What to expect and do: 2nd #MMShakeDrill on June 22

The Metro Manila Development Authority has given the green light for the second Metro Manila ShakeDrill simulation exercise on June 22 at 9 a.m. This can only mean one thing: people should once again be prepared for our country’s “Big One.”

 

IT ALL GOES DOWN ON JUNE 22. Let’s all participate in this year’s #MMShakeDrill. Photo grabbed from MMDA official website.

 

Everyone is encouraged to participate in order to promote awareness. To help you cope with everything that will go down on that day, here are the things you should expect do when the alarm sounds for #MMShakeDrill:

1. Drop/duck, cover, hold. Remember these words, as they are the keys to saving your life during an earthquake, especially the projected 7.2-magnitude megaquake that will hit Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna if the West Valley Fault ever decides it’s had enough.

 

DROP, COVER, AND HOLD. Or Duck, Cover, and Hold. It doesn’t matter which, just make sure you remember these. Images courtesy of earthquakecountry.info.

 

2. It doesn’t matter where you are. Just perform the duck, cover, and hold maneuver for 45 seconds, and then make your way out of the building to a safe, open area in an orderly fashion. On the road? Stop the vehicle for one minute, unless you’re on a flyover or a tunnel.

3. Traffic will be heavy, so a little patience is needed. Make sure you’re at work earlier than usual to avoid the traffic jams.

4. Public services will go as scheduled. Don’t worry about not being able to access public services. There won’t be a half-day off during the drill, as it’s designed to simulate an earthquake on a normal day.

5. Know your evacuation centers. You won’t need to go to them, but it’s best if you know which quadrant you belong to as well as your respective evacuation center:

a. North: Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, San Juan, Valenzuela

• UP Diliman, Three S Center, La Loma Cemetery, Pinaglabanan Shrine

b. East: Marikina, Pasig

• Ultra Complex, Training Center at C. Raymundo St., Marikina Boys Town, Red Cross Compound Marikina, Marikina City Hall

c. South: Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Pateros, Taguig

• University of Makati Complex, Near Garden of Memories Cemetery, Cayetano Science High School, Parañaque City Hall, Sucat Posadas in Muntinlupa, Filinvest MTB Trail, Sunken Garden at Gen. Paulino Santos Ave.

d. West: Manila, Malabon, Navotas

• Cuneta Astrodome, University of Sto. Tomas, Ampitheater near Malabon City Hall

6. It all goes down at 9 a.m. Radio stations will sound the earthquake alarm signaling the start of the drill. Businesses, churches, schools, and other institutions may sound their own alarms or bells. Make sure you’re prepared once the alarm goes off if you’re participating.

7. Take the drill seriously. It’s meant to help you in the likelihood of the “Big One” happening. If you take it lightly, chances are you won’t know what to do if and when the “Big One” hits.

The #MMShakeDrill is organized by the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) and managed by the MMDA to promote awareness.

If you want to promote the event, please use #MMShakeDrill when you share your shake drill-related photos on social media.

 

Source: Rappler, MMDA website

Also read: Dancing MMDA Constables remind everyone of #MMShakeDrill