(PNA file photo of earthquake drill)
MANILA – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum Jr. is encouraging the public to participate in earthquake drills and to know the hazards.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday, Solidum said there are three things that need one's attention when it comes to earthquake preparedness. These are safe place, safe construction, and safe community.
"People need to help themselves as help from others will not arrive right away during large-scale earthquakes," he emphasized.
Solidum added that people need to make sure they know what to do before, during and after an earthquake, and these can be achieved better through drills by simulating responses at home or offices.
In terms of ensuring a safe place, he said one must locate houses or buildings in areas not prone to faulting (where ground rupture can happen). Other areas that must be avoided are those that are highly vulnerable to hazards like landslides.
Safe construction, on the other hand, can be ensured by following the National Building Code with the right design, right materials and right workmanship, he said.
The public must give focus on the safety of the community or organization, in which preparedness and response plans are developed and tested by conducting drills, he continued.
"Hence participation in drills is important. This will increase the chance of people surviving a strong earthquake," Solidum said.
On Thursday (March 11), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will conduct the first quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill at 2 p.m.
Despite the drill being held online, Solidum said it will still be based on an intensity VIII earthquake scenario.
"The scenario always considers intensity VIII (earthquake), which is a very destructive shaking where one cannot stand during shaking," he said.
Meanwhile, Solidum said that prior to the nationwide simultaneous drill, Phivolcs participated in a webinar organized by the OCD last March 4.
A speaker from Phivolcs, Jeffrey Perez, talked about understanding common hazards in the house and school.
The webinar had the theme, "Be involved: You are the help until help arrives", and focused on preparedness. (PNA)
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday, Solidum said there are three things that need one's attention when it comes to earthquake preparedness. These are safe place, safe construction, and safe community.
"People need to help themselves as help from others will not arrive right away during large-scale earthquakes," he emphasized.
Solidum added that people need to make sure they know what to do before, during and after an earthquake, and these can be achieved better through drills by simulating responses at home or offices.
In terms of ensuring a safe place, he said one must locate houses or buildings in areas not prone to faulting (where ground rupture can happen). Other areas that must be avoided are those that are highly vulnerable to hazards like landslides.
Safe construction, on the other hand, can be ensured by following the National Building Code with the right design, right materials and right workmanship, he said.
The public must give focus on the safety of the community or organization, in which preparedness and response plans are developed and tested by conducting drills, he continued.
"Hence participation in drills is important. This will increase the chance of people surviving a strong earthquake," Solidum said.
On Thursday (March 11), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will conduct the first quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill at 2 p.m.
Despite the drill being held online, Solidum said it will still be based on an intensity VIII earthquake scenario.
"The scenario always considers intensity VIII (earthquake), which is a very destructive shaking where one cannot stand during shaking," he said.
Meanwhile, Solidum said that prior to the nationwide simultaneous drill, Phivolcs participated in a webinar organized by the OCD last March 4.
A speaker from Phivolcs, Jeffrey Perez, talked about understanding common hazards in the house and school.
The webinar had the theme, "Be involved: You are the help until help arrives", and focused on preparedness. (PNA)
