The Philippines is considered vulnerable to natural disasters as the country's position in the Ring of Fire, also known as the typhoon belt, a vast Pacific Ocean area that is home to many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
An earthquake is a sudden, violent shaking of the surface caused by the movement of rocks deep underneath the surface of the earth. Earthquakes are normally caused by underground rock breaking along a fault line. The seismic waves that cause the earth to shake are caused by this sudden release of energy. When two rocks or plates brush against each other, they cling together a little.
A typhoon is a massive, rotating storm that brings wind, rain, and destruction. When winds blow into areas of the ocean where the water is warm, that's where a typhoon forms. As colder air moves in below, these winds catch moisture and rise. As a result, friction is created, causing the winds to move very quickly. The stronger the winds are, the more warm air and moisture there is.
The houses in Piacra are built with bricks, stones, hollow blocks and cements which can assure the people that their house will not be easily damaged. To be honest, that is so helpful instead of wood since it can protect you from typhoons.
If ever you were told beforehand that there will be an earthquake, you should put heavy objects or anything breakable on the ground to avoid things or it will make the earthquake worse.
The government’s plan is to help people evacuate if ever they want to be in a safe place before the disaster hits. To let people know what’s happening, people assigned should tell the people how hard the disaster is and where it will take place so they know what to do. People are knowledgeable enough if they watch news and many parents are always watching news so we think that what they already know is good but not enough so newscasters will continue to update them. If you worry about teens, we have social media now and people there are also posting and updating people on what is currently happening.
If you know that there's an disaster coming, you should be advanced so you can prepare what you need in case of an emergency. People should not forget about this part since this is needed for survival.
Water is the most essential alongside food. You cannot survive without water for three days unlike food.
Store foods that could last for at least three days. We should also include foods that do not need to be refrigerated, as well as foods that are lightweight. Canned goods and instant foods are the most needed since it’s the most handy. Some foods that we need are canned foods, fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, coffee, salt, pepper, sugar, instant foods, biscuits, and chips.
For the first-aid kit, the ones that we should include is cotton, scissors, tweezers, tape, bandages, thermometer, alcohol, wipes/tissue, paracetamol, painkillers, disposable gloves, plasters, anti mosquito lotion, cough medicines, antiseptic cream, sterile gauze pads, etc.
Whenever there's an disaster coming, we remind people to always watch tv and listen to the radio for them to know what they're gonna do and so that they're aware of what's going on. We also remind them to have their own whistle and flashlight as it's an essential part of surviving.
We should include clothes, blankets, toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other things that you need for your personal survival.
Their evacuation plan depends on where they are. They should be near the evacuation centers if ever there's a huge disaster coming or they should be at the evacuation center before the disaster hits if they really want to be safe. Locals should know the emergency hotlines like Bureau of Fire Protection: (02) 426-0219, (02) 426-3812, (02)426-0246, Red Cross: 143, (02) 527-0000, (02) 527-8385 to 95, Philippine National Police: 117, 722-0650, 0917-847-5757, and National Emergency Hotline: 911.
The first step in their evacuation plan is they should unplug all appliances before leaving. Second, know where to meet if ever they lost each other at a certain place. They should be familiar with the routes near them so they know where to go and where not to. They need to be alert at all times since they don't know what's going to happen. They should always take their emergency kits before leaving. If ever the situation gets bigger, stay calm and don't panic and always call for help. If there's time, call someone trustable where you are going so that they can help you if possible.
Doctors and nurses should check each person if they have wounds or any other surgeries that need to be treated immediately.
For the damage assessment, people in charge should check the areas where the disaster has taken place. They should report it to the higher ups so they know what to do to the areas that have damages.
Goods like instant and canned foods should be already prepared at the evacuation center for the people who got affected by the disaster. Other things like their beds, electric fans and blankets should be prepared also for the evacuees. Nonetheless, all supplies and equipment should always be ready.
The people assigned are construction workers and engineers so they should check them so they can let people know what's the current situation of their properties.
They should tell every person what's the condition of their properties so they know whether to leave the center or to stay.
Engineers and construction workers should know if it's still safe for the people to build their shelters again if it got destroyed.
The government should help people who had nowhere to live because their shelters were destroyed by the disaster. In that way, they can help people so that they wouldn't be homeless.
The recovery plan should be much better so that if more disasters come, it will not be easily damaged unlike what they've encountered.
Every person should be prepared if ever an earthquake or typhoon is coming. It doesn't matter if it's weak or strong so we really have to be careful. Disasters like that are a big deal since your life is at risk if ever. Remember to duck, cover, and hold always if it's an earthquake. If it's a typhoon, lock your doors and windows if the rain is hard because the air is strong. Always carry your emergency kits with you. Your safety is on the line so don’t think about something else and be alert always.