What to Do During an Earthquake Inside your Condo

Oct 14, 2021

Last September 26, 2021, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck in Occidental Mindoro, and just last week, October 8, 2021, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake occurred in Batangas. 

The Philippines is indeed a country prone to earthquakes. The Philippines is also situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region around the rim of the Pacific Ocean where plenty of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes take place, which is why earthquakes happen unexpectedly every now and then. 

With all the recent earthquakes that shook the entire nation, there is a question that needs to be addressed especially in condo living: are high-rise condominiums safe from earthquakes? 

According to the National Building Code of the Philippines, there are strict standards set by the National Structure Code of the Philippines for the developers and construction companies to keep buildings, such as condominiums, safe from natural calamities like earthquakes. The strict building code also implements standards for the construction of high-rise buildings to refrain from major structural damage and protect homeowners when earthquakes strike. 

While the country administers strict building codes designed to withstand intensity 8 earthquakes, it is not a valid motive to slack and be complacent. This article will provide you with tips on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake inside your condo. 

Before an Earthquake

Prepare an Earthquake Readiness Plan

It is important to have a readiness plan in case an earthquake hits your area because this type of calamity happens unforeseen. Make sure that you plot and mark the exit and safe spots in your condo. Usually, high-rise buildings and condos in Manila have a floor plan for each room beside the door; thus, you may use this to mark the safe spots and exits in your building. 

Discuss among your family members or roommates the possible scenarios and evacuation when an earthquake. Make a clear agreement on how and where you will all reunite in case you are separated from each other. You also have to incorporate in your readiness plan the emergency hotline numbers in times of assistance. 

Make your Condo Secured from Heavy Furniture and Falling Objects

During an earthquake, you are not allowed to go outside yet. Stay inside your condo first. Therefore, it is essential for you to secure your condo unit and make it free from harm. Heavy pieces of furniture like bookshelves, cabinets, wardrobes, mirrors, and other objects may fall over during an earthquake. In order to minimize head injuries, casualties, and structural damages caused by these falling objects, you have to secure them tightly by anchoring them and installing bolts and latches. Having an aesthetic condo design is the goal of every condo unit owner, but having a beautiful condo that is secured for natural calamities is beyond perfection. 

Have an Emergency Kit 

Pack an emergency kit for every member of the family that comprises your basic necessities good for three days like drinking water, food that is easy to prepare like canned food, noodles, and bread, first aid kit, and medicines. Also include in your emergency kit the other essential things like a whistle, flashlight, batteries, portable radio, your phone, charger, and power bank. You may also add cash, other valuable items like important documents, identification cards, deed or lease to your condo, and others. 

During the Earthquake 

Duck, Cover, and Hold 

Whatever that you are doing, whether you are cooking in your kitchen, washing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom of your condo, when an earthquake strikes, look out for the sturdiest table in your condo, duck, cover your head with a book or your hands, and hold under that table. Watch out for falling objects like light fixtures, mirrors, glass from the windows, and other items. Most importantly, stay calm. Until the shaking subsides, don’t get out of that table. 

Stay in Bed 

If ever the earthquake happens at night while everyone is asleep, don’t get up yet and stay in your bed first. Use your pillows to cover your head while shaking. Get up carefully and look for a space in your condo that is safe until the shaking is gone. Be vigilant! Falling objects may hit you unconsciously because of the absence of light during the night. 

Avoid Staying in your Kitchen 

Looking for a safe spot during an earthquake is a struggle, especially in condo units because of their relatively small spaces. However, in deciding a safe area on where to go inside your condo, omit the idea of staying in the kitchen. A kitchen is a hazardous place during an earthquake because kitchenware like knives and plates can fall, appliances can have short circuits, and a stove that can potentially start a fire. Additionally, stay out from glass windows as this may break and fall directly at you. 

Stay Calm and Wait Patiently 

A shaking building can make you feel dizzy and light-headed, and might even cause you to fall down. In times like this, it is important to stay calm and wait patiently until the shaking stops before going out of your condo. You also have to be alert as aftershocks may also occur within minutes after the main quake. Thus, it is best to stay put and wait. You can leave the premises only when you are absolutely sure that it is safe to go outside. 

After the Earthquake

Do not use the Elevator 

In condo living, elevators are the way to go in and out of the premises. While it is tempting to use elevators, it is advisable not to use these after an earthquake has occurred. Electrical power may be down at this point and the chances of you getting trapped inside are high. Fire exits and stairs are the most appropriate solution in evacuating the building. 

Go to an Open and Safe Area

As soon as you reach the outside of your condo building, head to an open area that is clean and safe from broken window glasses, debris, and other damaged structures. You should also refrain from staying beside large trees and in your atmosphere because these may fall due to the intensity of the earthquake. Better stay at a place unshaded and free from falling objects. 

Apply First Aid when Injured 

After you find an area that is open and safe, immediately check if you or other family members have incurred major or minor injuries. Apply basic first aid like cleaning the wound and covering the affected area to prevent exposure and further loss of blood. If the injury is major, do not hesitate to call emergency hotlines for assistance. 

Choose a Trustworthy and Reliable Condo 

Because of earthquakes and other natural calamities, a lot of condominium developers have become more adaptive in improving the structure of the buildings and ensuring the health and safety of their clients. If you are to buy a condo in Manila or in any part of the Philippines for that matter, it is important to select it from a trustworthy and reliable brand like Vista Residences. 

Vista Residences offers ready for occupancy condo units that are in accordance with the strict building codes of the Philippines. That is why these units are guaranteed safe from massive earthquakes and other calamities. 

The past earthquake disasters involving condominiums prompted the government, condo developers, and construction companies to strengthen building codes and build stronger establishments. This resulted in safer high-rise condos that are better than low-rise condos. On the other hand, however strong and safe your condo is if you are not prepared if ever an earthquake occurs, you are still unsafe. During an earthquake or any other natural calamities, keep in mind that preparation is the ultimate key to survival.

If you are looking for a new home and condo, Vista Residences is the best option for you! Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers rent-to-own, ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit-oriented locations, and developed business districts.

For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.  

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