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Disaster Preparedness Pamphlet
Disaster Preparedness Pamphlet
Disaster Preparedness Pamphlet
Disaster
Preparedness
Pamphlet
U.S. Embassy, Manila
disaster preparedness
Are you prepared?
disaster preparedness
Are you prepared?
p3 Typhoons
p4 Flood
p5 Volcanic Eruptions
p6 Earthquakes
p8 Online Travel Registration
p9 Family Emergency Plan
p10 Disaster Supply Kit
News Sources in an Emergency:
Earthquake & Volcanic Eruptions: (02) 426-1468
http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/
Typhoon: http://www.typhoon2000.ph
http://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc.html
Road Conditions: (02) 304-3000
http://www.mmda.gov.ph/main.html
Radio Stations (mostly Tagalog)
ABS-CBN: 630-khz
U.S. Embassy, Manila GMA: 594-khz
1201 Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila
Philippines 1000 National Disaster Coordinating Council
Tel. No.: (02) 301-2000 http://ndcc.gov.ph/ndcc/
http://manila.usembassy.gov
National Poison Control: (02) 524-1078
Disaster Preparedness Pamphlet Page 3
Tropical depressions and typhoons are common Information about approaching weather patterns
this time of year for the Philippines. Reports on de- can be found at http://www.typhoon2000.ph/ and
veloping storm activity are available on http:// http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/wb/wxfcst.html.
metocph.nmci.navy.mil and
Disaster Preparedness Pamphlet Page 4
Be Prepared!
To prepare for a flood: Evacuation Tips: After a Flood:
Avoid building or buying a home in Do not walk through moving Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated
a floodplain (unless you elevate and water. Six inches of moving water by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be
reinforce the building). can make you fall. If you have to electrically charged from underground or downed
Elevate the furnace, water heater, walk in water, walk where the water power lines.
and electric panel if home has been is not moving. Use a stick to check Avoid moving water.
the firmness of the ground in front of
damaged by flood waters in the past.
you. Be aware of areas where floodwaters have
Install "check valves" in sewer traps Do not drive into flooded areas. If receded. Roads may have weakened and could
to prevent flood water from backing up floodwaters rise around your car, collapse under the weight of your vehicle.
through the drains of your home. you and your vehicle can be quickly Stay away from downed power lines, and re-
Construct barriers (levees, beams, swept away. If you can do so safely, port them to the power company.
abandon the vehicle and move to
or floodwalls) to stop floodwater from
higher ground.
Return home only when authorities indicate it
entering your home. Seal walls in base- is safe.
ments with waterproofing compounds to
avoid leaks from outside. Driving in Flood Conditions: Stay out of any building, if it is surrounded by
The following are important points to floodwaters.
During a Flood: remember when driving in flood con- Use extreme caution when entering buildings;
ditions: there may be hidden damage, particularly in
If a flood is likely in your area: Six inches of water will reach foundations.
Listen to local radio stations,
commercial radio, or television
the bottom of most passenger cars Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits,
causing loss of control and possible and leaching systems as soon as possible. Dam-
for information. Check the latest stalling.
weather update at http:// aged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
www.typhoon2000.ph/ or http:// A foot of water will float many Clean and disinfect everything that got wet during
www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ or call vehicles. the flood. Mud left from floodwater can contain
sewage and chemicals.
their 24-hour hotline at 433- Two feet of rushing water can
ULAN (433-8526). carry away most vehicles including
Be aware that flash flooding can sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick
occur. If there is any possibility of a -up trucks.
flash flood, move immediately to higher
ground. Do not wait for instructions to
move.
Be aware of streams, drainage
channels, canyons, and other areas
known to flood suddenly. Flash floods
can occur in these areas with or with-
out warning when there are sudden,
heavy downpours.
VOLCANIC
ous. While not immediately dangerous to most
adults, the acidic gas and ash can cause lung
damage to small infants, to older adults, and to
those suffering from severe respiratory illness-
ERUPTIONS
es. Volcanic ash also can damage machinery,
including engines and electrical equipment.
Ash accumulations mixed with water become
heavy and can collapse roofs. Volcanic ash
can affect people hundreds of miles away from
the cone of a volcano.
Be Prepared!
Sideways directed volcanic explosions, known
as "lateral blasts," can shoot large pieces of
rock at very high speeds for several miles. Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases
These explosions can kill by impact, burial, or near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can
heat. They have been known to knock down move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before cross-
entire forests. ing a bridge, and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
Volcanic eruptions can be accompanied by Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assis-
other natural hazards, including earthquakes, tanceinfants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
mudflows and flash floods, rock falls and land-
slides, acid rain, fire, and (under special condi- Protection from Falling Ash
tions) tsunamis. Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emer-
gency information.
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount
What to Do Before a Volcanic Eruption of ash.
Add a pair of goggles and a disposable Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
breathing mask for each member of the family Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
to your disaster supply kit. Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with
Stay away from active volcano sites. breathing.
If you live near a known volcano, active or Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid vol-
dormant, be ready to evacuate at a moment's canic ash.
notice. Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of
the roof collapsing.
What to Do During a Volcanic Eruption Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house (chimney
If a Volcano Erupts Where You Live: vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and other vents.)
Follow the evacuation order issued by au- Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain gutters.
thorities and evacuate immediately from the Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic
volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases, ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts, and stall vehicles.
lateral blast, and lava flow. Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you
have to drive, keep speed down to 35 MPH or slower.
Disaster Preparedness Pamphlet Page 6
EARTHQUAKES
Be Prepared! 5. Develop an Emergency
Communication Plan
One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake
In case family members are
and its terrible aftereffects. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at separated from one another
any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause during an earthquake (a
many deaths and injuries and extensive property damage. real possibility during the
day when adults are at
Six Ways to Plan Ahead windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy work and children are at
bookcases or other heavy furniture could school), develop a plan for
1. Check for Hazards in the Home fall over. reuniting after the disaster.
Fasten shelves securely to walls. In the open, away from buildings, trees, Ask an out-of-state relative
Place large or heavy objects on lower telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or friend to serve as the
shelves. or elevated expressways. "family contact." After a
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, disaster, it's often easier to
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members call long distance. Make
glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with Contact your local emergency management
latches. sure everyone in the family
office or Red Cross chapter for more knows the name, address,
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mir- information on earthquakes. Also read the and phone number of the
rors away from beds, couches, and any- "How-To Series" for information on how to contact person.
where people sit. protect your property from earthquakes.
Brace overhead light fixtures. Teach children how and when to call the 6. Help Your Community Get
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky police or fire department and which radio Ready
gas connections. These are potential fire station to tune to for emergency infor- Publish a special section in
risks. mation. your local newspaper with
Secure a water heater by strapping it to the Teach all family members how and when to emergency information on
wall studs and bolting it to the floor. turn off gas, electricity, and water. earthquakes. Localize the
information by printing the
phone numbers of local
emergency services offices,
the Red Cross, and hospi-
tals.
Conduct a week-long series
on locating hazards in the
home.
Work with local emergency
services and Red Cross
officials to prepare special
reports for people with mo-
bility impairments on what
to do during an earthquake.
Provide tips on conducting
earthquake drills in the
home.
Interview representatives of
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foun- 4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand the gas, electric, and water
dations. Get expert advice if there are signs Flashlight and extra batteries companies about shutting
of structural defects. Portable battery-operated radio and extra off utilities.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flamma- batteries Work together in your com-
ble products securely in closed cabinets with First aid kit and manual munity to apply your
latches and on bottom shelves. Emergency food and water knowledge to building
codes, retrofitting pro-
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
Nonelectric can opener
grams, hazard hunts, and
Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk Essential medicines neighborhood and family
or table. Cash and credit cards emergency plans.
Against an inside wall. Sturdy shoes
Away from where glass could shatter around
Continued on Page 7
Disaster Preparedness Pamphlet Page 7
April 2009
Online Travel
Registration
The Department of State in Washington, D.C. has launched a
secure online travel registration website which will allow
American citizens to record foreign trip and residence infor-
mation that the Department of State can use to communicate
and assist in case of an emergency.
Fill out the following information for each family member and keep it up to date.
Name: Passport Number:
Date of Birth: Important Medical Information:
Name: Passport Number:
Date of Birth: Important Medical Information:
Name: Passport Number:
Date of Birth: Important Medical Information:
Name: Passport Number:
Date of Birth: Important Medical Information:
Name: Passport Number:
Date of Birth Important Medical Information:
Write down where your family spends the most time: work, school and other places you frequent.
Schools, daycare providers, workplaces and apartment buildings may have site specific emergency plans.
Other:
Pharmacist
Medical Insurance:
Homeowners/Rental Insurance:
Through its Ready Campaign, the U.S. Department of Home- When preparing
land Security educates and empowers Americans to take for a possible
some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergency situ-
emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks. ation, it's best to
think first about
Ready asks individuals to do three key things: the basics of sur-
get an emergency supply kit
vival: fresh water,
make a family emergency plan food, clean air
be informed about the different types of emergencies and warmth.
that could occur and their appropriate responses.