Community Based Disaster Preparedness in the Philippines

The Philippines experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. These earthquakes can cause a lot of damage to homes and lead to significant economic challenges. To reduce these risks, Community-Based Disaster Preparedness (CBDP) plays a vital role. CBDP helps local communities take proactive measures to protect their homes and belongings. This is especially important in the Philippines, where resources can be scarce. CBDP focuses on practical and affordable solutions that individuals and local communities, known as barangays, can easily implement. In this article, we will dive into how communities can work together to minimize earthquake damage to properties effectively.

Understanding Earthquake Risks

The Philippines is hit by countless earthquakes every day, but most of them are too weak for people to feel. However, some significant earthquakes have caused catastrophic damage, like the Luzon earthquake in 1990 and the Bohol earthquake in 2013. These events remind us of the importance of understanding the specific earthquake risks within our area.

Different regions face unique risks. Some locations sit right on fault lines, making them more susceptible to strong shaking. Other areas might have soil that could experience liquefaction if an earthquake strikes, which is when the ground turns into a liquid-like state. Knowing the risks in your specific location is crucial for effective preparation. Your local barangay or your municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) can provide vital information about fault lines and areas that could be subjected to liquefaction.

Strengthening Your Home: Practical Steps

While it’s unlikely to prevent all earthquake damage, there are various actions that communities can take to protect their properties. A strong focus should be on fortifying weak structures to withstand seismic activity.

• Retrofitting Existing Structures: Many homes in the Philippines are built with non-reinforced concrete or hollow blocks. Strengthening these homes can prevent them from collapsing during an earthquake. Here are some retrofitting methods:

  • Adding Steel Bars: Including reinforcement bars strategically placed and embedded in walls and columns enhances stability. In addition, tying wooden or bamboo structures together can help prevent significant movement.
  • Concrete Columns & Beams: Strengthening weakened support beams by reinforcing them with concrete and adding support pillars in corners can protect a home from shearing motion during an earthquake.
  • Bracing: Using steel L-brackets or metal straps to secure weak points, such as areas with no support, can provide extra stability.

• Lightweight Roofing Materials: Heavy roofing materials like concrete tiles can become dangerous in an earthquake, risking falling debris on residents. Instead, consider using lighter alternatives like corrugated metal sheets or other composite materials that are budget-friendly and easy to replace.
• Securing Heavy Objects: Inside homes, it’s crucial to secure heavy items such as bookshelves, cabinets, and appliances to walls to prevent them from falling during severe shaking. Use straps and brackets to fasten them securely to studs and beams.
• Checking the Foundation: Cracks in the foundation indicate possible structural issues. Consult a qualified engineer to assess and repair these cracks promptly to avoid more significant problems in the future.
• Repairing Deterioration: Concrete and wood are susceptible to deterioration caused by exposure to the weather, termites, and age. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that these materials remain strong and resistant to shaking.

Community Drills and Education

Strengthening the physical structures is just one aspect of preparedness. Educating the community about the actions to take during and after an earthquake holds equal importance. An informed community can respond effectively and reduce panic during an emergency.

• Regular Earthquake Drills: Conducting community-wide earthquake drills on a regular basis can help everyone practice the “duck, cover, and hold on” method of protection and understand how to evacuate buildings safely. In areas close to fault lines, these drills should be more frequent. Many barangays coordinate drills with local schools and businesses to ensure that everyone is aware of assembly points and exit strategies.
• First Aid Training: Training community members in basic first aid enables them to assist injured neighbors while waiting for professional medical help. The Department of Health offers free workshops in barangays, which could be integrated into standard drill practices.
• Community Emergency Response Teams: Building local volunteer teams trained to handle rescue efforts, deliver first aid, and manage post-earthquake relief is essential. Providing training on safe debris management prevents further injuries during the recovery process.
• Information Sharing: Use informative leaflets, posters, and community meetings to ensure everyone understands the essential steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake. The information should be easy to understand and available in local languages for maximum effectiveness.

Developing Community Plans

Structured plans are necessary given that aftershocks and additional hazards often follow an earthquake. Preparedness is a collective effort, and communities must come together to strategize.

• Evacuation Planning: Establish and identify designated evacuation locations in safe, open spaces. These areas should be predetermined, easily accessible, and able to provide temporary shelter resources. For example, a local basketball court or a barangay hall in a field can serve as a safe zone.
• Communication Protocols: Craft clear communication protocols for reporting injuries and property damage. Appoint community leaders who can quickly reach nearby resources and relay vital messages to ensure efficient delivery of help to affected regions.
• Resource Inventory: Conduct a survey across the barangay to account for available community resources, including tools, first aid kits, and food and water supplies. This inventory helps with efficient relief distribution following a major disaster.
• Post Earthquake Care: Ensure that temporary shelters are available in the community, along with accessible power sources and sanitation facilities. Remember that these can be significantly impacted by the original earthquake and aftershocks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can our community access resources for reinforcing our homes?

A: Many local government units (LGUs) provide grants or low-interest loans for home improvements related to disaster preparedness. Check with your barangay or municipal offices for available assistance. Non-governmental organizations may also have programs in place to support residents.

Q: Are there specific materials that are better for withstanding earthquakes?

A: Yes, lightweight and flexible materials, like treated bamboo, steel frames, or recycled materials for walls, perform better during earthquakes. Consulting a qualified engineer will help you choose the best materials based on local conditions.

Q: How often should a community conduct earthquake drills?

A: Communities should hold earthquake drills at least twice a year. However, in higher-risk areas, consider conducting them more frequently. In schools and workplaces, quarterly drills with additional safety orientation for newcomers will help maintain preparedness.

Q: What is the best course of action during an earthquake?

A: The recommended course of action is to “duck, cover, and hold on.” Duck under a sturdy table or desk, cover your head and neck with one arm, and hold onto the object until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows and doorways, which might pose additional risks.

Q: Where can we get training for community emergency response?

A: Your local municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) provide training for community emergency response teams. Many non-governmental organizations and barangay units may also offer such training.

Q: What can I do to help my elderly or PWD neighbors prepare?

A: Assist them in reinforcing their homes, make sure they have key supplies easily accessible, and involve them in community emergency planning. It’s important to have specific strategies in place to help the most vulnerable members of the community.

Q: How do I know if my building is at risk of liquefaction?

A: You can consult your local barangay or municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) for guidance, use online resources, or check for areas with strict building codes due to unstable soil conditions.

Call to Action

Community-based disaster preparedness is vital for safeguarding lives and properties in earthquake-prone regions of the Philippines. By understanding the risks, reinforcing our homes, conducting regular drills, and creating thorough community plans, we can all contribute to significantly reducing the devastating impacts of earthquakes. Focusing on practical actions at the grassroots level ensures each community member takes responsibility for their safety while enhancing the overall resilience of our society. Every person, together with each barangay and city, must actively implement these plans to create a safer future for ourselves and our loved ones.

References

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

Local Government Units (LGUs) Disaster Preparedness Manuals

Department of Health (DOH) First Aid Guidelines

Various Community-Based Learning Articles