DROP , COVER & HOLD

 

“Drop , cover, and hold ,”. Three words we should remember whenever an earthquake happens. Three words to perform , for us to be safe when this unpredictable and unexpected disastrous calamity is present and the three words we usually hear on lectures implemented by National Disaster Risk Reduction which is the  earthquake drill.

As the saying goes “Practice makes perfect” and it applies to anything that we want to get better. At the same time for emergency preparedness. Even though emergencies are “unpredictable” and “unexpected”, we should do our best to prepare as generally as possible. This is a great opportunity to practice and perfect an evacuation route. Then, when a real emergency happens, we can rely on our knowledge and training, and adjust according to the situation in front of us. This states that the best way to practice fro emergencies , is by running regular practice drills.

National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill is a major endeavor spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense that aims to enhance preparedness through the regular conduct of drills or exercises that seeks to educate the public on disaster preparedness against earthquakes and tests the contingency plans of local disaster risk reduction and management councils . It seeks to strengthen the mechanism for national and regional coordination, as well as the interoperability of key players. It intensifies local communities’ earthquake preparedness and increase the commitment of local government units in building safe communities. This drill tested the community’s readiness , responsiveness, and the capacity to assess and respond to various situations.

Students and residents of communities throughout the country performed the drop, cover, and hold upon hearing the loud siren which signaled the start of the drill. Scenarios involved high angle or technical rope rescues in schools, severe medical situations, search and rescue operations inside damaged structures, and even fire, among others that tested their capabilities. They teach students, staff and parents how to respond to the complications of an actual earthquake,help them evaluate how well all parts of your emergency plan work together, and how well your staff and students have been trained.

It is essential if development is to be sustainable for the future. We should all be informed , do our part in change mitigation and in the protection and sustainability of our environment. By acting together in preventing and reducing disasters,  we are continuously developing as a resilient citizens as well our communities. Drop our naughty and unpleasant behaviors during drills and to the actual emergency. Cover our fears and have courage. Just hold on , trust and perform the practices and knowledge that the NSED taught us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 References:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLlLXkLkywa6X-Zu3d2PG23qDIRpggZLFRxg&usqp=CAU

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20160515/b8ac6f27ad2718a267892d.jpg

https://epd-pnp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/76674515_2401469259979528_3535427897642713088_n-300x300.jpg 

https://www.epactnetwork.com/corp/blog/why-its-important-to-have-practice-drills/ https://www.carsu.edu.ph/?q=news/csu-joins-national-simultaneous-earthquake-drill http://www.ocd.gov.ph/index.php/news/199-ndrrmc-leads-nationwide-simultaneous-earthquake-drill

https://ocd.gov.ph/news/559-ndrrmc-conducts-3rd-quarter-nationwide-simultaneous-earthquake-drill-nsed.html

http://quake.ualr.edu/schools/guide/section6a.htm