The 1st Quarter Nationwide
Simultaneous Earthquake drill

Was conducted in close to 20 different venues and involved all units of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

MDRRMO Tanay Earthquake Rescue Drill

The exercise aims to test and improve the preparations of disaster response units and to promote awareness among stakeholders.

”For this quarter, the focus is on schools so that our students from both the high school and elementary levels will be aware of what they should do and where they should go (in the event of a strong earthquake)

We have fire drills once a month and earthquake drills twice a year to prepare and train for an actual emergency.

OBJECTIVE:

To train students and teachers and to test the various elements of your response

plan in order to evaluate and revise it.

During a damaging earthquake, life-protecting actions must be taken immediately. There will not be time to decide what to do next; everyone must already know how to react appropriately. After an earthquake, further life-protecting actions such as emergency evacuation or first aid administration may be necessary; well-trained staff and students will guarantee that these crucial steps are taken as quickly as possible. Earthquake drills and exercises are an extremely important part of your preparedness plan because they 1) teach students, staff and parents how to respond to the complications of an actual earthquake, and 2) help you evaluate how well all parts of your emergency plan work together, and how well your staff and students have been trained.

Drills were also held in Sampaloc Elementary
School in Barangay Sampaloc Tanay, Rizal

Fire / Earthquake Drills and Procedures

Fire / Earthquake Drills

We have fire drills once a month and earthquake drills twice a year to prepare and train for an actual emergency.

Fire Drill Guidelines

When the signal for the fire drill sounds,
1. Evacuate immediately according to the fire exit signs.
2. Leave coats, books, and personal belongings in the classroom.
3. Turn off lights, close doors and windows as you leave.
4. Keep your class together and move at least 300 feet away from the building. Do not block sidewalks or driveways that may be used by fire trucks.
5. When all students are accounted for, send a student runner to the designated check-in point to report to the principal or assistant principal.
6. Return to the building only after the all clear bell rings three times.

The assistant principal times and monitors the exit. When all classes are accounted for and the building is verified “safe”, the secretary will ring the “all clear” signal.

Earthquake Drill Guidelines

Sonitrol is to be notified by the school secretary prior to the earthquake/fire drill exercises.

When the signal for the earthquake sounds:
1. Drop and Cover – (teachers model) - Immediately take cover under desks or tables and turn away from windows.
2. Turn Away From Windows – (teachers model)
3. Stay Under Shelter Until Shaking Stops – (at least 60 seconds)
4. Listen For Instructions – (teacher talks calmly to students, review procedure for evacuating classroom)

A Fire Drill will immediately follow all Earthquake Drills. When the alarm rings, everyone in the building is to exit. Your cooperation and participation will help assure the safety of our staff and students.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY PROCEDURES

WHAT TO EXCEPT DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
The first indication of a damaging earthquake may be a gentle shaking. You may notice the swaying of hanging plants and light fixtures, or hear objects wobbling on shelves. Or, you may be jarred first by a violent jolt (similar to a sonic boom). Or, you may hear a low (and perhaps very loud) rumbling noise. A second or two later, you'll really feel the shaking; and by this time you'll find it difficult to move from one place to another.

It's important to take "quake-safe" action at the first indication of ground shaking. Don't wait until you are certain an earthquake is occurring. As the ground shaking grows stronger, danger increases. For example:

Free-standing cabinets and bookshelves are likely to topple. Wall-mounted objects (such as clocks and artwork) may shake loose and fly across the room.

Suspended ceiling components may pop out, bringing light fixtures, mechanical diffusers, sprinkler heads, and other components down with the.

Door frames may be bent by moving walls and may jam the doors shut. Moving walls may bend window frames, causing glass to shatter and sending dangerous shards into the room.

The noise that accompanies and earthquake cannot cause physical harm. However, it may cause considerable emotional stress—especially if you're not prepared to expect the noisy clamor of moving and falling objects, shattering glass, wailing fire alarms, banging doors, and creaking walls. The noise will be frightening, but a little less so if it is anticipated.

EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE GUIDELINES
During a major or moderate earthquake, the greatest immediate hazard to people in or near a building is the danger of being hit by falling objects. During the ground shaking, the school population is safest finding immediate shelter under desks, tables, or counters.

If Indoors:
· Stay inside; move away from windows, shelves, and heavy objects and furniture that may fall. Take cover under a table or desk, or in a strong doorway (but anticipate that doors may slam shut during an earthquake).
· In halls, stairways, or other areas where no cover is available, move to an interior wall. Turn away from windows, kneel alongside a wall, bend head close to knees, cover sides of head with elbow, and clasp hands firmly behind head.
· In library, immediately move away from windows and bookshelves, and take appropriate cover.
· In laboratories and kitchens, all burns should be extinguished (if possible) before taking cover. Stay clear of hazardous chemicals that mall spill.

If Outdoors:
· Move to an open space, away from buildings and overhead power lines. Lie down or crouch low to the ground (legs will not be steady). Keep looking around to be aware of dangers that may demand movement>
· On the school bus, stop the bus away from power lines, bridges, overpasses, and building. Students should remain in their seats and hold on.