the relocation from contaminated areas to the non-affected territories is arranged, where temporary accommodation can be provided. Evacuation of the residents is organized by Municipal Evacuation
and Reception Commisions, which are formed by the directors of municipal administrations.
The Evacuation and Reception Commission organizes: ▪ information about evacuation for the publication; ▪ traffic regulation on evacuation routes; ▪ reception of residents, temporary accommodation; ▪ coordination of population collection points, intermediate evacuation points and population reception points, registration of evacuated residents; ▪ providing vehicles needed to evacuate residents; ▪ distribution of vehicles to population collection points; ▪ mobilization of equipment necessary to ensure smooth movement (to pull damaged vehicles away from the carriageway, to refuel) on evacuation routes; ▪ performing other functions necessary for the evacuation of residents in the territory of their municipality.
There are two types of hiding places that can be used for evacuation in the event of nuclear or radiological accident: Hideouts - special purpose buildings, or specially equipped premises for civil servants and employees, who are ensuring the activity of state and municipal institutions during emergencies or war.
Collective protection structures - preselected and specially marked buildings that can be quickly adapted for temporary shelter of the population (Figure 7.4.1 Figure 7.4.5).
Figure 7.4.1. Collective protection structures are marked with this special sign - an equilateral blue triangle in the orange square. The evacutation is organized by implementing several meeting points to follow the safety measures that are neccessary for the transfering: Intermediate evacuation points are established to ensure the safe evacuation for the population in response to the radiological accident. In intermediate evacuation points, contamination levels of the citizens are measured, sanitary cleaning is ensured. If residents are evacuated from unpolluted territories, the evacuees move directly to reception points. Population collection points are established to ensure the operative evacuation for the population in response to the radiological accident. They are considered as places where residents have to gather and register to be boarded in vehicles and transported to safe areas. Specific collection points in the municipality are provided in advance in the municipal emergency plan and often stand for collective protection structures. Residents who have the opportunity to evacuate
with personal vehicles will be able to do so.
Population reception points are established to ensure vital services in safe areas during the evacuation. Reception points are often the buildings that has the status
of collective protection structures. The provision of essential services and the distribution of the received humanitarian aid will be organized by the Evacuation and Reception Commission of the municipality to which people are evacuated.
Figure 7.4.2. The map shows collective protection structures that each municipality has indicated. The citizens are able to access the information about the location of collective protection structures on www.lt72.lt or official municipality website.
Figure 7.4.3. Vilnius Naujamiestis School has a status of collective protecion structures.
Figure 7.4.4. Sports Hall of Vilnius Naujamiestis School - one of the premises that could be used for evacuation as population reception point.
Figure 7.4.5. Auditorium of Vilnius Naujamiestis School - one of the premises that could be used for evacuation as population reception point.
7.5. Outcome of the Experimental Project The idea of the project is to create a protective suit (Figure 7.5.2), which would reflect the preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency in Lithuania. The objectives of the experimantal project are: â–Ş
To introduce recommendations for the citizens in the event of disaster;
â–Ş
To introduce practical features to an experimental object (Figure 7.5.1).
The main goal of the expermental project is to raise public awareness of the significance of civil protection and personal preparedness in the case of nuclear or radiological disaster.
Figure 7.5.1. Explanatory drawing of the experimental project of protective suit.
Explanation of the different stages of the process: 1.
Dividing plastic sheet into two part: front and back.
2.
Ataching both plastic sheets from the inside of the ubrella to reduce visability of the attachment.
3.
Shaping the countour of the cutouts for the legs.
4.
Attaching both plastic sheets (front and back) on the sides.
5.
Creating holes for the arms in the front plastic sheet, attaching rubber gloves with double-sided tape.
6.
Adding the last details: entrance hall in the back, inside pockets (used to keep mobile phone and documents - one of the most important things to have during the evacuation).
Figure 7.5.2. The final result of the expermental project - protective suit.
8. Prepper scene First thing I found was that there are certain classifications of the hideouts.accoarding to: 1. Type of the hideout by the usage 2. Them added to the official list. Not depending on the type of bunker, it is planned that people may stay there from 2 to 4 days, as after that period of time the nuclear activity becomes 5 times smaller and allows people to go out in masks. For further information, I contacted the and the Consulting center of the Ministry of the Emergency situations and Proffessor of History of Ukraine in the National University.
8.1.Types of the hideouts by the usage There are different classifications to define type of the hideouts. By the first classification, there are 2 types of the hideouts – hideouts of the easiest type and mixed use hideouts. Hideout that is the mixed type is a certain structure, that may also be used like a hideout. It means that that can be the underground parking or passage or the most massive –metro.
8.1.1.
8.1.2.
8.1.1.Hideout in Kyiv – Underground passage 8.1.2. Hideout in Vilnius - Underground passage Hideout of the easiest type are any variation of the on ground or underground bunkers, basements, underground storages. They can have an entry as a separate building or encorporated in the main building ( easily – basement of it)
8.1.3. Separately standing “cube”, that should lead to the 8underground hideout, accouarding to the internrt, and abbreviation, that says Society Saving Spot; of course, noone responsible for the keys and no phone numbers.
8.2. Technical details of the hideouts All of the hideouts may be closed hermetically or non-hermetically, that defines the usage of the structures – whether they may be appropriate during the different types of attacks. Non –hermetic structures may be used during the nuclear contamination only (they take air from the outside, but filtrate it from the dust particles, that may be radioactive). Those air filters usually have the Air input above the ground and may be a hint for finding a bunker. Such air inputs are usually seen in the hideouts that are incorporated into the building, and are fully underground.
8.2.1. Ventilation outputs above the ground from possible bunkers,to which I still couldn’t get access. If the bunker has an entry, through the separated structure, air outputs are usually placed like in the lower picture. Still, such hideout can be used only for the nuclear attacks, as it takes upair from the surroundings and cleans it (in the case of nuclear attack from the radioactive dust and other small active particles). The system is half – closed, as it intakes outside air and refreshes inside air. At the same time, beside the ventilation, bunker should have the Unified Defending Section – that looks same as the ventilation, but the rails close automatically. Those sections are used to protect from the hit wave during the nuclear blast – wave of big and fast difference between preassures.
8.2.2. Airvents in one of the bunkers that I saw (marked with orange) At the same time structures should have the Air Filters and should be separated from the outer world with the Hermo tambour – small room between the 2 Metal hermetic doors, that would lock contaminated air and prevent it from getting inside. That hideout can be used during the chemical, biological and nuclear attacks, as it has closed ventilation system - it only recirculates air inside.
8.2.3
8.2.4.
8.2.3. Hermotambour in one of the bunkers 8.2.4. Air Filtering Machines Hideots that can be used against the bombing are hard to construct, as they should have very thick layer of concrete – 2 m minimum. In Ukraine there is only one bomb shelter – metro ( both stations ans tunnels).
8.3.Official and non-official hideouts 8.3.1. City hideouts Official hideouts, are those that have been checked by Main Administration workers with the workers of Local Aministrations, repaired and prepared for usage and added to the interactive map and mobile app. At the same time, those official hideouts are closed, and opened only for regular checks, as they are considered as the important strategic objects. Non – official hideouts are those that are built by people for themselves, and are usually storages, rather than kept as a just-in-case variant of the hideout.
8.3.1. Non-official variations of the hideouts that are kept by the prvate owners In addition, there are bunkers and hideouts that weren’t checked or fixed up, or that are bought by the private owners (and used like a storage or additional technical premice of some shop). Also, apart from the official list of hideouts, in the internet there also is a non-official list, with the adresses just collected by the people.
8.3.2. Dachas
8.3.2.1
8.3.2.2
8.3.2.1. Dacha in Pakovarniškės village, Vilnius district municipality 8.3.2.2. Stairway to the attic Dacha is a seasonal or year-round second home, often located in the exurbs of Russian-speaking and other post-Soviet countries The word "dacha", coming from "davat" or "give", originally referred to land allotted by the tsar to his nobles. People living in dachas are called dachniki (дачники) (which means summer resident); the term usually refers not only to dacha dwellers but to a distinctive lifestyle. Dachas are common in Russia, and are also widespread in most parts of the former Soviet Union and in some countries of the former Eastern Bloc (for example here in Lithuania) Some people considering dachas as their hideouts. During Covid-19 quarantine dachas were a perfect getaway, hideout from the bigger town or city.
8.3.3 Lithuanian civil safety regarding hideouts
During the investigation and research, I found out that local civil safety advises to seek cover in hideouts, such as undergound passages, tunnels, garages during chemical attacks, radiation leaks, air strikes, etc. Even though it might be not a permament shelter, it will serve as a temporary safe place to cover and protect yourself and your loved ones.
8.3.3.1
8.3.3.2
8.3.3.1. Underground passage in Vilnius 8.3.3.2. Underground tunnel in Vilnius
8.4. Metro as a hideout
8.4.1 Escalators and station The biggest bunker in Ukraine and the deepest in all world is Kyiv Metro at the maximum depth of the station at 108 m. Kyiv metro construction started in 60th, but was not planned only as a transport, but also as a important strategic point. One thing that is known between all is that the metro is the one and only bomb shelter in Kyiv. Underground stations can undertake the nuclear blast, as all of them are in the depth of 10-110 m. Each station has a special automatical clapans that may close the station during the attack. Such clapans are on both stations ans tunnels, so with tham the station may be completely “ cutted off �. The clapans are used not only while the nuclear attack or any kind of other. The last time they were used, according to the workers, who I asked, was when it was raining
hard, so all the water went down and the staion could have been flooded.
8.4.2.
8.4.3.
8.4.2. Half-closed clapan 8.4.3. Fully-closed clapan 8.4.1. People’s comfortable stay in the metro There are hidden fountains with drinkable water, towhich could be installed kran in when needed. In the tunnels from the beginning there were planned toilets and special rooms for people to stay.
8.4.1.1.
8.4.1.2.
8.4.1.1. View from the platform into the tunnel 8.4.1.2.Entries to the toilets inside the tunnel 8.4.2. Hidden roots Apart from the stations opened for all customers there are parallel lines, communications with other transport facilities (railway stations), linked to important strategic points, underground bridges and roads for transportation of the military technics secretly underground (shortly, tunnels for the cars and tanks), secret connection lines between lines, rooms for people to stay during attacks. Apart from the opened to everyone stations, there is a developped system of tunnels, bunkers and connections. All that information is confidential and not opened for society, as there are no plans and etc.
Still, there are a lot of conspiracies and not very legal investigations around it. That’s why there is some information about those secret objects of the Metro that weren’t planned to be opened for the wide society. For example, the secret metro bunker, about which I found out after contacting a former metro worker ( and digger at the same time). He provided me photos and an interview about his finding. Around 10 years ago during every night check he found a tunnel and discovered a bunker that turned out to be the secret joint between the metro and the train station.
8.4.2.1. Main room where all the trainings and communications were going on. I took an interview from the digger, that provided me those photos. Here are some parts of it: − What were you feelings when you understood that you found such an important point? − Actually even hard to explain. I was just going for fun, accidently got to some long corridor, where I have never been before, than found some closed doors, and when I finally got there, I was just shocked. I was never told about the secret joints and couldn’t even imagine why I am there. For a second I was scared of a some kind of Stalindroid going out and not letting me out because I just discovered some conspiracy. Good that I was with friend at that time. Later when we came back we started searching in the Internet and found what that can be. We were told that there are some tunnels and bunkers, but that one was massive 3 levels training center.
− And during the SU that point ws the secret one? − Yes, as I understood it was a highly secret point, and people, who would open the secret would be shooted. That objects was used as a training center and a security point in case the Nuclear War would Start. From here people
would decide what and when to make all the rescue operations, it would rule the metro during the situation. In case that point would be destroyed, there are 3 more in another parts of Kyiv. As they all are linked to other transport systems, the response would be quite fast.
− When you came back here knowing that information, what did you feel? − Actually far different from the first time. When you come knowing what is there, you understand how developed were all those security systems, much more than they are developed now. At the same time, I later understood, how small is the part that we know about our own city, as some workers of metro don’t know about that object, and there should be far more other ones. Sad also is the fact, that those objects become closed, as anyway they could be used somehow, not like they were used during the SU, but otherwise, but not just closed as it is now.
8.4.2.2. One of a lot of small cabinets 8.4.2.3. Entry to the technichs center with radio, phones and telegraph machines and initial computers.
I consulted with the military historian about the usage of such command bunkers, as for me till the last minute was the mystery what people could do there every day. Here is his opinion on how those centers could have been used: “After WW2 USSR was constantly preparing for the enemie’s attack. Every day people were spreading and working the information about the enemy planes. Typical day in such center looked like that: first, comes the main responsible person for all decisions, after allthe rest collect to provide him all the possible information may need – radio connection catches the radio sygnals, air survailance provides their information. The information was sent to the main part of the bunker - huge hall with the round table, where was a huge map, everything was measured up with rulers and circulars, and the officers were calculating the speed and the place of all enemy planes and giving decisions about the further actions ”. Last question I asked was about his opinion on how much more secret roots and tunnels there may be. He’s answear was similar to the one, that deigger told me : “ Definately there are a lot of more secret roots, that will not be discovered for long time from now on. My opinion, is that there is a whole city built under the known for us all Kyiv. The only difference that the city underground was built only for the chosen ones. I believe there is well-developed tunneland bunker system under all Govermental buildings, so all people who sit there could eveacuate easily to very far areas from the city center.”
8.5. Onground investigation Harder it became when I started to search for the onground bunkers. I have downloaded the mobile app and decided to check whether I could find any hideout. Checking the map, I noticed that most of the bunkers are placed in the city center. In the outskirts, and in the massively built districts, there are not so much bunkers or hideouts, nevertheless,those parts of the city are densely builded up with high residential buildings. In case of the attack there would be no place to hide, as there are simply not enough place for all people, and, in addition, metro is quite far.
8.5.1. Map of the Kyiv hideouts, where Pink – massively builded districs after 60th The answear I found was simple : “All bunkers were massively built during the Stalin time, as, he had plans for both attacking and defending. Massive construction of the residential houses farer from the city center began after Stalin time. The Public safety during the massive construction was neglected, as the goverment was more consearned on the quick building of large quantites of the cheap flats.” - told the Historian. I started up with the visiting The Residential – Responsibility cometee of our district to get the permission to get to the bunkers and hideouts. The Cometee is closed due to the quarantine and doesn’t work with the papers now.
So that closed a lot of bunker doors infront of me, as a lot of times when I asked to show me the bunker I was asked for an official paper issued by the Cometee.
8.6 Types of the bunkers by the usage There are several types of bunkers, such as trench bunker, which is usually a part of a trench system. Such bunkers give the defending soldiers better protection than the open trench and also include top protection against aerial attack. Artillery bunker usually housed the crews serving the weapons, protected the ammunition against counter-battery fire, and in numerous examples also protected the guns themselves, though this was usually a trade-off reducing their fields of fire. Industrial bunkers are mainly built for the mining sites, food storage areas, dumps for materials, data storage, and sometimes living quarters. Personal bunkers are mostly built to withstand majority of the possible life threatning events. They come in different sizes and prices. More luxurious ones are only obtainable by the wealthiest people.
8.6.1.
8.6.2.
8.6.1 Fortification bunker in PuÄ?koriĹł outcrop 8.6.2 Fortification bunker in Ukraine, Ivano-Frankivsk oblast
8.7 Bunker in the University I gave a try for the bunker in the University, where it is shown on the map. After some investigation and sneaking around Ifound an entry tothe basement, where I thought logically should be a bunker, but there is faculty of journalistis (?). There we found a long corridoor, classrooms where students can prepare homework together, and the storage and technical rooms.
The cleaner told us that those corridors underground are the bunker itself, and all the rest keys has engineer, but he was also not in the university at that time.
8.8. Bunker in school I am ending up the investigation with the happy ending. I finally got inside the real bunker, that was in the territory of the old but renowated school. The school was mentioned in official list, but as the security told me, renowated by the cost of parents. As I noticed, most bunkers are built in the older buildings – that were built before or just after the World War 2. Strict grandma letted me enter only when I left my bag in the security room and went only with phone and camera. The entry to the bunker was through the staircase, from where I saw the First Metal doors of the Hydrotambour.
8.8.1.
8.8.2.
8.8.1. Entry from the school to the bunker 8.8.2. Bunker doors All bunker consisted out of 3 premices – 2 classroom and rest\sleeping\currently storage and the ventilation room – where all the Air Cleaning Devices are kept , 2 toilets and 2 hydrotambours – 1 entry from the school, another entry from the outside.
8.8.3.
8.8.4.
8.8.3. Classroom 8.8.4. Sleep room The new and restored bunker doesn’t give any hint about it’s main use - protection from the disaster outside; unless the metal doors define that outside there could be from what to hide.
8.8.5. Storage room The school was mentioned in official list, but as the security tol me, renowated by the cost of parents. That was a luck that I got to the chool,as most of the time, I couldn’t enter without the official permission.
8.9 Bunkers in Israel Going further with our investigation about bunkers, I got a contact of my dad’s friend, who lives in Israel moved to Israel from Kiev and lives there for 30 years. I had a chance to call him and ask a few questions about the bunker situation there. As known, due to the political conflicts, in Israel there is very developed system of Civil Protection.
For the last 20 years most of the houses are planned with the bunker inside every apartment. That is a small room with the metal doors and walls reinforced with metal sheets .
8.9.1.
8.9.2.
8.9.1. Doors to the bunker. 8.9.2. Inside the bunker – room arranged as a home cinema.
8.10. Hoarding Hoarding is a compulsive massive buying of goods or food for it’s further accumulation. Hoarding is considered normal behaviour of the human, that we got from our ancestors. They needed to keep as much food as possible, when they find it, as they never knew when they are going to find something later. During the some uncertain and stressful situation some people tend to buy compulsively large amounts of goods, that they may not use untill their next way to the shop, or next month, or the next decade.While seems like that behaviour may not have any crusial consequences, the statistics and human experience shows opposite. 8.10.2. Effect on the shop assortiment Hoarding causes massive effect on the supply cahins and production on the shops. While most people think,that there are not enough goods in the shop because the production stopped (what also could be), and taking quadriple amount of their essentials, hoarding may be the case. There are 2 opposite supply chains – Just-in-case and just-in-time. 2 systems are merged during the severe disasters, such as blizzards or hurricanes. Just-in-toime system is more used, as it is more economical : goods are delivered just before they are finished. Such forecast is made depending on the calculations of the overall demand.
Just-in-case system is based on keeping some amound of accessive goods, that makes it more costly, as there should be money spent on the storage and it is possible not with all types of goods.
Chart 8.10.1. On the structure of the supply systems Most of the popular products are shipped by the just-in-time system, depending on the prognosed demand. Massive hoarding breakes the sequence of the systems, and as a result, all supply chain needs to make rapid reforms to satisfy growing demand of the consumer. As the result, some big supermarkets in UK, Australia and othercountries ghave provided limitations about buying only certain amounts of goods. 8.10.3. Effect on the psychique To more investigate the question, I scheduled a meeting with lecturer in the National Ukrainian Univercity of Psychology to ask him about the massive hoarding.
−
First thing, I would like to warn you about, is that it get’s worser with the time.
− The older the person becomes, the more he wants to store and hard, and the harder it is for him to get rid of all so needed belongings. Later it my transform intothe very ugly form: the house of the patient reminds some old-old storage, and it is possible to walk around only on toes between endlss boxes and shelves filled with unecessary things.
− −
But what is the motivation of the hoarders? As usual, provode the safety for himself. Hoarder hoards, because he feels unsafe in the certain situation. Mother can’t rely on her child, or her husband.
Especially, hoarding disorder may become worcer after stressfull situation. What is even more interesting, the person trusts more into things, than into people. We all know the situation: “ I will leave your toys for your future children” - as it is more comfortable to trust into the things,that will all the time stay same, than into peopl, who sometimes tend to be unpredictable. That gives for a patient calmness.
Things won’t argue with you, they won’t critisize, better than with people.
−
People with such syndrome so like to stay in the calm zone, that they may become furious if you take their things away from them.
− What are the main reason of the hoarding syndrome, still not all people have it? − Of cource, that is a unique character, when person from the beginning is greedy, likes to collect more and more. At the same time, the people have very low level of critics to themselves – they don’t see ant problem about it. − What to do if you feel that you notice the characteristics of the hoarder in yourself?
If you start noticing – stop it right now. Later would be harder and worser.
− Is it possible to help to the relatieve, if you see that he has a tendency to the hoarding? − Well, if you see, that your close person suddenly started massively buying and storing things, than you need to understand, that you already have missed the time, a little bit. At some moment, the person started feeling the loss of contact with the people, maybe with you, and seeked a comfort, which he found in storing things. So now, you need to try hard to build the bridge back, show to the person more attention and support, more communication.
− Is there a correlation between disasters and hoarding? − Of course. People are in uncertain situation, so they need to find vital for them comfort zone. Easiest way – go to supermrket. Now, there is even easier way -
just open a laptop and choose everything, that you would ever need to build a rocket and stay in Mars.
To avoid such expenditures, that will falsely fill the emptyness and lack of contact, stay in touch with your closest people always, but even more during the not certain times.
8.10 Invention – Bus bunker After the interview with the Israel citizen , I understood that the most dangerous case while bombing maybe if the person needs to get to the bunker from the street. That’s why I decided totry to invent the Bus bunker – Movable device that may be fixed on the bike, so the peson may safely get to the bunker if he was riding a bike previously.
8.10.1 Step by step making the bunker 8.10.1.1. Collectiong materials I found a building site, so I asked the owner of the building, whether I could use the materials he had, to construct my bike bunker. There were a lot of left owers, which I could use.
8.10.1.2.The Process As I did the bunker on the building site, as there were a lot of builders, who gave important tips how to realise my structure. I used an axis made of the metal hook with fixed to it plastic tube, so I can maneur on the bike, and the bunker would be fixed not to me, but to the bike.
8.10.2 Trial
First I tried to ride the bike with the bunker on top, and then decided to try how firm it is. I asked my invention assistant to throw stones while I am riding :). The bunker protected me and I almost didn’t feel the hit.
8.11 Preparation I’ve got a chance to contact and interview the civil safety representative Renata Baniulienė in Lithuania. She has been working in the civil safety for more than 20 years. Most important part of planning family actions in the event of a disaster your family is to reduce fear and panic – it will help save lives, health or your precious assets. To prepare properly for a disaster, take some time to do so, as you need to think about many things in advance: evacuation method. „You must consider how you will evacuate. If you have a car, plan to leave in one car, which will reduce the chance of getting lost by family members, in addition to reducing the amount of departing traffic. Always have the machine's fuel tank filled in case of evacuation, as the service station may not be open during emergencies or war“. „You can plan to go out with your neighbors or loved ones, only this needs to be agreed with them in advance. If you do not have the opportunity to leave by individual transport, find out in advance where the nearest evacuation points from which residents will be evacuated in an organized manner.“ (From the interview with Renata Baniulienė) How important is to include food supplies in your prepper kit inventory? „Food supplies and other essentials may also be required during the evacuation. They are best kept in a sturdy backpack that is easy to lift. An owner identification card should be affixed to the backpack in advance“ How about the documents, how necessary are they? „Make copies of all documents in advance. Keep the original in a safe place (preferably in a zip locks) and transfer one set of copies to trusted people in another city (documents may be lost during an emergency, especially during an evacuation).“
8.11.1 Prepper kits In the event of a disaster, every minute is important, and if we have all the necessary things in advance, it can help save both health and life. Many items may be needed not only for emergency evacuation, but also for staying home in the event of an emergency. It is therefore best to keep them packed, so that they can be picked up quickly if necessary. In addition, all family members need to know exactly where the items are.
The needs of all family members, especially infants, the elderly or people with special needs, need to be taken into account.
According to Renata Baniulienė the most important things to have in your universal „go kit“ is: Portable radio or television receiver with spare elements; Portable lamp with spare elements; First aid supplies; Stocks of medicines for regular use; Documents Spare car key set; Matches (packaged in waterproof packaging), lighters; Signaling devices
8.11.2 Invented prepper kit 8.11.3 Water filter
-Dirty water
-Pebbles/rocks Filters out larger sediments
-Fine sand Filters out fine impurities Filters the bacteria, viruses and parasites
-Grained charcoal Removes impurities, utilizing chemical adsorption -Cloth Holds back charcoal and lets purified water run through
Dirty water – made out of coffee grounds (colour factor)
Making process of water filter
See
full
filtration
scanning
the
code:
Water slowly, but surely filtrates through the different materials. Pictures are taken every 5-7 minutes.
Based on the research and interview with civil safety representative, I took all of the reccomended items and put it all together. It has shown positive results. It was interesting experience, it made me realise that preparation takes up more time than expected. Everyone should know what to bring with themselves on evacuation, during disasters and unplanned events.
8.12. Conclusion The prepper scene is something, of what the civil person doesn't think every day. People live in the unexpected times, where life brings different challenges almost everyday. We live our own lives, without planning the escape root, or researching about the items for the savior kit. The research that we did during the workshop showed to us how much more we needed to know about our surroundings. During the investigation we undersood, how with the knowledge it is possible to prevent the prsonal disaster in the disasterous situation.
Conclusion Through the history of each event of misfortune has leaft a footprint on the humanity, as it revealed the weakest sides of it, nevertheless, it improved the way people dealed with it nad the way they mobilised during the hard time. With the constant movement, with ups and downs, the society’s cognition of help to each other and cooperation during the disaster has evolved bit by bit. At the same time now, facing of uncertanlity, human suffering and material loss once again, some of us decide to take the step back. Of course, a human may not look back on all the previous diasater and catstrophies, and leave aside all the lessons they have gave us, at the same time who knows, if it won't strictly punish those, who forget it. Examining people’s attitudes towards hazards helped to identify gaps in preparedness, and ways in which public and private coordination could be improved. During the workshop we were actively involved in the world where one situation – pandemic - in some cases was the irresistible barrier, while in others - just the joke.
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