Only Way

Photo Credit: Depositphotos

 

            The Philippines frequently experience seismic and volcanic tremor because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is an area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes occur. In recent months, a number of earthquakes shook parts of the country. While there were no reported major damage or loss of life, these incidents could indicates that the big one is probably coming, as the major Philippine fault are have been disturbed.

            For us–– Filipinos, we always encounter a lot of natural disasters and it is the best to be prepared and ready for all eventualities specially earthquakes because no one can predict when it will happen. However, with proper training and advance planning, everyone in our country can be prepared to react appropriately during and after the occurrence of an earthquake. According from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum Jr., “It is very important to make sure know how to respond by doing duck, cover and hold approach where people would either hide beneath the table, or hold the table during the shaking or go to safer position and covering their body with their hand or light objects and staying put in that position and holding on before evacuating.”

Photo Credit: Philippine Star

            Conducting National Simultaneous Earthquake drill program of the government keeps us alert and prepared when earthquake occurs in a certain area. During a damaging earthquake, life protecting actions must be taken immediately. There will not be time to divide what to do next; everyone must already know how to react appropriately. After an earthquake, further life protecting actions such as emergency evacuation or first aid administration may be necessary; well-trained people will guarantee that these crucial steps are taken as quickly as possible. We must all remember not to panic during an earthquake, thus quietly but quickly proceed to an open area or safer area while doing duck, cover and hold properly.

             This drill seeks to strengthen the mechanism for national and regional coordination, as well as the interoperability of key players. It also aim to intensify local communities’ earthquake preparedness and increase the commitment of local government units on building safe communities, we are better to be prepared because earthquakes cannot be predicted. Stephen king once said, “There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.”

            Preparedness is the only way we can combat a natural disaster.

 

REFERENCES:

Frances Mangosing. March 27, 2015. “Simultaneous earthquake drills held nationwide”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/681863/simultaneous-earthquake-drills-held-nationwide

Arkansas Office of Emergency Services. 1993. “School Earthquake Preparedness Guide – State of Arkansas ”

http://quake.ualr.edu/schools/guide/section6a.htm#:~:text=Earthquake%20drills%20and%20exercises%20are,well%20your%20staff%20and%20students

Loreen Lolita A. Cubero. November 15, 2016. “The importance of school preparedness during eartquakes”

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2016/11/15/the-importance-of-school-preparedness-during-earthquakes/