Following the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Bogo, Cebu, and the 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental, we are strongly reminded that our country is within the Pacific Ring of Fire, that’s why we are prone to earthquakes.
As our kababayans brace for aftershocks and many families continue to recover from the damage, it’s a wake up call for us to strengthen our disaster preparedness at home. In the spirit of bayanihan, let’s not only extend help to affected communities but also make sure our own families are ready for emergencies, whether it’s an earthquake or typhoon.
Here’s how we, as parents, can take small but meaningful steps to prepare our homes and ensure our children’s safety no matter what natural hazard comes our way.
Assemble or review your basic emergency kit.
Got spare bags or containers at home? Don’t throw them just yet. Turn them into your family’s emergency go bag. Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot for everyone. Here’s what to pack:
Basic Emergency Kit
Water (one gallon per person a day, for at least 3 days)
Food (several day supply of non-perishable food)
Manual can opener
Rechargeable or Battery-Powered Fan
Rechargeable or Battery-Powered Flashlight
Battery-Operated Radio
Extra Batteries
First Aid Kit (includes wound management and over-the-counter medicine)
Important family documents (passport, birth and marriage certificates)
Extra house and car keys
Cash and loose change
Phone charger and power bank
Whistle
Dust Mask
Duct tape
Garbage bags
Emergency plan and contact information
Additional Supplies (based on your family’s needs)
Change of clothing, underwear, and footwear for all members of the family
Blanket or thermal blanket
Sleeping bag
Prescription medications and medical equipment
Pen and paper
Personal toiletries
Fire extinguisher
Fireball
Utensils, plates, and cups
Tools such as pliers
Pet food and supplies
Get your kids’ essentials ready.
As parents, there’s nothing more important than making sure your kids’ needs are also covered. While you have your basic family emergency kit, make sure to also assemble your kids’ go bag for when you need to evacuate.
Your Kid’s Go Bag
Clothes
Towel
Blanket
Diaper and Wipes
Soap and shampoo
Some toys and books
Over the counter medications
Prescriptions
Practice emergency drills at home.
Teach your kids how to duck, cover, and hold during an earthquake and where to evacuate safely afterward, away from trees, posts, or anything that may fall. Their schools also regularly conduct these drills, but reinforcing them at home helps children understand how important they are.
Decide how to reach family members during emergencies.
Even if your family has a group chat, always ensure your mobile phone has load for emergencies when the internet is weak or down. Save and memorize each other’s numbers, and know when to send a text instead to keep lines open for more urgent calls.
Stay aware of risk zones in your area, from flood-prone places to nearby fault lines.
Whether you live in a flood-prone area or near a fault line, know the hazards around you. Follow reliable sources that monitor floods and earthquakes such as DOST-PAGASA and PHIVOLCS-DOST, and stay updated through your Local Government Unit’s official social media page.
Prepare your home, and fix only what you can.
Make sure your home is ready for both typhoons and earthquakes. Fix any leaks early, and move important items to higher ground or the second floor if your home is prone to flooding.
Also, secure, limit, or remove fragile items on walls, shelves, or high cabinets to prevent injuries during an earthquake.
Focus on what matters most.
Your home is important, but remember that the most important is your family. Do what you can to prepare but the well-being of your family always comes first, so make sure they feel safe and secured in your arms during the most turbulent typhoon or in the strongest quake.
How prepared are you and your family for the next typhoon or earthquake? The small steps you take today will make a huge difference.
Stay alert, safe, and ready, everyone!
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