We Have to Be Ahead of Every Disaster –Gordon

At the start of the rainy season this year, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) once again announced preventive measures and the 4 Ps of disaster management—Predict, Plan, Prepare and Practice–at home, in school, and at the workplace. At the same time, the PRC has activated its chapters and response teams, prepositioned emergency response vehicles, and alerted its Red Cross 143 volunteers on the ground regarding safety and disaster resiliency.

“We have to be ahead of every disaster. Always remember the 4Ps. PRC, through its formula of volunteers + logistics + information technology, will continue to provide efficient and responsive humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

As a precaution, the public is advised to:

• stay indoors and keep calm;
• monitor reports on television, radio, and social media;
• turn off electricity, gas, and water in case of flooding;
• have flashlights and radios ready with fresh and extra batteries;
• stock-up on food, water, and first aid supplies;
• avoid low-lying areas, cliffs, and foothills;
• and evacuate if necessary.

Gordon likewise reminded the public to maintain proper health and sanitation habits to avoid contracting diseases that are commonly associated with the rainy season such as dengue fever, leptospirosis, colds, flu, cholera, among others.

PRC re-emphasized the importance of having lifeline kits all the time. A 72-hour lifeline kit containing water, food, emergency tools, important documents and money should be carried in case of evacuation.

In line with this, PRC’s local chapters are conducting awareness campaigns and early warning dissemination for early action. To prepare for pre-emptive evacuations, its Red Cross Action Team and Red Cross 143 volunteers in the communities are placed on alert. The chapters were also reminded of the steps to be taken when providing emergency response during disasters and the need to coordinate with local authorities on relief and rehabilitation operations. “Our volunteers and responders on the ground will remain on alert and ready for any eventuality that might happen. For any assistance the public may need, you can call for help to our hotline 143, because we are Always First, Always Ready, and Always There to be the lifeline of the people,” Gordon added.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s seasonal climate outlook, approximately 10-13 tropical cyclones will occur from June to November 2018.

For any untoward incident, you may report directly to the PRC Operations Center through hotline 143 or to the chapter nearest you. (PRC)