Be ready just in case an earthquake strikes; Follow these Philippine Red Cross tips

 

Before An Earthquake

 

At Home:

1. Make sure that heavy, bulky implements like refrigerators and cabinets are attached to the walls.

2. Repair parts of the house that are infested with termites.

3. If possible, light materials should make up the roof and ceiling.

4. Always secure emergency tools such as flashlights, candles, matches, first-aid kits and others.

5. Know how to render first-aid assistance to family members.

6. Know where the main switch of electricity is located.

7. Don’t position heavy objects at the high points of your home.

 

At School:

1. Oblige the school administration to set up prevention and awareness dissemination programs like earthquake drills to minimize danger and casualty.

 

During An Earthquake

 

1. Don’t panic. Don’t bother running outside if you are inside a building. Shield yourself from falling debris by ducking under a table, or other similar furniture and fixtures. Move away from glass windows.

2. If you find yourself outside a building, calmly find a safe spot where you can dodge toppling electric posts, trees and collapsing walls.

3. Don’t light anything when a gas tank is leaking.

4. Take the stairs instead of using the elevator.

5. When inside a car, avoid passing under flyovers and bridges. Park the car away from structures that could topple, and remain inside the car until help arrives.

6. When you are on a beach, make at once to a high place, in case the earthquake causes a tsunami.

7. When inside a crowded building like a movie house, don’t shove and push your way outside. Contain yourself and make sure to avoid structures that may topple.

 

AFTER EARTHQUAKE

1. Inspect yourself and your companions, and then perform first aid when needed.

2. Inspect sources of gas and electricity. Make sure to repair when damaged.

3. Wear shoes and boots, or anything that would protect the feet from broken pieces of glass that may cause wounds.

4. Check electric posts. Report to the authority if problem occurs.

5. Avoid staying by the seashore. Tsunami may strike anytime after earthquake.

6. Use the telephone only for emergency.

7. Prepare yourself for aftershocks. Avoid dangerous infrastructures as these may topple and collapse anytime.

8. Follow the emergency plan of your local government.

9. If you wish to vacate your area, leave a note that would specify your destination. Bring tools for emergency such as flashlight, candle, clothes, blanket, food and water.

Minor hazards such as swells on the head could not be avoided, but if you follow the guidelines stated, your life would be spared.

 

Let us all be ready.

As they say, the life you save might be yours.

 

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