Earthquake safety at home starts with securing the bedroom, Phivolcs reminds

After the 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit provinces in Central Visayas on Tuesday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) took to reminding citizens that while earthquakes are inevitably unpredictable, mitigating the damage to one's family is completely possible.

 

On a report on 24 Oras, Philvolcs gave tips to citizens on how to protect their family from the effects of earthquakes, even when they're asleep.

 

“We know yung konsepto ng otso-otso-otso- Otso oras na trabaho, otso oras na tulog, otso oras ng leisure. We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping. Ang pinaka-importanteng sine-secure natin is our bedrooms," said Ishmael Narag, Officer in Charge of Philvolcs Seismic Div.

 

The institute reminded citizens to secure all furniture  such as bookshelves, in the house, especially those near the bed. Ceiling fans which cannot be fixed immediately should prompt homeowners to move the bed away from them.

 

Wall furnishings should be clamped down tightly, to prevent them from falling off. Hazardous chemicals which may implode or harm others while leaving should be taken off shelves and other elevated areas.

 

Before sleeping, Philvolcs reminded citizens to turn off gas tanks and other appliances which uses gas. Charmaine Villamil, a geologist with Philvolcs reminded citizens that they should have a presence of mind, that they must be alert, and to know where they must go before the quake gets stronger.

 

Narag added, “[Dapat] aware 'din ang lahat ng family members kung saan tayo lalabas, at kun saan magtitipon-tipon sa labas.”

 

Philvolcs mentioned, while exhibiting its earthquake simulator, that municipalities founded on reclaimed or soft earth are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and landslides.  — RT/ELR, GMA News