Bohol, Cebu Quake and How to Survive

A few days ago, Philippines experienced it's biggest earthquake in more than two decades. Magnitude 7.2  hit Bohol and Cebu last Tuesday, October 15. The biggest quake ever felt by the country was last August 1976 with the magnitude of 7.9 in Moro Gulf. Last day's quake's epicenter was said to be 2 kilometers southeast of Carmen town in Bohol province. The earthquake was felt also in most part of the country, especially in Visayas and in Mindanao. Here in Cebu City, we've experienced intensity six. Classes were suspended the day after (because the day of the quake was a holiday) and the city declared a state of calamity. As I am writing this blog, we are still feeling aftershocks from time to time. News everywhere of building damages, malls, markets, schools, houses. Even century old churches were not spared.

Photo of old churches in Bohol (taken from instagram @memot)

Photo I took in front of SM City Cebu right after another aftershock around 10 am, October 16

 Many lives were saved but few were not. What a sad thing indeed. All I can say is that in times like these, praying is the very best thing to do. It is up to God to save and protect us. But. Human, as we are, ought to be alert and cautious. But of course, before these calamities happen, it is best to be always ready. So this blog post is my one way of helping others in being ready.

Here is one infographic I found online on what to do when earthquake strikes:

In any disaster, it is always good to have your 72-hour survival kit. Inside this kit or bag are your very important valuables and the things you need to survive for the least 72 hour disaster. It should contain, food, water, first aid kits, clothes, important documents, money and emergency tools. Philippine Red Cross gives out it Lifeline Kits but in case you don't have PRC anywhere near your area, you can always come up with your very own Survival Kit. Here is a list of their Lifeline Kit: (credits to http://www.redcross.org.ph/lifeline )

I. WATER
Normally, one can survive without food intake for 5 days as long as there is water intake. Prepare clean water in clean airtight containers for washing, drinking and cooking:
- 1 gallon (3.78 litres) per person per day [1 ltr for drinking and 3 ltrs for washing]
- Water purification supplies (One purification tablet can purify a liter of water. 1 tablet per person per day for water purification.)

II. FOOD
- Store only non-perishable food.
- 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).
- Food should be sufficient for three days consumption of every family member.
- Disposable plates and utensils.

III. EMERGENCY TOOLS / GEAR
- Plastic laminated ID card for family member(s) with special concerns. Indicate name, address, phone, who to call in case of emergency, contact details, the condition of the bearer and special instructions on what to do in case seen unconscious (e.g. diabetic). For children who cannot speak, they must also wear the ID card (in case they are reported missing, anyone who will find them will be able to contact their parents).
- Emergency numbers to call (Red Cross Opcen, Red Cross Chapter, fire station, hospital, etc.)
- Red Cross 143 Emergency / Disaster Guide explaining what to do in various types of disasters. These should be thoroughly studied and understood before the actual disaster but must be kept for reference. (Teach all family members how to use it).
- Maps with indication of evacuation sites and routes
- Whistle (This is highly suggested, use a whistle that is loud and has a compass on it.)
- Flashlight with extra batteries (self-powered flashlight is suggested)
- Multi-purpose knife
- Matches or lighter and candles (Do not use matches or candles until you are certain there are no gas leaks. There are commercially available waterproof matches.)
- AM radio transistor with extra batteries or self-powered (You need to monitor the news continuously to know the weather condition and any possible threats.)
- Glow sticks
- Plastic sheeting or garbage bag (For floor mats, cover items so as not to get wet, or use as a rain coat.)
- Heating blankets (thin, easy to carry and warm)
- Ropes (avoid nylon)
- Sleeping bag

IV. PERSONAL EFFECTS AND HYGIENE KIT
- Extra Clothing (Short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
- Undergarments
- Antibacterial soap
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Hand towels (super absorbent)
- Comb/ hair brush
- Hand sanitizer or alcohol
- Sanitary napkin

V. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND MONEY
- Keep these in a plastic envelope.
- Money should be in the form of cash and loose change (in case banks are closed or electronic banking is not available.)
- Prepaid cards
- List of important information (security insurance number, tax identification number, driver's license, passport number, bank account details, insurance policy, etc.)
- Passport
- Important legal documents: Birth certificates, marriage contract, insurance certificates, land titles, etc.
- Other important documents: academic credentials, vaccination records, medical records, etc.

VI. SPECIAL NEEDS (Of elderly, children, infant or sick member of the family)
- Emergency medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, anti- diarrheal, for cough and colds, children's medication, etc.)
- Prescription Medication (for 3 days, like anti hypertensive, insulin, etc.)
- Children's food

VII. FIRST AID KIT (Standard)The risk of accident or emergency cannot be taken for granted. It is important to be prepared. Always have a first aid kit on hand. First Aid is a life saving skill. Once you know how to apply first aid correctly, you can help save lives. Call the Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters or the local Chapters for the following First Aid Kit items:

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 180 mm
1 Plastic Bags - resealable - 150 x 230 mm
2 Gloves - disposable
1 First Aid Quick Reference Guide

NOTE: Wear sturdy shoes just in case you need to walk through rubble and debris. Small toys, games or materials are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during stressful times. We highly recommend that you use a backpack with good supporting shoulder straps. Make sure you can lift or carry it!

This is my very own Survival Kit. Most stuff are of my one year old baby, and we stack more of her clothes than ours. And of course her milk and nappies. I also brought some small books for her to view and little toys. 

Here are also lists of Emergency Hotlines around the country just in case:

You can also visit http://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/36729-emergency-hotlines for more hotline numbers of different agencies and offices.

All these are just things that you should prepare before any calamities will happen. Always be prepared, because we don't know when the big one is coming. But as what I've said, nothing beats prayers.