POCKET GUIDE TO STAYING SAFE IN NATURAL DISASTERS.

WHAT TO DO IN DIFFERENT DISASTERS HOW TO PREPARE.

WHAT TO DO DURING DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISASTERS

What to Do During an Earthquake

Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimize
your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking
has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If indoors
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and
HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head
with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting
fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a
pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest
safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly
supported, load-bearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries
occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try
to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn
on.
Do not use elevators.

If outdoors
Stay there.
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside
buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom
the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls,
flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle
Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings,
trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have
been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last
resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

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What to Do During a Tsunami
Turn on your radio/TV to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a
coastal area.
Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.
If there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline this is nature's tsunami warning and
it should be heeded. You should move away immediately.
Stay away from flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to return.
Stay away from debris in the water; it may pose a safety hazard to boats and people.

What to Do During a Volcanic Eruption

If a Volcano Erupts Where You Live
Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area
to avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow.
Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with
prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before
crossing a bridge, and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and
people with disabilities.

Protection from Falling Ash

Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information.
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.
Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.
Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans,
and other vents.
Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain gutters.
Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage
moving parts, and stall vehicles.
Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you have to drive, do so very slowly.

What to Do During a Cyclone / Typhoon

Be alert to changing weather conditions.
Listen to radio/TV for the latest information.
Look for approaching storms.
Look for the following danger signs:
Dark, often greenish sky
Large hail
A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating) - Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter
immediately.
NOTE in places where you have designated cyclone/typhoon shelters take shelter there.

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If indoors
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest
building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away
from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and
the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not
open windows.

If in a moving vehicle:
Get out and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter.

If outside
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential
for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY

The first 72 hours after a disaster is critical. Electricity, fuel, water, telephone or mobile lines may not be
working. In addition, public safety services and private rescue teams may not be able to reach you
immediately during serious crisis. Each person should be prepared to be self-reliant and able to survive for
at least three days following a disater.

To do so you need to have your Red Cross Lifeline kit in order to survive. The Lifeline Kit is a portable kit or
bag that contains the items one would require to survive for the first seventy-two hours when evacuating
from a disaster. The focus is on evacuation survival rather than long-term survival. It is important that you
will be able to distinguish the Lifeline Kit from a fixed-site disaster supplies kit. The kit should be checked
every six months to make sutre that goods nearing expiration are changed and that stored water is
replaced to maintain its freshness and effectveness.

Put together a Lifeline Kit before another disaster strikes. It should be practical that you can carry it with
you, if you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare a kit for each member of your
family who is able to carry one. Older children can prepare their own kits this exercise will train your
children to make disaster preparedness a way of life.

There are three key things you can do to prepare for an emergency:

1) Prepare an emergency kit or Lifeline Kit

2) Plan ahead
3) Be informed

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1. Prepare a Lifeline Kit
At a minimum, it is recommended that you have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-
carry emergency preparedness kit ("grab-bag") that you can use at home or take with you in case you must
evacuate.

Water - 3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home. 4 liters per person per day ( 1 liter for
drinking and 3 liters for washing). Water purification supplies (One purification tablet can purify a liter
of water, 1 tablet per person per day for water purification).
Food - non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply per person for evacuation, 2-week supply
for home). You can put protein/granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, cereals, canned goods like tuna,
beans, sausages, etc. (it is recommended to store easy-to-open cans). In case of hypoglycemia, canned
juice or hard sweet candies are recommended (not gum based or mint). Disposable plates and
utensils.
Flashlight with extra batteries (self-powered flashlight is suggested).
Battery-powered or hand-crank AM radio with extra batteries, you need to monitor the news
continuously to know the weather condition and any possible threats.
First aid kit
Medications (7 -day supply) and medical items emergency medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen,
ant-diarrheal, for cough and colds, children and elderly medication, etc.). Prescription medication (for
3 days, like ant-hypertensive, insulin, etc.)
Multipurpose tool - such as knife
Sanitation and personal hygiene kit
Important documents and money - Personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical
information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers. Keep in a plastic envelope. Family and emergency contact information. Extra
cash
Map(s) of the area with indication of evacuation sites and routes.

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional
needs are:

Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Games and activities for children
Two-way radios
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

Whistle
Surgical masks
Matches
Rain gear
Towels
Work gloves
Tools/supplies for securing your home
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
Plastic sheeting or garbage bag for floor mats, cover items so as not to get wet
Duct tape
Scissors
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 Household liquid bleach
Entertainment items
Blankets or sleeping bags
Ropes (avoid nylon)

Personal effects and hygiene kit:

Extra clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.
Undergarments
Antibacterial soap
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Hand towels supper absorbent
Comb / hair brush
Hand sanitizer or alcohol
Sanitary napkin

First Aid Kit (Standard)

1 Adhesive Strips (Pk50)

1 Hypo-Allergenic medical tape 1.25cm x 9.1m
1 Conforming Bandage 5cm
1 Triangular Bandage 110cm x 110cm
1 Wound Dressing no.15
2 Swabs Antiseptic
1 Tweezers metal 8cm
1 Scissors disposable
1 Safety pins assorted (pk12)
1 Plastic bags resealable 100 x 180mm
1 Plastic bags resealable 150 x 230mm
2 Gloves disposable
1 First Aid Quick Reference Guide

2. Make a plan
Meet with your family or household members.
Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live,
learn, work and play.
Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.

Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency

Choose two places to meet:
- Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire
- Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate
Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if
local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact
information in writing or programmed into their cell phones.

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 Plan what to do if you have to evacuate
Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose to stay with
friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an evacuation shelter if necessary.
Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate
routes on your map in case roads are impassable.

3. Be informed
You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you
understand the risks, communicate with others in advance and know how to stay informed before, during and
after a disaster. In doing so, it's important to:

Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area.
Learn how you can stay informed of changing conditions and instructions in an emergency (usually
through radio/TV and how your community will be notified of a possible disaster. Notification
methods vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency
radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call or SMS, or
emergency workers may go door-to-door.
Schools, daycare providers, workplaces, neighborhoods and apartment buildings should all have
site-specific emergency plans, just like individuals and families. Ask about plans at the places where
your family spends the most time: work, school and other places you frequent.
Ask also about emergency preparedness and response plans at your nearest health facilities

Print this guide and keep it at hand!

Source:

FEMA

Philippine Red Cross

37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550

`World Health
Organization
Regional Office for South-East Asia