7 Steps to Prepare for an Earthquake in School

The Department of Education (DepEd) has come out with some guidance notes on earthquake preparedness since it is a calamity that has no indicator and is unpredictable.

DepEd says that during an earthquake, stay calm but move fast as you duck and rush for a strong shelter or cover for your body and hold on to it so it does not get away from your hands and leave you expose to falling debris.

Earthquakes cannot be predicted like the coming of a storm, it just sets in shaking the earth and causes panic that may lead to injuries or death to people and untold destruction to properties.

The Philippines sits on the earthquake belt of the world which scientists say is always moving and rearranging rocks or soil several times a day although it is not felt because the movements are weak.

It is a different matter when the intensity becomes stronger, especially when it is intensity 7 or 8 which is dangerous as buildings and heavy things fall, fire spurts from different places and zones or a landslide suddenly occurs.

Among the facts to be remembered before an earthquake or a shaker are:

* You must know the earthquake hazards in your school by requesting for a visit from experts of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

* Put heavy materials on lower storage spaces and strap/bolt heavy furniture/cabinets to the walls/floor.

* To avoid fires, store breakable and flammable materials in the lowermost secured shelves and see to it that at least two clear emergency exits are present or available at all times.

* Know the exit routes and evacuation plan of your school, office, building or complex so you would easily get out once the shaky stops.

* Ensure that office, schoolroom doors swing outwards so it won’t hit you as you rush to get out.

* Remember to secure office/school first aid kit. You never know if somebody would get hit or hurt and need treatment right away such as in loss of blood or heart attack.

* Participate in earthquake drills to lessen nervousness or fear just in case an powerful earthquake happens anytime, anywhere.

* Be aware of and know the Duck-Cover-Hold procedure. Have the presence of mind to duck or dash under a strong table for cover and hold on the legs so it does not move but protect you as things might be falling or crashing down during the shaking.

After an earthquake, account for everyone, including the injured and the dead. Report to rescuers upon seeing someone still alive.

Refrain from returning to rooms because of the possibility of ceiling, walls, glasses and furniture crashing down, especially during aftershocks. (PNA) SCS/LOR