IT’S REASSURING to know that a plan is already in place – involving local government units (LGUs) and various government agencies – in case Kanlaon volcano, an active stratovolcano in Negros Island, erupts.
Our LGUs’ role is important in building resilient communities. They should plan well and invest public resources wisely with reducing disaster risk as a goal; promote a culture of safety and resilience engaging all stakeholders and sectors; raise awareness on disaster and climate risk at community and family level; and improve local early warning and community preparedness systems.
Yes, disaster risk reduction and preparedness should be a way of life. LGUs should involve citizens. When hazards such as volcanic eruptions or typhoons are expected, barangay officials and volunteers can do mobile patrolling and use sirens to immediately alert people either to stay indoors or get ready to move to safer places. The regular conduct of earthquake and safety drills is also important especially in schools and hospitals.
For early warning systems, barangays can use whistles and come up with a code or system so that people would know what to do depending on the length and frequency of each whistle blow. Communities must heed disaster warnings to prevent disasters.
Local government officials are in the best position to lead and engage those in their respective cities, municipalities, and provinces to establish and strengthen disaster preparedness measures.
Disaster prevention starts long before a typhoon makes landfall, before an earthquake happens or before a volcano erupts. Early warning and early action should be at the very heart of our efforts. Everyone should understand the risks we face and equip ourselves with preventive measures to lessen the impact of natural hazards.
Most natural hazards turn into disasters because of the lack of preparedness. Preparation is key. It is a must that citizens understand how they can contribute to making our communities disaster-resilient and urge them to actually take part in such activities.
Proactive strategies and the involvement of citizens are needed in strengthening the defenses against natural hazards.
