Quarterly drills, seminars to help public cope with disasters

DISASTER preparedness seminars and drills for schools and commercial establishments should be done quarterly in the wake of the Oct. 15 earthquake.

“If the people are used to it, we can reduce the panic if they know what to do when a calamity strikes,” said FO1 Julian Cabatingan Jr. of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Mandaue City.

In other countries, disaster preparedness drills are conducted every month, he said.

“When people panic, that’s when there are a lot of casualties during calamities,” he said.

Three basic moves to remember: Drop. Cover. and Hold on to tables and other solid objects, Cabatingan, said.

The Mandaue City Fire Station has five firetrucks and an aerial ladder that can reach the fifth floor of a building.

They also rely on the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) as paramedics.

City Administrator James Abadia said they will consider implementing Cabatingan’s suggestion next month.

“Our priority will be the school since they are the most vulnerable,” Abadia said.

He said Mandaue City will also train barangay disaster brigades for urban search and rescue operations.

Schools, barangay gymnasiums and the Mandaue City Sports Center can be used as evacuation centers, Abadia said.

He said the Mandaue City government will also buy 35 modular classrooms from China that can withstand typhoon and earthquakes.

Benjamin Tiongson, Department of Education (DepEd) administrative officer, said these modular classrooms will be clustered and placed in open spaces.

Each modular classroom measures 7.4×9.2 meters and has a toilet. The modular classrooms will be built in two weeks.

Abadia said 63 classrooms need major repairs.

“This may be completed in six months owing to the city’s financial constraints,” he said.