Here’s a quick guide to survival in the face of life-threatening natural disasters.
Natural disasters can strike at any time, but the worst-case scenario is when you are unprepared to deal with one.
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Depending on the phenomenon involved, people have developed tools to help us reduce and manage risks from natural disasters.
We might not always have power over these disasters, but what we can control is our reaction. Here’s how you can prepare and protect yourself from a range of natural threats.
Tropical cyclones
Tropical cyclones include tropical depressions, tropical storms, severe tropical storms, typhoons, and super typhoons. These present threats in the form of strong winds, tornadoes, rainfall, and storm surges.
The Philippine Red Cross recommends keeping updated on the latest weather news and other safety announcements, assessing one’s home and repairing the weak or damaged parts, preparing a “go bag” with a family’s necessities, knowing emergency numbers and evacuation sites nearby, preparing a flashlight and radio with new batteries, and remaining on standby for immediate evacuation upon the advice of authorities.
Earthquakes
Earthquake hazards include ground rupture and shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunamis.
The Philippine Red Cross reminds people to protect themselves first from earthquake damage. Before an earthquake, preemptive measures include preparing a lifeline kit, making a plan, and being informed. During an earthquake, the drop-cover-hold protocol can save one’s life. Lastly, one should evacuate, find an open area or designated evacuation center, and only use their phone in case of emergency.
Volcanic eruptions
Volcanic hazards directly associated with eruption include lava flow, tephra fall or ashfall and ballistic projectiles, pyroclastic density currents (PDC), lateral blasts, and volcanic gas. Meanwhile, its indirect hazards include lahar and flooding, debris avalanche and landslides, volcanic tsunamis, ground deformation, secondary explosions, as well as secondary PDCs and ashfall.
The Philippine Red Cross advises people to listen for emergency alerts, follow evacuation or shelter orders, close windows and doors to keep ashes from entering, protect themselves from falling ash by wearing masks and eye protectors, avoid driving in heavy ashfall, and prepare an emergency go bag.
Banner Photo by Kristine Wook on Unsplash.
