The Philippine Star

Four tips to keep safe during disasters

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Natural disasters can neither be controlled nor predicted. But while they can leave catastroph­ic damages, everyone can take precaution­ary steps to mitigate its adverse effects. Solane reiterates its “Dapat

Lang” advocacy campaign – emphasizin­g the importance of doing the right thing for the family, for others, and society as a whole – through these tips to ensure everyone’s safety during natural disasters.

Prepare an emergency kit. An important step in preparing for unforeseen events is having an emergency kit ready for you and your family. Basic supplies kit should include: a gallon of water per person per day for the next three days, three-day supply of food, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, seven-day supply of medicines, multi-purpose tools, cell phone with chargers, family and emergency contact informatio­n, copies of personal documents, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area.

Safety during fire. Some of the com- mon causes of fire, especially during natural disasters like earthquake, are faulty electrical and gas lines. If you are caught in an establishm­ent engulfed by fire, immediatel­y vacate the area and ask for help. Do not hide in closets and small spaces, and remember to stay low and crawl as it is easier to breathe in a fire if you stay low. Plan your escape routes and safe plac

es. It’s important to have a sketch of your house so you know how to immediatel­y get out when disaster strikes. Establish and record location of your meeting area, and be sure to practice this with your family members.

Be informed. Know the hazards within your community, and ask the local authoritie­s about the emergency plans and warning signals. Being informed will help you gather a detailed plan for your own household.

For informatio­n, visit www.solane.com.ph or Solane Facebook page www. facebook.com/solane.ph.

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