Know what to do and where to go

WE WILL not tire of demanding from concerned government agencies the establishment of necessary mechanisms to secure our communities from the devastating effects of disasters such as earthquakes.  We will also continue to urge communities to take the initiative in making sure that they are well prepared and will not be caught off guard when natural hazards strike like an earthquake.

Yes, we must prepare. But how?

There is a need to conduct monthly safety drills in schools and hospitals, which are critical infrastructures since these are shelters for the vulnerable — children, the sick and elderly. The regular conduct of fire and earthquake drills would effectively instill disaster preparedness in our citizens.

We must institutionalize monthly safety drills in all educational and healthcare facilities. But this should not be limited to those areas. Government institutions, private companies, local government units and even households should conduct regular emergency drills because these activities will help instill disaster preparedness in our citizens.

Aside from preparedness, another important goal is disaster prevention, which ensures zero or low casualty and less damage to properties. For this, we should regularly evaluate and retrofit buildings and critical structures, set up early warning systems and identify safe refuge for our citizens.

Being prepared means that when a natural hazard such as an earthquake strikes, every citizen would know what to do and where to go, and that government agencies, both national and local, are ready to respond.

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