Is your Family Earthquake-Prepared?

There have been news of earthquakes recently in different places around the world, and the natural reaction of parents like us is to worry about the safety of our loved ones.  The best thing to do though is to prepare family members for such an eventuality by discussing what needs to be done in case of an earthquake.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, earthquake drills are conducted quarterly not only in schools but also in business establishments, hospitals, and government agencies nationwide.  Very soon, earthquake drills will also be conducted along the Skyway to prepare motorists for such emergencies.

Here are some things you need to discuss lengthily with your kids so that, in case an earthquake happens while they are still in school, they would know what to do.  Safety is of primary importance and they need to be aware of the following:

1. The safe spots in the classroom (tables, desks, doors, etc.)
2. The danger zones (e.g. windows and glass, book shelves, machinery, cabinets and furniture, hanging and heavy objects)
3. The evacuation route
4. The open area where they will evacuate after an earthquake

 

Click here to read on about how you and your family can protect yourselves during an earthquake.

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Teach them how to protect themselves:

1. Demonstrate and rehearse with your kids how to do the “duck, cover and hold”.

• Duck : Crouch, keep your head down and use your arms as shield
• Cover : Hide under a sturdy table or strongly-supported doorway.
• Hold : Firmly take hold of the table or doorway

2. Give specific instructions on what to do as soon as the shaking stops:

• Keep calm and don’t panic.
• Listen to the teacher’s instructions.
• Walk out of the classroom in an orderly manner.
• While walking along the corridors to the nearest exit of the building, be alert and look out for falling debris.
• DON’T run, DON’T push, DON’T talk, DON’T return to the classroom, DON’T bring your things
• Quietly but quickly proceed to the designated evacuation area for the class and wait for further instructions from the teacher.
• NEVER go back to the building once you are outside. Students should stay in the open area and wait for their parents/guardians to pick them up.

 

Click here to read more about earthquake preparation tips.

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If an earthquake strikes while you are home or at the office, here are things to remember before, during, and after an earthquake :

Before an earthquake

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit.  These could contain :
   • Food to last you for at least 3 days.  Store non-perishables like canned food (in easy open can), food which does not require cooking like instant soup, and clean, potable water.
   • Clean clothing especially for small kids.  Don’t forget blankets and underwear
   • Flashlights and extra batteries
   • A battery-operated AM radio
   • A first aid kit which includes medicine for diarrhea, fever, and allergies, some gauze, antiseptic and any special medications for family members
   • A list containing important emergency numbers and relatives’ numbers.  The hotline for the NDRRMC is (02) 426 1468 to 79.
2. Earthquake-proof your house.  Store breakables at low, secured areas and check the stability of hanging objects.
3. Familiarize yourself with the exit routes.  Place the emergency kit where it could be easily located.

 

During an earthquake

1. Stay calm. 
2. If you are indoors, look for a quick exit.  If there is none, hide under a sturdy desk or chair and hold on to it.
3. Stay away from glass windows and other breakables, as well as from heavy objects like shelves and cabinets.
4. Be alert and beware of falling objects.
5. If you are outside, keep away from trees, electric posts and concrete structures.  Move to an open area.
6. Beware of landslides – keep away from steep slopes.
7. If you are near the shore, move away as tsunamis may be triggered by the earthquake.
8. If you are inside a moving vehicle, stop and get out.  Do not attempt to cross bridges or flyovers as these structures may have been damaged.

 

Click here to learn more about how to handle aftershocks and other damages due to an earthquake.

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After an earthquake

1. Be prepared for aftershocks. Leave the building immediately as soon as the shaking stops but do not use elevators. 
2. Check yourself for any injuries.  If you are injured, get help and ask to be brought to the nearest hospital.
3. Check water and electrical lines for damages.
4. Inspect your location if there has been any spillage of chemicals, toxic and flammable materials.
5. Control fires which may have spread.
6. If you need to evacuate your home, leave a message stating where you are going and bring an emergency kit with you.

 

Source : www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph

 

You may also want to read:

Earthquake Preparation for Parents

How to Prepare Your Home Against Earthquakes

Most Recommended Earthquake Survival Advice for Parents: Drop, Cover and Hold On

 

Photo from flickr.com