OCD tells public to be prepared at all times

By Joseph B. Zambrano

Sunday 17th of June 2012

BAGUIO CITY, June 17 (PIA) --- With the onset of the rainy season, the Office of the Civil Defense -Cordillera(OCD-CAR) is warning the public to be alert and check their surroundings for a possible landslide to avoid damage to life and property.

According to Engr. Jojo Valera of the OCD, the Cordillera region is prone to mud slides that may lead to disaster.

"If there is a strong typhoon coming, we should prepare for it and be ready by checking the waterways near our houses and we must clear our canals and drainage system to avoid loosening of the soil," he added.

The OCD is regularly issuing advices or tips for disaster preparedness like: When a disaster occurs, family members may be separated. It must be decided in advance what steps everyone in the family will take to get back together. This should be documented in an Emergency Family Communication Plan (EFCP) and everyone should have a small copy of this plan in their purse or wallet at all times.

You may require rescue attention, if you are trapped in a structure, you may need to attract an emergency responder to help someone else and the only way to sustain a call for help is with a whistle. Your first aid emergency kit should contain a waterproof whistle, flashlights and extra batteries.

“Don’t panic”, Valera stressed. When there is an emergency , stay calm and think what is the most important thing to do to make you safe.

“Constant emergency drills should be conducted in the family to be ready for we don’t know when an emergency or disaster strikes; be prepared always”, Valera added. (JBZ PIA-CAR)