ILOILO – The provincial government, through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), conducted a safety drill to assess the readiness of employees, responders, and resources and equipment.
PDRRMO head, Dr. Jerry Bionat, thanked the capitol employees for their participation in the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.
“I have to rate it around 99.9 to 100. The provincial officials and employees cooperated well,” said Bionat.
During the safety drill, employees left their offices and were led by their respected designated disaster commander. They then exited the building and headed to the designated evacuation area in an open space.
Bionat said the designated disaster commander led his co-employees in performing the five-sequence command.
“Drop” means to go down on your hands and knees. This protects you from falling but lets you move if you need to. Cover your head and neck (or your entire body, if possible) under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, cover yourself with your arms. Hold on to your shelter or position until the shaking stops. A “clear” command will be given by the disaster commander, followed by “out”, a signal for everyone to exit the building.
The PDRRMO also reenacted a scenario where employees were injured.
Responders and medic personnel demonstrated their capacity in treating injured persons – victims were carried using a stretcher to the ground floor, assessed the victim and applied first aid. Rescue vehicles were on standby.
A fire scenario was also reenacted by the Bureau of Fire Protection.
After a “fire out” was declared, engineers of the Provincial Engineering Office assessed the integrity of the capitol building.
“So far all instructions were performed well,” said Bionat./PN
