Complete Earthquake Preparedness Checklist Pilipinas 2025: Essential Guide for Families, Businesses & Communities

Introduction: Why Earthquake Preparedness Matters in the Pilipinas

The Pilipinas experiences an average of 20 earthquakes daily, with major destructive earthquakes occurring every few years. The West Valley Fault's "Big One" could strike at any time, potentially affecting 13+ million people in Metro Manila alone. Despite this reality, many Filipinos remain unprepared. This comprehensive checklist provides everything you need to prepare your family, workplace, and community for earthquake survival and recovery. Following these steps could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

1. Before the Earthquake: Preparation Phase

1.1 Home Safety Assessment (Critical First Step)

Structural Safety Check

Building Age and Code Compliance

• Pre-1972 buildings: Built before any seismic codes - highest risk, retrofit recommended
• 1972-2001 buildings: Basic seismic provisions - moderate risk, assessment recommended
• 2001-2010 buildings: NSCP 2001 standards - improved safety, consider upgrades
• 2010+ buildings: NSCP 2010 standards - best safety, verify compliance

1.2 Secure Your Space (Prevent Injuries from Falling Objects)

Heavy Furniture and Appliances

• ☐ Anchor bookcases, cabinets, tall furniture to walls
  • Use L-brackets, furniture straps, or toggle bolts
  • Secure to wall studs, not just drywall
  • Install earthquake-proof latches on cabinet doors
• ☐ Secure refrigerator, washing machine, TV
  • Use appliance straps or brackets
  • Place large TVs on low, sturdy stands
  • Wall-mount flat screens with earthquake-rated mounts
• ☐ Store heavy items on lower shelves
  • Place breakables and valuables low
  • Use non-slip shelf liners
  • Install shelf lips to prevent items from sliding off

Hanging Objects and Decorations

• ☐ Secure mirrors, picture mga frames, wall clocks with closed hooks or museum putty
• ☐ Use fishing line instead of wire for hanging plants (breaks cleanly if falls)
• ☐ Remove or secure ceiling fans, chandeliers with safety cables
• ☐ Relocate heavy objects away from beds, couches, seating areas

Water Heater and Gas Appliances

• ☐ Strap water heater to wall studs (top and bottom straps, 18 inches from top/bottom)
• ☐ Install flexible gas and water line connectors (prevents rupture during shaking)
• ☐ Know location of gas shut-off valve and keep wrench nearby
• ☐ Install automatic gas shut-off valve if in high-risk area

1.3 Emergency Supplies Kit (7-Day Minimum)

Core Survival Supplies

Important Documents (Waterproof Container)

• ☐ Government IDs (photocopies + originals if possible)
• ☐ Property titles, land titulo
• ☐ Insurance policies (property, life, health)
• ☐ Birth certificates, marriage certificates
• ☐ Bank account information, credit cards
• ☐ Medical records, prescriptions, immunization records
• ☐ Emergency contact list (family, doctors, insurance agents)
• ☐ Digital copies on USB drive or cloud storage

Special Needs Items

• Infants/Toddlers: Formula, diapers, wipes, baby food, medications, comfort items
• Elderly: Prescription medications (2-week supply), mobility aids, hearing aids with baterya
• Persons with Disabilities: Assistive devices, special medications, communication aids
• Pets: 7-day food/water supply, medications, carrier, leash, vaccination records, photos for identification

Financial Preparedness

• ☐ Cash in small denominations (₱5,000-10,000 minimum) - ATMs may not work
• ☐ Coins for phone calls, vending machines
• ☐ Emergency credit card (keep separate from daily cards)
• ☐ List of bank account numbers, credit card numbers

1.4 Family Emergency Plan

Communication Strategy

• ☐ Designate taong makikipag-ugnayan sa labas ng lugar
  • Choose relative/friend outside Metro Manila
  • All family members contact this person to report status
  • Easier to call long-distance than local during disasters
• ☐ Create contact card for each family member
  • Emergency contact's name and phone number
  • Family members' phone numbers
  • Medical information and allergies
  • Laminate and carry at all times
• ☐ Establish communication protocol
  • Primary: Text messages (more reliable than calls)
  • Secondary: Social media posts
  • Tertiary: Messages through out-of-area contact

Mga Puntong Pagtitipon

1. Primary (Near-Home): Specific spot outside home (e.g., "front gate", "neighbor's driveway")
   • Use for minor earthquakes when home is safe
2. Secondary (Neighborhood): Nearby location outside immediate area (e.g., barangay hall, church, school)
   • Use if kapitbahayan evacuation required
3. Tertiary (Regional): Outside affected area (e.g., relative's home in different city)
   • Use for major disasters requiring widespread evacuation

Family Roles and Responsibilities

1.5 Home Evacuation Plan

Exit Routes

• ☐ Identify at least 2 exit routes from each room
• ☐ Keep exits clear of furniture, stored items
• ☐ Install emergency exit signs with glow-in-dark markers
• ☐ Practice evacuation in darkness (power may be out)
• ☐ Identify safe spots in each room for "Drop, Cover, Hold" (under sturdy tables, desks)

Special Considerations

• Mataas na Gusali:
  • DO NOT use elevators during/after earthquake
  • Know location of all stairwells
  • Keep flashlight near bed for nighttime evacuation
  • Practice stairwell evacuation with children
• Multi-Story Homes:
  • Avoid upper palapag if possible during strong shaking
  • Know structural integrity of upper palapag
  • Have rope ladder for upper-floor escape if stairs blocked

2. During the Earthquake: Survival Actions

2.1 If You're Indoors

DROP, COVER, HOLD ON (Most Important Action)

1. DROP to hands and knees (prevents being knocked down, allows crawling to shelter)
2. COVER your head and neck under sturdy table or desk
   • If no table: against interior wall, away from windows
   • Protect head/neck with arms, pillow, or object
3. HOLD ON to shelter and be prepared to move with it

What NOT to Do Indoors

• ❌ DO NOT run outside during shaking (most injuries from falling debris near exits)
• ❌ DO NOT stand in doorways (modern doorways not stronger than other parts)
• ❌ DO NOT use elevators
• ❌ DO NOT light matches, lighters, candles (gas leak risk)

Location-Specific Actions

2.2 If You're Outdoors

Safe Actions

• ☐ Move to open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, streetlights
• ☐ If in crowded area, take cover where you are (against interior wall)
• ☐ Protect head and neck with arms or object
• ☐ Stay low to avoid being knocked down

Specific Outdoor Locations

2.3 If You're in a Vehicle

Immediate Actions

1. Pull over to safe location away from:
   • Overpasses, bridges, tunnels
   • Power lines, trees, streetlights
   • Buildings with facades that could fall
2. Stop the vehicle and turn on hazard lights
3. Stay inside vehicle with seatbelt fastened (vehicle will rock, but provides protection)
4. Cover head/neck with arms or jacket
5. Listen to radyo for emergency information

After Shaking Stops

• Check for road damage, fallen debris before driving
• Avoid bridges, overpasses until inspected
• Watch for emergency vehicles; yield right-of-way
• If road blocked, turn around and find alternate route

3. After the Earthquake: Recovery and Safety

3.1 Immediate Actions (First 5-30 Minutes)

Personal Safety Check

• ☐ Check yourself and others for injuries
  • Provide first aid for minor injuries
  • DO NOT move seriously injured persons unless in immediate danger
  • Cover injured persons with kumot to prevent shock
• ☐ Put on sturdy shoes immediately (broken glass, debris hazard)
• ☐ Check for and extinguish small fires

Building Safety Assessment

Utility Safety Check

• ☐ Gas:
  • If you smell gas or hear hissing: Open windows, evacuate, shut off main valve, call gas company
  • DO NOT turn gas back on yourself (gas company must do it)
  • DO NOT use matches, lighters, or electrical switches near gas smell
• ☐ Electricity:
  • Check for damaged wiring, sparks, smell of burning insulation
  • Turn off power at main breaker if damage suspected
  • Unplug appliances to prevent damage from power surges when restored
• ☐ Water:
  • Check for broken water lines, leaks
  • Shut off main water valve if pipes damaged
  • DO NOT use tap water until confirmed safe by authorities
  • Use emergency water supply

3.2 Aftershock Preparedness

Understanding Aftershocks

• What they are: Smaller earthquakes following main earthquake
• When they occur: Minutes to months after main shock
• How strong: Usually weaker than main shock, but can still cause damage to weakened structures
• How many: Dozens to hundreds possible (2019 Cotabato: 3,000+ aftershocks in 2 months)

Aftershock Safety Actions

• ☐ Be ready to DROP, COVER, HOLD for each aftershock
• ☐ Stay out of damaged buildings (aftershocks can cause collapse)
• ☐ Keep emergency mga suplay accessible
• ☐ Sleep in safe area away from hazards (heavy furniture, windows)
• ☐ Reassure children (aftershocks are normal and expected)

3.3 Communication and Information

Getting Reliable Information

• ☐ Listen to battery-powered radyo for official updates
• ☐ Follow PHIVOLCS for earthquake information (@phivolcs_dost)
• ☐ Monitor NDRRMC for disaster response (@NDRRMC_OpCen)
• ☐ Check local government social media for community-specific instructions
• ☐ Avoid spreading rumors; verify information before sharing

Contacting Family

• ☐ Send text messages (more reliable than calls during disasters)
• ☐ Use social media to post status ("I'm safe" on Facebook Safety Check)
• ☐ Contact taong makikipag-ugnayan sa labas ng lugar
• ☐ Keep phone calls brief to avoid network overload
• ☐ Conserve phone battery (turn off non-essential functions)

3.4 First 24-72 Hours: Survival Mode

Water Management

• ☐ Use stored water supply first (7-day minimum)
• ☐ Ration water: 2-3 liters per person per day minimum
• ☐ Purify suspect water:
  • Boil for 1-3 minutes (most effective)
  • Use water mga tabletas pang-linis ng tubig
  • Add 2 drops bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) per liter, wait 30 minutes
• ☐ Collect rainwater if possible (purify before drinking)
• ☐ Water sources: Water heater tank (50-80 gallons), toilet tank (not bowl), ice cube trays

Food Management

• ☐ Eat perishable food first (refrigerator items within 4 hours if power out)
• ☐ Then eat frozen food (keeps 24-48 hours in closed freezer)
• ☐ Then use canned/packaged emergency food
• ☐ Avoid cooking if gas leaks suspected
• ☐ Use portable stove outdoors only

Sanitation

• ☐ If toilets don't work: Use emergency toilet (bucket with garbage bag and kitty litter/sawdust)
• ☐ Maintain hygiene: Hand washing critical to prevent disease
• ☐ Dispose of waste properly (bag and tie, separate from living area)
• ☐ Use hand sanitizer if water scarce

3.5 Community Response

Helping Others Safely

• ☐ Check on neighbors, especially elderly, disabled, families with young children
• ☐ Organize kapitbahayan watch to prevent looting
• ☐ Share resources if you have surplus (water, food, shelter)
• ☐ Provide first aid if trained
• ☐ Assist rescue efforts ONLY if trained and safe to do so

Reporting to Authorities

• ☐ Report trapped persons to rescue teams (provide exact location)
• ☐ Report major damage to barangay officials
• ☐ Report casualties to health authorities
• ☐ Report hazards (gas leaks, downed power lines, damaged bridges)

4. Special Situations and Populations

4.1 Paghahanda sa Lugar ng Trabaho

Employer Responsibilities (Per DOLE Guidelines)

• ☐ Conduct taunang earthquake drills
• ☐ Maintain mga mapa ng paglikas and emergency lighting
• ☐ Train mga floor wardens and mga first responders
• ☐ Stock emergency mga suplay (first aid, water, food for employees)
• ☐ Secure mga kagamitan sa opisina (computers, filing cabinets)
• ☐ Establish employee accounting system
• ☐ Develop business continuity plan

Employee Actions

• ☐ Know evacuation routes and assembly points
• ☐ Participate in all drills
• ☐ Keep personal emergency kit at desk (water, snacks, flashlight, phone charger)
• ☐ Identify safe spots in work area
• ☐ Know location of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

4.2 School Preparedness

School Administration

• ☐ Conduct quarterly earthquake drills
• ☐ Secure bookcases, equipment, hanging objects
• ☐ Train teachers and staff in emergency procedures
• ☐ Establish parent notification system
• ☐ Maintain emergency mga suplay for students
• ☐ Identify student assembly areas
• ☐ Develop student release protocol

What to Teach Children

• ☐ DROP, COVER, HOLD ON (practice regularly)
• ☐ Stay calm and follow teacher instructions
• ☐ Don't run out of building during shaking
• ☐ Stay with class after earthquake
• ☐ Know family emergency plan and contact information

4.3 Persons with Disabilities

Mobility Impairments

• ☐ Identify safe spots accessible without stairs
• ☐ Keep wheelchair/walker secured to prevent rolling
• ☐ Arrange buddy system for evacuation assistance
• ☐ Store extra wheelchair baterya, medications
• ☐ Have evacuation chair for multi-story buildings

Visual/Hearing Impairments

• ☐ Keep assistive devices secured and accessible
• ☐ Arrange for visual/audio emergency alerts
• ☐ Designate buddy for evacuation guidance
• ☐ Store extra baterya for hearing aids
• ☐ Keep guide dog mga suplay in emergency kit

5. Long-Term Recovery (Weeks to Months)

5.1 Damage Assessment and Insurance

Documenting Damage

• ☐ Take photos/videos of all damage before cleanup
• ☐ Make detailed list of damaged property
• ☐ Save receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing
• ☐ Don't throw away damaged items until insurance adjuster sees them

Insurance Claims

• ☐ Contact insurance company immediately
• ☐ Review policy coverage (standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake damage)
• ☐ File claim with complete documentation
• ☐ Keep records of all communications with insurance company
• ☐ Get multiple repair estimates

5.2 Psychological Recovery

Common Stress Reactions

• Fear of aftershocks, future earthquakes
• Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• Irritability, anger, mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach problems)

Coping Strategies

• ☐ Maintain routines as much as possible
• ☐ Talk about experiences with family, friends
• ☐ Limit exposure to disaster news/images
• ☐ Get adequate rest, nutrition, exercise
• ☐ Seek professional help if symptoms persist >1 month
• ☐ Help children process emotions through play, drawing, talking

6. Preparedness Maintenance

6.1 Regular Review Schedule

Monthly Tasks

• ☐ Test flashlights and replace baterya if needed
• ☐ Check expiration dates on food and medications
• ☐ Review family communication plan
• ☐ Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold" with children

Semi-Annual Tasks (Every 6 Months)

• ☐ Rotate water supply (replace stored water)
• ☐ Update emergency contact information
• ☐ Review and update family emergency plan
• ☐ Check and tighten furniture anchors
• ☐ Refresh first aid skills

Annual Tasks

• ☐ Conduct full household earthquake drill
• ☐ Replace expired food in emergency kit
• ☐ Update documents in waterproof container
• ☐ Review insurance coverage
• ☐ Inspect home for new hazards
• ☐ Update children's emergency information as they grow

7. Resources and Contacts

7.1 Government Agencies

• PHIVOLCS:
  • Hotline: (02) 8426-1468 to 79
  • Website: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph
  • Email: info@phivolcs.dost.gov.ph
• NDRRMC:
  • Hotline: (02) 8911-5061 to 65
  • Website: www.ndrrmc.gov.ph
• National Emergency: 911
• Pilipino Red Cross: 143

7.2 Preparedness Resources

• PHIVOLCS - Earthquake preparedness guides and brochures
• NDRRMC - Disaster preparedness materials
• Local government disaster risk reduction offices
• Pilipino Red Cross - First aid training and disaster preparedness courses

Final Checklist Summary

Essential Actions (Do These First)

• ☐ Assess your home's structural safety
• ☐ Secure heavy furniture and appliances
• ☐ Assemble 7-day emergency supply kit
• ☐ Create family communication plan with out-of-area contact
• ☐ Establish meeting points (3 levels)
• ☐ Teach all family members "Drop, Cover, Hold"
• ☐ Know how to shut off gas, water, electricity
• ☐ Practice earthquake drill at least once

Key Takeaways

1. Preparation saves lives - the time to prepare is NOW, before the earthquake
2. "Drop, Cover, Hold" is the single most important survival action
3. 7-day supply minimum for water, food, medications
4. Communication plan essential - don't assume you'll reach family by phone
5. Aftershocks are normal - be prepared for multiple events
6. Regular maintenance - review and practice every 6 months minimum