Citywide Shake Out Drill all set today

THE Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) is all set for the 2nd Citywide Shake Out or the Full Scale Earthquake and Tsunami Drill slated at 9 a.m. today, July 27, aimed to develop a disaster resilient community.

DCRRMO administrative officer and training director Lyndon Ancajas, during the ISpeak forum yesterday, urged Dabawenyos to take part in today’s exercise in preparation for disasters. He said that they expect to surpass the previous record of half a million participants.

The event will be participated by Dabawenyos from the private and public sector, barangays, schools, and government agencies. Malls and hotels and other private companies also bared their support to the event.

BDRRMC, DAT or CERT Teams leaders can shout “EARTHQUAKE!!!” or utilize their public address systems with an audio file of an actual earthquake followed by a voice command of “Duck, Cover and Hold!!!” synchronized with triggering time.

This is the trigger that signifies the start of the ground shaking phase and the City Wide Shake Out Drill!

Everyone inside a structurally strong build-

ing should perform the “Duck, Cover and Hold” technique and stay in that position until the “ground shaking” stops. If outside or in open areas, perform the “Crouch and Tuck Head” technique and stay in that position until the “ground shaking” stop.

“All system go for tomorrow’s drill. Atoa nalang ginahope for is gwapo atong weather for tomorrow pero kung muulan man siya, go gihapon ta sa drill because ang earthquake dili man nato matagna kung muulan ba or muinit (We hope for a good weather but when it remains, we will still push through with it),” he said.

They are coordinating with Task Force Davao, Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Davao branches of national agencies, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, volunteer responders, barangay fire volunteers natin and city government responders.

He also said all hospitals will participate which is a crucial institution in times of disaster especially if there are casualties. They will set up the Joint Field Hospital to cater to the needs of the injured disaster survivors.

A total of 1,000 participants including the rescuers, victims and other agencies will also take part in the Crocodile Park where scenarios will happen including a collapse of buildings, fire incident, and collision.