Ready for THE BIG ONE? Here are 3 Simple Steps You MUST DO During An Earthquake

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I'm sure you've heard of it. It is the predicted most destructive 7.2 Magnitude earthquake that might (we hope not) hit Manila and its neighboring provinces that lie in the Valley Fault System . Unfortunately, the Province of Laguna is one of those provinces.

Nobody knows when but when the time comes, it might be too late.

Knowing that no one can detect an earthquake, all we can do is prepare our selves... prepare for the worst case scenario and do everything to save our lives, our families, and anyone.

Luckily, the government has its ways to promote awareness and preparedness before the BIG ONE hits. One of which is the conduct of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) done every quarter of the year.

For the first quarter of 2018, NSED was done last February 15, 2018, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Let the employees of the Provincial Government of Laguna show you 3 simple steps you must do when there is ground shaking.

1. DUCK, COVER and HOLD

DUCK or drop

COVER your head with your hands or anything hard, or cover yourself under a sturdy table, and

HOLD on to it and hold your position until the shaking ends.

2. When the shaking stops, EVACUATE the building
During evacuation, always prioritize the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), children, pregnant women, and senior citizens. Form a line, and DO NOT PANIC! Always cover your head to minimize the possibilities of head injuries.

(You may notice that I was last on the line. That is because I am the Marshal of our office and I have the duty of making sure that all of my co-employees are safe.)

Important: Know your evacuation route. Set your assembly area so you know where to go.

3. HEAD COUNT
As marshal, I have to make sure everyone who evacuated the building is in our assembly area safe and sound. If there are injuries, report it to emergency hotlines or if you know any first aid, do not hesitate to save lives.

Wait for the signal of professionals (engineers) or responders that it is safe to go back to your respective buildings/offices. Only then you may do so.

BONUS:

Before the drill, I explained these steps to my colleagues to make sure that everyone knows what they must do. I also informed them about our evacuation route, and the location of our assembly area.

After the drill, a post activity meeting was conducted by the Laguna Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO). It was attended by all the marshals of PGL offices and the observers during the drill. Issues and concerns were raised and discussed in preparation for the next quarter.

This post is part of my support for the newly founded @steemph.laguna . Let us show concern not only to our fellow Laguneños, but to everyone! Share the awareness and be prepared.

As we always say:

SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY