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Recent earthquakes in the Philippines make preparedness all the more crucial. Being ready can save lives and reduce risks to you and your loved ones when the ground shakes. Most tremors are minor or go unfelt, but these recent powerful ones show that a big quake can hit anytime.
Preparing an emergency kit, planning evacuation routes, and securing your home can make all the difference. Know what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, so you’re always ready.
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Prepare effectively by following these earthquake safety tips.
1. Make a go-bag.
Pack a bag with essentials to ensure you have critical supplies ready for immediate evacuation. Include:
- Three days' worth of water (one gallon per person daily)
- Non-perishable food like canned goods in easy-open cans; dry and ready-to-eat items like crackers and biscuits; and high-energy options like energy bars, chocolates, and candies
- A battery-operated radio
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Chargers
- Whistles
- A first aid kit containing items for basic wound care, medications for pain and dehydration, and emergency tools like a digital thermometer and an instant cold pack
- Important documents and IDs
Keep your go-bag in a place that’s easily accessible, so you can quickly grab it if you need to evacuate.
2. Check the structure of your house or building.
Consult an engineer to assess if your living or working space is built to withstand seismic activity. These structures should adhere to the National Structural Code of the Philippines or your local building codes. You can also do a home self-check. Reinforce structures if necessary.
3. Secure things that might fall.
Fasten bookcases and freestanding cabinets to the wall using screws to prevent potential injuries from falling objects. Make sure chandeliers are attached firmly to the ceiling. Install latches on cabinet doors to keep them shut during an earthquake. Store heavy objects and dangerous chemicals in low cabinets.
4. Participate in earthquake drills.
Join quarterly shake drills conducted by The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure you can respond quickly and correctly during an actual earthquake. Follow the Facebook pages of NDRRMC and the Office of Civil Defense for announcements.
It’s also essential to learn how to drop, cover, and hold on. Plus, familiarize yourself with the exit routes and designated evacuation spots in your area.
5. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
Extinguish fires, which are common after an earthquake due to broken gas lines or spilled chemicals. When using a fire extinguisher, follow the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique.
- Pull the pin after twisting.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever.
- Sweep from side to side.
You can quickly learn this technique by watching this video.
Keep a fire extinguisher labeled ABC at home and in the office. This type of fire extinguisher can put out fires caused by common flammable materials like wood and paper, flammable liquids and gasses, and electrical equipment. Also, make sure that the fire extinguisher is ready for use and not expired.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Protect yourself by staying calm and following these measures.
1. If you’re indoors, drop, cover, and hold on.
Hide under a table and hold on to its legs. If there’s no table available, cover your head and face with your arms and crouch against a pillar. Make sure to keep your head down to protect your eyes.
Then open the door quickly, if you can, before hiding under a table. Doing so can reduce your risk of getting trapped in the room.
Move away from glass windows and doors. Also, stay away from objects that might topple over or fall.
2. If you’re outdoors, get to a safe spot.
Find an open area and drop to the ground. Avoid trees, electric posts, concrete walls, and other structures that may collapse. Also, stay away from mountain slopes, as these can be affected by landslides.
If you're driving, try to pull over to an open area, away from underpasses and traffic to ensure your safety and that of other motorists. Don’t cross bridges and flyovers—these may get damaged during earthquakes. Stay inside with your seatbelt on.
3. Stay alert.
Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for hazards like falling objects or debris, and stay in a safe spot until the shaking ends.
What to Do After an Earthquake
Stick to these steps to safeguard yourself and help others.
1. Beware of aftershocks.
Wait before getting up. Aftershocks are common, especially after a strong earthquake. Drop, cover, and hold on whenever you feel tremors.
2. Check for injuries.
Use your first aid kit to treat wounds or cuts sustained during the earthquake. If you’re bleeding, put pressure on the wound using a clean gauze or cloth. If you’re trapped underneath fallen objects or debris, use your whistle or bang on solid objects to call for help.
Check if others are hurt, and assist them if you can. Don’t move seriously injured persons, like those with possible head and neck injuries, unless they’re at risk of more harm. Call emergency services for serious injuries.
3. Inspect your surroundings.
Broken glass and debris may be everywhere. If you’re in a condo or office building, assess if it’s safe to go out before heading to the nearest exit. Use the stairs, not the elevator, when going down.
If it’s unsafe to go out, call for help. Stay calm as you wait for emergency personnel to get you.
If you’re near the sea, watch out for a tsunami. Signs that a tsunami is on its way include a sudden retreat of water and a loud ocean roar. If you observe any of these signs, get to high ground immediately. Don’t wait for official warnings.
Once you’ve evacuated, stay alert for tsunami advisories from local authorities or emergency services. These can come through various channels, including radio, TV, mobile alerts, and sirens in coastal areas.
4. Watch out for fires.
If you see a fire, put it out immediately. Also, clean up flammable chemicals and other liquids that may have spilled during the earthquake.
5. Listen to reports and announcements.
Turn on your battery-operated radio to stay updated with the news. If internet signals aren’t affected, you can visit reliable news and government websites for information.
Start preparing for earthquakes today. Whether you choose a postpaid plan or a prepaid promo, staying connected ensures you can receive emergency alerts and real-time updates when it matters most. Stay ahead to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and informed.
