The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area that experiences frequent and often devastating earthquakes. In a country where most of the population lives on fault lines, it is important to prepare for an earthquake at home.
The Philippines is part of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. There is a big possibility that the country will experience a large earthquake in the near future. With the recent quakes over the past weeks, Filipinos are again reminded to prepare for the "Big One."
The "Big One" refers to the impacts of strong high-magnitude earthquakes that could happen not only in the Greater Metro Manila region but also in other areas or provinces across the country that are vulnerable to natural catastrophes.
In preparation for such an event, it is important that you take some precautionary measures.
Earthquakes are unpredictable and can happen at any time. When it comes to earthquakes, you should be ready. It is almost impossible to know when an earthquake will strike and where it will strike. For this reason, you must prepare yourself ahead of time.
In this article, you will learn how to prepare for an earthquake at home. What to do before an earthquake, and how to prepare an earthquake kit at home. This is especially for people living in a condo in the Philippines.
How to Prepare for an Earthquake in Your Condo?
It is possible that an earthquake could happen at any time without warning, so it is essential that you be prepared for an emergency situation. The best way to prepare for an earthquake is by ensuring a plan is in place before the earthquake happens.
Make sure you have an evacuation plan. This will involve knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake and where to go when one occurs. If possible, find out where there are safe places outside your property that would allow you to shelter in place during an earthquake. Know where the nearest shelter is located in case of an emergency, and have an out-of-state relative, family friend, or friend willing to take you in. The sooner you find these locations, the better prepared you will be when an earthquake occurs.
Additionally, and most importantly, inform your family members about what to do during an emergency or after an earthquake and ensure they know where to meet up with you if necessary.
What to Do Before an Earthquake?
First, make sure your family knows what to do in an earthquake. Everyone needs to know what their responsibilities are in the event of a natural disaster.
Earthquakes have different intensity and magnitude levels. Whatever the intensity or the magnitude is, it is definitely terrifying. Earthquakes can cause serious damage to buildings, transport systems, and infrastructure. While there are no warning signs before an earthquake hits, there is still time to take action.
It's time to get ready. Here are some things to prepare before an earthquake:
Store essential items in advance
Make sure you have enough supplies and food for two weeks, or longer if necessary. You can also store extra water in case you lose power or your water supply is interrupted.
Know where to go during an emergency or after an earthquake
Know the location of important landmarks from your home or condo, such as hospitals, schools, and fire stations, so you can find them when it's time for evacuation or rescue efforts to begin. This also includes where the nearest exits are located in case you are at work or school.
Make sure your home is built to withstand earthquakes.
If you know that your home is built on a fault line, you need to ensure that your condo is capable of withstanding earthquakes. You should also ensure that there is enough space between buildings so that if one collapses, it doesn't cause further damage and injure anyone who may be inside or nearby buildings at the time of the collapse or aftershocks that occur later on during the day or night.
In condo living the Philippines, although condominium buildings are built to really withstand earthquakes, or any calamity for that matter, as a resident, it is still best to come prepared. If you live in a condo, it is important to prepare for an earthquake by learning to secure your condo unit from damage and loss of possessions from potential disasters. You should also be prepared for any safety measures that may be taken by the management company or building management company if there are concerns about the structural integrity of your unit.
Put all the necessary and essential documents in one place.
This also includes bank account numbers, medical records, and insurance information. Always keep copies of these items with family members or friends outside your area of residence so they are accessible during an emergency.
Stock up on nonperishable food items
Another thing to prepare for an earthquake is stocking up on nonperishable food items like canned goods, bottled water, and canned meats. Nonperishable food items will keep for several months without refrigeration. In the event of a devastating earthquake and rescuers are having difficulty accessing your location, ensure you have enough supplies and food suitable for two weeks or longer if necessary.
How to Prepare for an Earthquake Kit
The first thing on the checklist is the family should have access to adequate shelter and supplies that will last for several days. Creating an earthquake kit for each family member is a good place to start.
Make sure you have these items on hand in case a natural crisis occurs:
- Food and water - You'll want something nutritious that has a long shelf life that won't spoil quickly in case your power goes out during an emergency.
- A first-aid kit - This contains bandages, gauze pads, antibiotic ointments, medicines, and any other medical supplies you might need after an earthquake.
- A flashlight with extra batteries - Flashlights are the most important piece of equipment in an earthquake kit. They can be used to navigate, signal for help, and even as a weapon if needed.
- A portable radio and power bank will allow you to communicate with people outside your home if there is no power following an earthquake.
Earthquakes are a reality of life. They happen every day, and they can be devastating. There are different levels of intensity and magnitude in an earthquake, depending on where it happens. It is crucial to be prepared before an earthquake strikes, especially the big one so that you can be safe and get through the event without any damage or injuries to yourself and others.
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