The Philippines is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. Being at the Typhoon Belt it averages 20 storms and typhoons annually. Thus, floods and landslides are to be expected because of its geography and the populations are classically located along the coastlines, waterways, valleys and near mountainous areas. It is not because the people just wanted to live there, it is because their livelihood is dependent on such areas. The country is an archipelago which makes it vulnerable to storm surges and tsunamis. The Philippines is also located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically and volcanically active part of the world.
As such, multiple hazards resulting from natural and man-made disasters are commonplace in the country. Disaster mitigation and response used to be the only things that can be done. But owing to an increasing population, these disasters have been multiplied in effect and destructiveness. A new shift to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) have now been implemented and includes a new approach that includes risk reduction and preparedness.
One of the drives in this new approach is that information is cascaded down to the communities and grassroots. In the family setting, each member is told what to do in case of disasters and emergencies. During preparedness and information drives, each community and family are given doables in their preparedness. These are:
1. Preparing a Go Bag
2. Identifying hazard areas
3. Identifying safe areas
4. Family rally points
5. Community rally points
6. Basic Life Support
Scenarios are presented and one of the most important is that during a calamituous event, outside help must not be expected for 5 – 7 days. These information and trainings will enable the population to maintain a minimum level of community and civilization.
For each family, a Go Bag is a necessity. The contents of the Go Bag are the following:
1. First Aid Kit. These must include fever, diarrhea, disinfectants, bandages, cotton etc. (Family members with maintenance medicine requirements must also be factored in)
2. Flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, lighters and a whistle for each member of the family
3. Radio and batteries
4. Cellphones and power banks
5. Drinking water enough for 5 – 7 days (each member must be assigned a different load)
6. Biscuits enough for 5 – 7 days (This is for the extreme scenario that no available water for cooking rice, noodles etc. This is also for the scenario that no cooking appliances and utensils will be available.
7. 3 clean blankets, clothes, pants, jackets, underwear and female sanitary supplies. (Blankets can be used as makeshift tents)
8. Necessities for infants, senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities
9. Ropes, old newspapers (keep them dry wrapped tightly in plastic), also, waterproof containers for documents.
10. Extra cash, self defense weapons
11. Toiletries, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, tissue paper
12. Cutting tools, knives, can opener
These will enable each family to bring enough supplies and join up with other members of the community to create a viable evacuation camp until help arrives.
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