Earthquake and fire drills
Dateline: Las Vegas, Nevada—In a span of two weeks, areas in Mindanao suffered a series of four strong earthquakes with intensity 6.4 to 6.6 – North Cotabato, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and surrounding provinces. Intensity 7 was felt in Kidapawan City. The last earthquake was on October 31, which recorded 6 dead while a great number were injured due to falling debris and landslides. Many churches, buildings and houses crumbled to the ground.
As of press time, Intensity 5.5. earthquake hit Quezon province and surroundig areas while intensity 2 was felt in Metro Manila. The series of earthquakes is a wake-up call to all school principals, building administrators, churches and families to lead the earthquake drill in their respective areas of responsibilities. When earthquake hits, the initial reaction of people would be to panic and to run outside the building. Presence of mind must be observed. Be calm and practice DUCK, COVER and HOLD. Meaning, when earthquake strikes, DUCK under sturdy table, or beside the bed, or beside the sofa; COVER your head with a helmet but in its absence, use one hand to cover the head and the other hand HOLD the leg of the table, bed or sofa beside you so that when these objects move, the person you are holding onto would go with the movement of the object to protect you from falling debris.
Before an Earthquake—Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home. Learn first aid, how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity. Plan the meeting area of your family after an earthquake. Do not leave heavy objects on the shelves (they will fall during the earthquake). Anchor, bolt or tie heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace. Be ready with your emergency bag containing emergency items, blankets, clothes, foods good for 3 days
During an Earthquake—Stay calm! If indoors, stay inside. If outside, stay outside. If indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors. If outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or trees or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you). Do not use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire do not mix. If inside a car, stop the car and stay inside until the earthquake stops. Do not use elevators (they will probably get stuck).
After an Earthquake—Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it. Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (once outside the premises, use someone else’s phone).Turn on the radio. Do not use the phone unless it’s an emergency. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you). Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking. Stay away from damaged areas. If at school or at work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge. Expect aftershocks.
Hand in hand with the earthquake drill is the fire drill. During earthquake, fire happens, Everybody must be prepared what should fire and tsunami occurs during or after earthquake.
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Vice President Leni Robredo accepted the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte to be the Co-Chairperson of Inter Agency Committee against illegal drugs. As anti-drug czar, VP Robredo needs the latest status of the anti-illegal drug campaign. She said she would investigate erring police officers involved in illegal drug campaign, stop the killing of innocent persons, and run after the drug lords. She was quoted saying “If I can save just one innocent life xxx.” VP Robredo needs everyone’s prayers, support, cooperation and assistance. Government agencies and the citizens must give VP Robredo full support in solving the menace of society.
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The United States will have the annual observance of Veterans Day on November 11 to honor all veterans of World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Kuwait and Iraq Wars. We remember the heroic acts of those men and women, especially our Filipino veterans who fought during World War II. I pay special honor and prayers to my father Benito Espiritu Santiago of Anderson’s Guerilla in Luzon and my maternal uncle Juan Angeles, who was missing in action and last seen by his co-USAFFE soldiers during the Death March from Bataan to Capaz, Tarlac.
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Last October 25 was the first time that Los Angeles City Hall was lighted representing the colors of the Philippine Flag – red, blue, white and yellow. It is in in celebration of the Filipino-American History Month. For thirty years, it has been the tradition that the city hall wear the colors to celebrate an event, or pay homage to a group or individual, bring awareness to a cause or convey the moods of the residents.
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Weather forecast of early winter was made in eastern, central, and southern United States, with the heaviest snow fall in northern New England. Cold is now felt in Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California accompanied by Sta. Ana wind which also caused the worst forest and bush fire across California.
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Birthday greetings to November Birthday Celebrators in our family – my sister Vicky Santiago and my sister-in-law Baby Santiago and our San Ildefonso de Navotas Parish Priest, Fr. Bong Gino.
