- BEFORE
- DURING
- AFTER
The key to effective disaster prevention is planning.
- Determine whether the site is along an active fault and/or prone to liquefaction or landslide which may cause damage to your house of building.
- Be sure the proper structural design and engineering practice is followed when constructing a house or building.
- Evaluate the structural soundness of buildings and important infrastructures; strengthen or retrofit if found necessary.
Prepare your place of work and residence for the event.
- Strap heavy furniture/cabinets to the wall to prevent sliding or toppling.
- Breakable items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials should be stored in the lowermost shelves and secured firmly.
- Make it a habit to turn off gas tanks when not in use.
Familiarize yourself with your place of work and residence.
- Identify relatively strong parts of the building like door jambs, near elevator shafts, sturdy tables, where you can take refuge during an earthquake.
- Learn to use fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency exits. These should be accesible conveniently located, and prominently marked.
Most causes of injuries during earthquakes are from falling objects.
- Heavy materials should be kept in lower shelves.
- Check the stability of hanging objects which may break loose and fall during earthquake.
- Prepare and maintain an earthquake survival kit consisting of a battery powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, potable water candles, ready-to-eat food, whistle and dust mask.