MANILA -- As Traslacion 2018 is expected to be an event wherein minor and major injuries can happen, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday issued some safety reminders to avoid untoward incidents especially for those who will be joining the Black Nazarene procession.
Here are some of PRC safety reminders for Black Nazarene devotees:
1. Know the route of the procession;
2. Advise your family to secure your house before leaving. Unplug all electrical appliances;
3. Be physically and mentally prepared. Pregnant women and persons who are sick are advised to stay at home and rest;
4. Be sure to have an ID, medical information, and emergency contact numbers with you;
5. Wear proper clothing and footwear. Avoid wearing expensive jewelries and bringing expensive electronic devices;
6. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Do not bring sharp objects;
7. Bring candies, biscuits, and bottled water to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration;
8. Beware of the possible hazards around you during the procession (i.e. motor vehicles, falling debris etc.);
9. Know where you are at all times. When coming by groups, assign a designated meeting point in case someone gets lost.;
10. Maintain proper distance from who/what to avoid unnecessary injuries. Plan a safe exit path;
11. Know the location and means of access towards medical stations, police stations, and other available emergency authorities within the area; and
12. Know your local emergency numbers in case of emergency. Contact Red Cross hotline 143 or 7902300.
Last year, PRC served 2,566 people for medical needs.
Among those who have been given aid were persons who suffered dizziness, hypertension, sprain or fracture, various injuries, and other needed assistance like looking for missing companions.
For this year's procession, about 2,000 Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers to man first aid stations, fire truck and ambulances will be deployed to provide first aid and assistance among devotees in the procession during the feast of the Black Nazarene.
The Philippine Red Cross, as the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, has 103 chapters with two million volunteers nationwide that is always first, always ready, and always there to provide round-the- clock humanitarian assistance, especially to the most vulnerable. (PNA)
