FIRE, typhoon and flood disasters regularly hitting many towns and cities have prompted this writer to ask why for so many decades no proper and permanent evacuation centers have been built.
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When there’s a huge conflagration displacing hundreds of families, for example, where will they temporarily stay?
In every locality there must be custom-designed evacuation centers complete with beds, toilets, ample water supply, appropriate ventilation, food storage rooms and medical services.
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As commonly practiced, people displaced by disasters are housed in public schools, barangay gymnasiums and community centers.
But schools are not designed for evacuations. And where will teachers and students hold classes?
Gymnasiums, on the other hand, are designed mostly for sports activities and community events while barangay community centers are almost always small and capable only of hosting simple community undertakings.
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By the way, schools also double as billeting areas of athletic delegations during huge sporting events, thereby displacing classes. Is this good practice?
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The building of permanent evacuation centers in communities must be given attention. Instead of building parks or re-concreting slightly damaged highways, why not construct evacuation centers?
Think about this, newly elected officials in government.
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This column greets its friends and readers: Troy Camarista, Larry Jamora, Juan Cua Locsin, Evelyn Moriente, Nelson Polido, Junel Ann Divinagracia, Senen Rentoy, Apple Macali, Vic Facultad, Celso Canindo, Darlene Guerra, Ping Jimenea, and Pete Gellada. (tootsjimenez@yahoo.com/PN)
