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[av_heading heading=’In perpetual fear’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
EDITORIAL
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February 19, 2018
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HOW MANY actually participated in the nationwide earthquake drill on Feb. 15?
Buried by bigger headlines last week was the first quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill for this year. It may not have gotten the bigger public attention it deserved but it made its point clear enough – we are constantly exposed to natural hazards but we do not have to live in perpetual fear of them.
Yes, we have to be proactive in addressing natural hazards such as earthquakes so they would not turn into disasters. We need to take earthquake preparedness seriously and cooperation among all sectors of society is very important.
Earthquakes occur without warning. There is no way to predict what will happen when it does. But there is a way to survive strong temblors and minimize casualties and damages. There must be a regular conduct of fire and earthquake drills in schools, offices and residential communities. Most importantly, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, orphanages and other buildings or structures used for the care of or occupied by the sick, infirm, or disabled must conduct monthly emergency drills.
The training should include practice and instruction concerning the location, use and operation of emergency exits, fire escapes, doors and fire extinguishers and other facilities provided for such purpose in buildings, as well as the proper evacuation of buildings by persons in the event of fires, earthquakes and other hazardous phenomena. These could effectively instill disaster preparedness among citizens.
Also, we can establish early warning systems for earthquakes and tsunamis; determine open spaces for safe refuge and find out the fastest and safest way to reach theses.
Important, too, is the regular evaluation and retrofitting of public and private infrastructure to ensure that buildings, bridges and other similar structures can withstand strong earthquakes.
We must develop a culture of safety and preparedness. Everyone should be ready when the Big One occurs.
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