Help your schoolchildren do this earthquake homework

Quick, help your schoolchildren do this homework. Teacher wants all members of the family to be involved, for their own sake. It’s a test for earthquake preparedness and response. Pupils in Kindergarten to Eighth Grade are naturally attentive. They and household mates need to be alert in disaster. Science Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr., as Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology director, designed this Family Earthquake Preparedness Homework with the Dept. of Education:

1. Before an earthquake

a. Do we know the emergency numbers and contact details of the local fire department, police, hospitals and barangay officials? (With risks of earthquakes to lives and property, it is important that all family members know all the relevant offices and authorities that could provide necessary assistance.)

b. Do we all know the nearest safe evacuation area from our house in the event of an earthquake? (All family members should be familiar with possible evacuation areas to properly guide each one where to head.)

c. Do we all know the earthquake evacuation plan at our school/workplace? (Since family members are not always together, it is important that each one knows the evacuation plan.)

d. Do we know how to evacuate infants/children, persons with disabilities, and/or the elderly in our house? (Children and their families should be aware that others have particular vulnerabilities to be considered during evacuation.)

e. Do all family members know the initial response during an earthquake: Duck-Cover-Hold? (DCH as an initial response during earthquakes should be practiced in different contexts, especially in areas without tables or stable furniture to stay under.)

f. Are overhead shelves/cabinets at home free of heavy objects that may injure people?

g. Are heavy furniture, cupboards, and other heavy appliances strapped/bolted to the walls/floor? (Earthquake can trigger other hazards such as ground shaking, building collapse, tsunami, liquefaction, fire, landslide. These possible related hazards should be considered in preparedness plans.)

h. Do we store food and drinking water for possible earthquakes? i. Do we all know if we are near any water body (lake, sea, river)? 

j. As a result of an earthquake, do we all know if we are vulnerable to possible tsunamis?

2. During an earthquake and initial shaking

a. If earthquake happens while travelling, what will be our initial response?

b. If earthquake happens while at home, what will be our initial response? (For a & b: Duck-Cover-Hold as initial response during earthquakes should be practiced in different contexts, especially in areas without tables or stable furniture to stay under. With or without family members, one should know what to do during an earthquake.)

c. If earthquake happens while at home, how do we proceed with the evacuation? (Families should be aware of the proper evacuation procedures to avoid possible injuries due to ground shaking, fire, building collapse, among others.)

d. If earthquake happens while travelling, where do we meet? (Agreeing on where to meet gives a sense of direction among family members during earthquake. This can ease the fear and tension.)

e. If someone who lives with us is injured, what should be our initial response? (If no family member is knowledgeable in first aid, they should at least know how to stabilize the injured person and seek proper assistance.)

f. If we are trapped inside the house, what do we do? (Panic results to inability to think during emergencies. Families should create scenarios in the event of an earthquake; being trapped inside could be one of them. Plan ways to get out of their houses or avoid being trapped.)

g. If the designated evacuation area is damaged, where is our alternative? (All family members should know possible evacuation areas to properly guide each one.)

h. If communication is down, how long are we going to wait for each other at the designated meeting place? (Reducing panic is imperative during emergencies. Agree with family members where and how long to wait.)

3. After an earthquake and initial shaking

a. Do we know the contact numbers of persons in our household? (In case of earthquake while family members are at work, school or travelling, each member should be able to recall or list down at least one number.)

b. Do we know when to evacuate? (Families should be aware of proper evacuation procedures to avoid injuries due to ground shaking, fire, building collapse, among others.)

c. Do we know that we should not go back to our homes/buildings due to possible aftershocks?

d. Are we prepared for possible effects of aftershocks: fires, further damage to house/building?

e. Is our home free of possible fire-triggers after an earthquake?

f. If we are vulnerable to tsunamis, do we know how to properly evacuate? (For c, d, e, f: Earthquake could result to other hazards such as ground shaking, building collapse, tsunami, liquefaction, fire, landslide.)

g. Do we know how to preserve or keep food safe after an earthquake?

h. Do we know from whom we can get accurate and credible data/info so as not to contribute to rumors which may cause panic, etc.?

For more info, click www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph           

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