We're Ready, The Big One!

by Leon Ricardo Fernandez, Ninna Alessandra Santiago and Joshua Alex Binza

Theories about the next big possible earthquake have already begun, so as to warn all of us. But the sad thing is, earthquakes cannot be forecasted, unlike typhoons and storms. So, they are unpredictable, even with the presence of the historical records of previous movements in existing faults.

Now, how do we survive this mega thrust earthquake—which is expected to be greater than 8.0—knowing that there is a chance for it to happen anywhere in the future?

Number One:  Prepare.

As the popular saying goes, "Knowledge is Power." That is why you have to supply your brain with how-to's and what-to-do's when an earthquake occurs. Why do you have to do this? Simple, the goal is to continue living-to survive. Tuck in the crevices of your brain the simple procedures the seismologists and geologists of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) always tell us: duck, cover and hold. Furthermore, spread the knowledge. Educate the people around you about the things to do before, during and after the quake. Enlighten them on the places to go to (eg open spaces and under a sturdy table) and the places to avoid (eg near glass windows, electric posts and trees) when an earthquake strikes.

One must always be equipped and ready to flee when the plates underneath started moving. Each family must have the "Go-bag." Inside the go-bag are the most important items which may define the thin line between life and death. The following items are required by the men of PHIVOLCS to be part of the go-bags: a flashlight, a radio, extra batteries, important files which include your birth certificate anything else that you need, water and water bottles, canned goods and instant meals that may last for three to four days, extra cash, medical supplies, a whistle and a bag, of course.

Number Two: Follow Procedures.

Now, this may sound really, really, really, corny and in fact we laugh at this whenever there is a fire and earthquake drill in our respective schools, but the "Duck, Cover and Hold" strategy may save your  butts from the damages the quake may bring. Now, how do we carry out this strategy?

Duck. Bend your knees until your butt almost touches the ground. This will save you when things started leaning towards one side and when you are trapped underneath two criss-crossed items. Cover. Cover your head with your bag (when you're in school) or with anything hard. By doing so, you protect yourself from falling debris. Then, proceed underneath a sturdy table or go away from objects that may fall to the ground . Lastly, hold. stay where you are up until the quaking stops. If you are outside, try to avoid tall buildings, posts and trees. Just move to an open area where falling objects are less likely to strike you from above. . If you are indoors, just stay where you are, and slowly evacuate yourself to a safe place in the building.

Number Three: Be a Hero.

You are not the only human being who deserves another chance at life. You aren't the only one who needs to survive the quake. So, after the earthquake, scan yourself for possible wounds and damages. Treat them immediately. Afterwards, go look after the injured ones. Help them, save their lives.

The Big One. Some people think that the idea is crazy. Some are confident enough to say that whatever disaster comes, The Big One or the aftershocks, they'll be able to surpass them. But always remember, preparedness defines the line between survival and death.