Legarda Wants Monthly Earthquake Drills
July 30, 2015Following the metro-wide earthquake drill spearheaded by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today, Senator Loren Legarda reiterated her proposal to conduct monthly fire and earthquake drills and other disaster preparedness measures particularly in educational and healthcare institutions.
“The regular conduct of fire and earthquake drills would effectively instill disaster preparedness in our citizens. Schools and health facilities, aside from being shelter for the vulnerable—children, sick and elderly, are critical public infrastructures, especially in times of disaster when victims need emergency refuge, services and medical care,” said Legarda, UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific
The Senator had earlier filed Senate Bill No. 357, or the Preparedness in Buildings during Fire, Earthquake and other Hazardous Phenomena Act.
Under the bill, schools and other educational establishments, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, orphanages and other buildings or structures used for the care of or occupied by the sick, infirm, or disabled are mandated to conduct monthly emergency drills.
The bill also proposes the conduct of emergency drills in school buses and other vehicles for transporting school children at least twice every school year.
The training should include practice and instruction concerning the location, use and operation of emergency exits, fire escapes, doors and fire extinguishers and other facilities provided for such purpose in buildings as well as the proper evacuation of buildings by persons in the event of fires, earthquakes and other hazardous phenomena.
Apart from conducting safety drills in schools and hospitals, the government and building owners are also required to ensure the structural integrity of these buildings.***
Please find attached Senate Bill No. 357, Preparedness in Buildings during Fire, Earthquake and other Hazardous Phenomena Act.
What to do before, during and after an earthquake? Visit this link to access the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook: http://issuu.com/oslegarda/