#MMShakeDrill: 5 Things to Keep in Mind
A metro-wide earthquake preparedness drill will be held tomorrow, July 30, 2015. Everyone is encouraged to join the activity and be familiar with the various scenarios that may occur during and after an earthquake.
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Join the Metro Manila Shake Drill! Photo from the MMDA website
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Be informed and take part in the activity with the following things in mind:
1 — The Metro Manila Shake Drill will be conducted from 10:30AM to 11:30AM. An audio broadcast to be played on radios and televisions will signal the start of the shake drill. Private organizations may also download the sound clip here for use in their offices.
On the road, traffic lights will be switched to flashing mode to alert motorists.
A night drill will also be held on July 30 from 8:00PM to 9:00PM at the Ortigas Business District.
2 — For 45 seconds, citizens are expected to do the Duck-Cover-Hold technique: drop down to the floor, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold until the “tremors” have ceased.
• If you are at home, do the Duck-Cover-Hold. Afterwards, monitor the #MMShakeDrill and do preventive activities like check your house for any safety hazard and prepare an evacuation plan.
• If you are in the office or in school, do the Duck-Cover-Hold, and then follow the building evacuation plan.
• If you are on the road, stop for 45 seconds, except if you are on and below a flyover and in a tunnel.
3 — Pocket drills and related activities will be held in various locations in the metro. Note that unusual traffic situations may develop around these areas tomorrow. Here’s a handy reference:
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A map of Metro Manila with locations of Shake Drill pocket activities and command centers. Photo from the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
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4 — Public services will continue, including the railway system (LRT and MRT), telecommunications, and power and water lines. It is, however, important to remember that these services may be cut off in the event of a real earthquake.
5 — Households and individuals are expected to have their emergency kits ready. Call the “Lifeline Kit,” it contains items essential to the survival of a family of 5 for 72 hours. Know more about its contents here.
Visit this page for more information on how you can prepare for natural calamities in the country. For more details on the Shake Drill, track the hashtag #MMShakeDrill on social media or visit www.metromanilashakedrill.com.
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Article by Mina Loyola
