PinoyLive

How Prepared Are We on Earthquake?

by Arda on 21/02/10 at 10:17 am

Another Overseas Filipino Worker’s (OFW) remains arrived from the earthquake in Haiti.  Though the victim’s family got dismayed when the supposed arrival has been delayed, they are somehow relieved because the remains of Grace Fabian have finally arrived.

The earthquake in 1990 claimed lives and left trauma to many families.  I experienced it myself seeing buildings and electric posts swaying like forever.  Just recently it was reported that some provinces in the Philippines experienced earthquakes.  Many are now asking, during earthquakes, how prepared are we? Earthquakes in 1990 claimed lives and left trauma to many families.

Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Romeo Momo admitted there is a chance such housing units did not meet safety standards as builders could have been saving on costs.  “May buildings na constructed before 2000, lalo ang socialized housing, dahil medyo di masyadong malaki ang budget nito. These kind of buildings (may be) susceptible to high-intensity quakes (Some buildings constructed before 2000, especially socialized housing units, may be susceptible to high-intensity quakes, understandably because of budget constraints),” Momo said in an interview on dzXL radio.  In a separate interview on dzBB radio, Momo said the country’s bridges and roads are quake-safe because they have been retrofitted.  In Metro Manila, he said only four bridges have not yet been retrofitted.
“Our flyovers are guaranteed safe. High- and medium-rise buildings have complied with the design requirements of the National Building Code upgrading the standards of structures to withstand quakes of up to Intensity VIII,” he said.  (Interview’s source: GMA news)

Now, many high-rise structures in Metro Manila have reinforcements that allow them to “sway” along with seismic movements, and less of a solid structure standing on the ground.  Despite these claims, personally, do we know what to do during earthquakes?

Here are some important things to remember during earthquakes:

1. Be prepared!

-         Make sure the following are in your office table or near your area: bottled drinking water, non-perishable food  (easy open canned goods, etc), first-aid kit, torchlight and battery-operated radio with extra batteries, cellphone with extra battery;

-         Educate family members / co-workers how to turn off electricity, gas, etc.

-         Identify places in the house/office that can provide cover during an earthquake.

-         Identify a friend as your family’s emergency contact.  The address and phone number of the contact person/relative should be with all the family members.

1. What to do during earthquake!

-         Go under a table or other sturdy furniture to take cover.  Be prepared to move if your cover moves.

-         If no sturdy cover is nearby, kneel or sit close to the floor next to a structurally sound interior wall. Place your hands on the floor for balance.

-         Violent motion could cause doors to slam and flying objects could cause serious injuries,  so do not stand in doorways.

-         Stay away from windows, mirrors, bookcases and other unsecured heavy objects.

-         If in bed, stay there and cover yourself with pillows and blankets

-         Do not run outside if you are inside.  Never use the lift or elevators.

If outdoor:

-         Move into the open, away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

-         Avoid places where there are loose electrical wires and do not touch metal objects that are in touch with the loose wires.

-         Do not re-enter damaged buildings and stay away from badly damaged structures.

If in a moving vehicle: Drive or go to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires, stop, and stay in the vehicle. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake.

Most of all, it is still best to always say a prayer wherever we go.  God listens even without an extra battery.