12/10/2025
‼️DUGANG KASAYURAN BAHIN SA LINOG‼️
DO NOT ESCAPE. TAKE TIME TO READ AND SHARE.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) strongly advocates a three-phase approach to earthquake safety: Before, During, and After an earthquake.
Here are the practical, actionable steps you should take, incorporating PHIVOLCS's recommendations:
I. Before an Earthquake (Preparedness/Pagpangandam)
The best defense is preparation. These steps should be taken long before the ground starts shaking.
A. Secure Your Home and Workplace
Secure Furniture: Strap or bolt heavy furniture (like bookshelves, cabinets, and wardrobes) to the walls to prevent them from toppling over.
Manage Heavy Objects: Store breakable items, harmful chemicals, and flammable materials on the lowest shelves. Check the stability of hanging objects (e.g., ceiling fans, chandeliers).
Evaluate Structure: Have the structural soundness of your house or building evaluated by an expert, especially if it's an older structure, and reinforce it if necessary.
B. Plan and Practice
Know Your Hazards: Familiarize yourself with the earthquake hazards specific to your area (e.g., fault lines, liquefaction, tsunami zones). Naay gi post ang Agnor Pdrrmc nga information sa active faultlines sa Agusan del Norte, pls check adto nga post.
Identify Safe and Unsafe Spots:
Know the safest spots inside your home (under a sturdy table/desk) and workplace.
Know the exit routes and the designated evacuation area (a nearby open space).
Conduct Drills: Participate in and conduct regular earthquake drills to practice the Drop, Cover, and Hold On procedure and evacuation. Importante nga mo participate sa mga drills, to develop your muscle memory.
Know How to Turn Off Utilities: Learn where and how to safely switch off your main gas, water, and electrical circuit breaker.
C. Prepare an Emergency Go-Bag (Survival Kit)
Prepare a handy emergency kit (Go-Bag) that is easily accessible (ibutang sa duol sa pultahan para derecho na sakwat pag gawas. Butangi ug label nga "Go Bag" para pirmi nga ma reminded) and includes a minimum of three days' worth of supplies for each family member:
Water and Food: Clean drinking water and non-perishable food items (with a can opener if necessary).
First Aid: Complete first aid kit and maintenance medicines.
Tools and Communication: Flashlight and extra batteries, a whistle (to signal if trapped, gina advise nako nga ang whistle dapat naka attach apil sa ID sa mga bata), a battery-operated or hand-crank radio for news updates, and a portable charger/power bank. Also, at the back of the IDs, pakisulat sa contact number/s sa member sa family, in case of emergency, naay makontak.
Other Essentials: Blankets/clothing, cash, copies of important documents (in a waterproof pouch), and hygiene items.
II. During an Earthquake (Immediate Action)
The moment you feel the shaking, stay calm and act immediately.
A. If You Are INDOORS (The "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" Method)
Drop: Drop down onto your hands and knees.
Cover: Take cover under a sturdy desk or table. If no shelter is available, move against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.
Hold On: Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with it if the shaking shifts it.
Stay Inside: Do not run outside or to other rooms until the shaking has completely stopped.
Avoid Hazards: Stay away from glass windows, mirrors, shelves, heavy cabinets, and hanging objects. Do not stand in a doorway as it does not offer as much protection from falling debris as a table does.
Open a Door (If Possible): If you are near a door, quickly open it for an exit path in case the frame warps.
B. If You Are OUTSIDE
Move to an Open Area: Quickly move to a clear, open space away from potential hazards.
Stay Away From:
Buildings (falling debris)
Power lines, utility posts, and trees
Streetlights and concrete structures
Steep slopes (risk of landslides)
C. If You Are Near the Shore
Move to Higher Ground Immediately: Earthquakes, especially strong ones felt near the coast, can generate a tsunami. Move quickly to high ground or farther inland. Do not wait for a warning.
D. If You Are in a Moving Vehicle
Stop Safely: Stop the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible.
Stay Put: Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
Avoid Structures: Do not stop on or under bridges, overpasses, flyovers, or under trees and utility posts, as these structures can collapse.
III. After an Earthquake (Post-Shaking)
As soon as the shaking stops, remain alert and expect aftershocks.
A. Evacuate Safely
Evacuate Immediately: Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of the building.
Do Not Panic: Walk, do not run, and observe physical distancing.
Check Yourself and Others: Check for injuries on yourself and those around you. Administer basic first aid if necessary.
Do NOT Use:
Elevators: Use the staircase when exiting.
Telephones: Use them only for genuine emergencies (medical or fire). Use text messages instead to avoid congesting lines.
Bring Your Kit: Take your emergency Go-Bag with you.
Proceed to the Assembly Area: Move to your designated safe, open evacuation area. Do not re-enter the building until it has been inspected and cleared by authorities.
B. Check for Hazards
Expect Aftershocks: Be prepared for continued shaking.
Check Utilities: Inspect water and electrical lines for damages. If there is a gas leak (you smell gas or hear a hissing sound), turn off the main utility valve.
DO NOT use matches, lighters, or any electrical equipment if you suspect a gas leak, as a spark could trigger an explosion or fire.
Control Fires: Check for and put out small fires immediately using an extinguisher.
Check for Spills: Check for spills of harmful chemicals or flammable materials.
C. Stay Informed and Help
Monitor Updates: Listen to a battery-operated radio for official updates and disaster prevention instructions from PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, and local authorities (barangay. P/C/MDRRMO)
Help Others: Assist people who need special attention (children, the elderly, persons with disabilities).
Communicate Plans: If you need to evacuate from your residence to another location, leave a message for family and concerned people stating where you are going.
Once safe, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for survival and mercy for those who are injured. Pray for the strength, safety, and effectiveness of all responders/rescuers, medical personnel, and volunteers. Pray that the spirit of bayanihan prevails.
(C) Erma R. Suyo, PDRRMO Agusan del Norte
