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Philippine Red Cross issues earthquake tips

The tragedy of Port-Au-Prince in Haiti has been written into history, reminding us of life's fragility. It compels us to be wary of contingent situations and be heedful of prevention, rather than unwisely resorting to cure.

Calamities such as earthquakes could strike anywhere, but the Philippines faces a high risk of being hit.

This Saturday, four (4) earthquakes were recorded, three (3) in Burias Island and one (1) in Basco, Batanes, with a magnitude that ranges from 3.6 to 5.8 based on the report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOCS).

High magnitude earthquakes induce extremely intense tremor, which takes walls wavering, surroundings bobbing and the underground rumbling. Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang advises that in surmounting an earthquake, it is mostly important to avoid panicking and to hold on to presence of mind. She also adds that preparing the self and the home even before the calamity breaks out would help a person move to survival with much ease and composure.

Below are earthquake tips, which would come in handy in a world where calamity may break out anytime. PRC Safety Services and Disaster Management Services emphasize that knowledge on how to survive an earthquake minimizes the risk of casualty.

BEFORE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES

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.

WHILE EARTHQUAKE IS OCCURRING
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.