Knowledge Channel’s Disaster Survival Guide

BY MICHAEL RAMOS AND CARL JASON VILLAFLORES

The Philippines is a hotbed of natural disasters. It ranks as one of the 10 most disaster-prone countries in the world based on the 2016 World Risk Index. With high exposure to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and flooding, Filipinos are faced with the challenge of preparing for worst case scenarios.

That is why our government has mandated the month of July as National Disaster Resilience Month, which calls for all government agencies and Filipino citizens to actively participate in activities that relate to disaster risk reduction and management.

In an emergency, every second counts and it matters to have a systematic plan to effectively cope and minimize the severity of calamities. That’s why  Knowledge Channel has prepared videos explaining crucial tips when faced with landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, storms and floods.

Here are the tips to do during and after an earthquake

  • An earthquake is caused by a sudden movement of the ground

  • If possible, avoid things that can be shattered like mirrors, windows, big appliances, or light bulbs and hide under a strong table or bed while there is an earthquake. If there is no cover to hide under, you can cover your face and your head using your hands.

  • Also, avoid using appliances during an earthquake and after an earthquake.

  • It is possible for electrical wires to get broken and cause short-circuits, electrocution or fire

  • If outside during an earthquake, avoid tall buildings, post or trees that might fall down

  • It’s also possible to have continuous aftershocks, so avoid going to tunnels or flyovers after an earthquake

Here are the tips during or after a tsunami:

  • Immediately evacuate to a high place that is 3 kilometers away from the shore or more to ensure safety

  • Know the warning system used in your community, remember the evacuation centers that you can go to after a tsunami

  • To those living near the shore, make sure to have an evacuation plan posted or hang on the wall of the houses, office, and school; memorize and find out how to execute it.

  • Remember the evacuation centers that you can go to after the Tsunami

Here are the tips to prepare for the season of storm and floods:

  • Store emergency supplies like canned goods, water, candles, flashlight, battery, transistor radio, and first aid kit.

  • It is also better to get in touch to radio and internet to be updated with the latest news about the storm

  • It is better to stay connected with the internet and listen to the radio to know the latest news about the storm

  • As much as possible, don’t engage the flood, especially when the currents are strong so that you won’t get drowned or electrocuted due to wet wires, and also to avoid the deadly leptospirosis disease

  • Also, find out if there are rivers, streams, hills and mountain near your houses because there is a big possibility to have flash flood in places near those when there is a heavy rainfall. If you are close to these landscapes, climb up to the highest floor or roof deck of your house and wait for help.

  • You can also list down important emergency numbers such as fire station, police, ambulance and agencies that can be asked for help during the time of disaster and calamities. Save it in your cellphone or post it in a place visible in the house.

Here are the preparation tips before and while there is a landslide:

  • If we’re living near a mountain or at landslide prone-areas, make sure that the family or the community has an evacuation plan.

  • You can build strong walls that can shield your houses to falling soil and debris. You can also dig canals that can serve as a passage way for running mud and water from high places.

  • While there is a storm or flood, make sure to be alert with your surroundings and be updated with the news.

  • If you’re living near a stream, a mountain, or a hill, check if the water flowing from those is clear or muddy because it can be a sign on how much soil are getting eroded and carried away by the rainwater. If there is too much mud in the water, then it is a sign to evacuate early.

Providing Psychological First Aid in times of disaster

It is a process of aiding people to reduce stress symptoms, cope with the stressful event, and help people themselves. After securing basic needs and safety of individuals, hours immediately after the event up to three months after.

Core Actions:

LOOK – Ensure safety, contact and engagement

LISTEN – Stabilize, gather information

LINK – Practical assistance, connect to social support

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Watch the complete playlist on our YouTube channel!

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