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[av_heading heading=’Before the ‘Disaster Conciousness Month’ ends ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
By Jemima Aranas
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JULY is declared as the National Disaster Consciousness month by virtue of Executive Order No. 137 issued on August 10, 1999 by then President Joseph Estrada.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has been working on their lineup of activities which included: inspection of disaster responds unit equipment; inspection of high rise buildings; regional essay writing contest; orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; training for the formulation of local climate change action plan; fire drill and basic first aid training; orientation on disaster preparedness; summit and training exercises simulating mass casualty incidents; massive inspection of piers; evacuation drills; first aid and basic life support; tsunami and earthquake drill; bloodletting; and other disaster consciousness activities.
This year’s observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month is anchored to the theme: “Kamalayan sa Kahandaan, Katumbas ay Kaligtasan.”
Disaster consciousness and preparedness involves the entire society and every family that comprises it. Parents should inform themselves of preparedness and response issues, and they should share this information with their children. It is important to talk with children about safety and to include them in planning for a disaster.
The World Vision encourages creating a Family Disaster Plan by taking four simple steps. First, learn what hazards exist in your community and how to prepare for each. Then, meet with your family to discuss what you would do, as a group, in each situation. Next, take steps to prepare your family for disasters by posting emergency phone numbers, selecting an out-of-town/province family contact, assembling disaster supplies kits for each member of your household and installing smoke detectors or alarms as necessary on each level of your home. Finally, practice your Family Disaster Plan so that everyone will remember what to do when a disaster does occur and where to meet in case of emergency.
Also, everyone should be a part of the disaster planning. Everyone in the household should play a part in the family’s preparedness efforts, as well as the response and recovery efforts. Make a game of putting together a disaster supplies kit. Think of items that should be included in the kits and find the items (at home or at the store) and put them in the kit. Including small games or books and some comfort items, such as a blanket or stuffed animal in the kit could help too for children. Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Lead your family with a flashlight during disaster drills. Recognize danger signals. Make sure you know what smoke detectors, fire alarms and community warning systems sound like. Know how and when to call for help. Post emergency numbers by the telephones, and have a plan of action on what you should do if telephones are out of service.
Immediately after a certain disaster, stay together with your family. Listen as your parents or other adults explain the situation and what will happen next. Help with the responsibilities. Always remain vigilant and aware of the precautions coming from government authorities.
Disaster consciousness and preparedness are the keys to survival especially for us Filipinos. The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world for experiencing natural disasters and calamities. Vigilance shouldn’t just be observed for a month or a certain period – it has to be made a lifestyle./PN
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