Natural Disaster Preparedness

[Savwafair2012 Profile]

It's a DTV Safety tip of the day

People have to accept the reality that they can no longer avoid the wrath of Mother Nature. The most that they can do is to prepare for or reduce the risk and hazards of natural disasters. Let us then be prepared to save our lives and properties by following some of these safeguards:

In case of earthquakes, stay calm and don't panic. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way, but in an orderly and calm manner, in going out of the building. Use the stairs. Do not use elevators. If you are in a structurally sound building, protect yourself by getting under a sturdy table or desk and holding on to it while shaking occurs; or you can also protect your head with your arms. If you are outside, go to an open area. Stay away from power lines, posts and concrete structures that may fall or collapse. If you are inside a moving vehicle, do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses, or flyovers which may have been damaged. If you are near the shore and feel an earthquake, it is safest to assume that a tsunami might occur. So, move to a higher ground.

Move away from mountainous areas or near a steep hill slope where landslides might occur. Do not enter partially damaged buildings after the occurrence of an earthquake because strong aftershocks may cause these to collapse. Check yourself and others for injuries. If injured, administer first aid, if trained to do so. Otherwise, seek immediate medical help from nearby hospitals or medical clinics. Check for spills of chemicals, toxic and flammable materials to avoid potentially disastrous situations. Also check for fires and if there's any, have it extinguished or call the nearest fire station. Make sure that water and electrical lines are not damaged; if any damage is suspected, switch off water and electricity.

Should you decide to evacuate, leave a note stating where you will go. Bring along essential items needed for your survival. Do not overburden yourself with heavy or bulky baggage. Follow official advisories and warnings and avoid needless telephone and road use to allow authorities the unhampered use of these for rescue and relief operations.

In case of tsunamis, be alert with tsunami warning signs. A strong earthquake is a natural tsunami warning. So, do not stay in low-lying and seashore areas once a strong earthquake occurred. A tsunami might also occur within minutes. Tsunamis are also preceded or accompanied by unusual sounds so be vigilant with these signs. Other natural signs include sudden lowering of the sea level or an unusual rise and fall of the sea level.

Fish and other marine life may be exposed when the sea retreats. Never go down to the beach to collect these because tsunami waves might rush back anytime and carry you out with great force to the sea. Immediately vacate the beach and seek higher ground and stay there until all signs of danger have passed.

In case of strong typhoons, stay indoors and keep calm. Monitor the internet, TV and radio reports. Secure your house. Prune trees near dwellings. Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Have flashlights, candles, matches and portable radio handy, with spare new batteries. Stock up on non-perishable foodstuffs and potable drinking water in sealed containers (sufficient for 3 days). Also stock up on first aid supplies, vitamins, medicines and essentials for primary treatment of fever, loose bowel movement (LBM), cough, colds, wounds and other ailments, including basic equipment for the needs of infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities

In case of flood, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your house. Stack furniture above the expected flood level and keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances and garbage beyond the reach of floodwaters. Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood nor use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded. Avoid wading through flooded areas and do not attempt to cross rivers or flowing streams and brooks or creeks, especially when the current is strong and deep. Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks, coastal areas, slopes, cliffs and foothills. Rains can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides. If your house is in a flood prone area, go to the nearest designated evacuation center. Bring some money, important items and documents placed in a large and sturdy plastic bags, blankets, clean clothes, raincoats, rubber boots, tissue paper and other sanitary supplies

In case of volcanic eruptions, the residents living around an erupting volcano must be alert with volcanic hazards that may ensue such as pyroclastic or lahar flow and ash fall. Follow all advisories and warnings as these can save your lives and properties. Avoid staying in the declared permanent danger zones and the rivers where hazardous volcanic substances can flow. Should ash fall occur, cover your nose with a wet cloth to allow for better breathing. Always cover your foodstuffs to prevent contamination. Clean your roofs when heavy ash fall occurs to prevent collapse. If you are inside a moving vehicle, seek shelter immediately. If you are along the path of potential lahar flows, immediately move to higher ground or to a designated evacuation site.