Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 - estimated at 90 km northwest of Calapan, Mindoro - was felt in Manila, QC and Makati City last night. This act of nature cannot be prevented. However, being prepared for such emergency will help protect and minimize injuries to ourselves and our loved ones.

In the spirit of preparedness – and not to alarm anyone - below are safety reminders on Earthquake Preparedness. Please take careful note of them and heed the suggestions.

Before an earthquake

1. Know- in order to avoid - the danger spots in your area- near windows, mirrors, hanging objects, tall, unsecured furniture, and shelves holding heavy objects.

2. Familiarize yourself with the exit routes.

3. Prepare an emergency supply kit: emergency telephone numbers listed below which you can encode in your mobile phones, a bottle of water to sustain one over long periods or to be used to wet hankies or clothes to cover one up in case of dust from cracks, a flashlight with batteries in case of power failure, whistle to be heard and running shoes/flat shoes to enable you to take several flight of stairs to leave the building; a small portable radio will come in handy to listen to news updates and advisories.

4. Make sure your mobile phones are fully charged; always bring your chargers wherever you go.

During an earthquake

1. Stay calm.

2. When you are inside a structurally sound building or your home, STAY THERE. Wait for the shaking to stop before moving from your spot.

3. If you are indoors, stay indoors. If you are outdoors, stay outdoors. Many injuries occur as people enter or leave buildings.

4. If you are inside, move away from windows, doors, tall cabinets, breakables or heavy objects that could fall

5. DROP, COVER and HOLD in a safe spot.

Some tips on where to DROP, COVER and HOLD yourself during an earthquake:

TRIANGLE OF LIFE



If you are inside a vehicle, come out and sit or lie down next to it. If something falls on the vehicle, it will leave an empty space along the sides.

After an earthquake

1. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of the building. Follow the exit routes.

2. Check yourself and others for injuries.

3. If you must leave a building, do so in an orderly manner. Do not use elevators. Do not panic. Do not shout, run or push.

4. Bring along your emergency supply kit.

5. If you are outdoors, move to a clear area away from the trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires and poles. DROP and COVER your head until the shaking stops

6. If you are in a vehicle, stop and remain inside until the shaking stops. Avoid buildings, overpasses, bridges, power lines and roads beside ravines and cliffs in which landslides may occur. Be cautious of possible road damage while you proceed.

7. Keep updated on news and other advisories through your portable radio.

Equally important are the Emergency Numbers of Government Agencies. Please encode them in your mobile phones, display prominently beside your phones at home and disseminate to your family and friends:

Metro Manila Development Authority - 136

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) +632 9115061
9122665, 9111406, 9115061-64

Phil National Red Cross - 143, +632 5270000

Qualified First Aider (Lifeline) - 169-11

Phivolcs - +632 4261468 to 79, 9262611, 9299254, 9274524, 9207058, 9283757

Tsunami Emergency Hotline - 9294719

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