When to Prepare
Start Preparing NOW
Earthquakes can happen at any time without warning. The best time to prepare is before an earthquake occurs. Don't wait for a seismic event to start your preparation.
✅ Best Times to Prepare
- • During calm periods (no active seismic activity)
- • At the start of each season
- • When moving to a new home
- • After experiencing a minor earthquake
- • During earthquake awareness months
- • When family circumstances change
❌ Don't Wait For
- • Government warnings
- • Seismic activity to increase
- • Neighbors to prepare first
- • Perfect weather conditions
- • Having extra money
- • A major earthquake to occur
⏰ Preparation Timeline
ImmediateBasic emergency kit and family communication plan
1 WeekComplete emergency kit and home safety measures
1 MonthFamily drills and workplace/school preparation
OngoingRegular maintenance and practice drills
What to Prepare
Emergency Supplies
- • Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- • Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
- • First aid kit
- • Flashlights and batteries
- • Radio (battery-powered)
- • Emergency blankets
Family Planning
- • Emergency contact list
- • Family meeting places
- • Evacuation routes
- • Communication plan
- • Medical information
- • Important documents
Home Safety
- • Secure heavy furniture
- • Install safety latches
- • Identify safe spots
- • Fix structural issues
- • Install gas shut-off
- • Emergency lighting
Essential Preparation Checklist
Immediate Needs (0-72 hours)
- ✓ Water and food
- ✓ First aid supplies
- ✓ Emergency lighting
- ✓ Communication devices
- ✓ Cash and important documents
- ✓ Medications and medical supplies
Extended Needs (3-30 days)
- ✓ Extended food supply
- ✓ Fuel and generators
- ✓ Sanitation supplies
- ✓ Tools and equipment
- ✓ Entertainment items
- ✓ Backup communication
How to Prepare
Step 1: Assess Your Risk
Geographic Risk Factors
- • Distance from fault lines
- • Soil type and foundation
- • Building construction
- • Local seismic history
Personal Risk Factors
- • Family size and ages
- • Medical conditions
- • Mobility limitations
- • Financial resources
Step 2: Create Your Plan
1
Family Communication Plan
Establish how family members will contact each other during an emergency.
2
Evacuation Routes
Identify multiple safe routes from your home, workplace, and school.
3
Meeting Places
Choose safe meeting locations near your home and outside your neighborhood.
Step 3: Build Your Kit
1
Basic Kit
Essential items for 3 days
2
Extended Kit
Supplies for 2 weeks
3
Specialized Kit
Medical and pet supplies
Home Preparation
Structural Safety
- ✓Secure heavy furniture to walls
- ✓Install safety latches on cabinets
- ✓Anchor water heaters and appliances
- ✓Fix structural weaknesses
- ✓Install gas shut-off valve
Safe Spots Identification
- •Under sturdy tables or desks
- •Against interior walls
- •Away from windows and mirrors
- •Not under heavy objects
- •Practice drop, cover, and hold
Emergency Supplies Storage
- ✓Accessible locations throughout home
- ✓Waterproof containers
- ✓Cool, dry storage areas
- ✓Multiple emergency kits
- ✓Regular rotation of supplies
Dangerous Areas to Avoid
- ✗Near windows and glass doors
- ✗Under heavy objects or shelves
- ✗Near fireplaces or stoves
- ✗In doorways (unless reinforced)
- ✗Near electrical equipment
Family Preparation
Family Emergency Plan Components
Every family member should know what to do during an earthquake. Create a comprehensive plan that includes communication, evacuation, and meeting procedures.
Communication Plan
- ✓Emergency contact list for all family members
- ✓Out-of-area emergency contact person
- ✓Text messaging plan (often works when calls don't)
- ✓Social media check-in procedures
- ✓Emergency radio communication
Special Considerations
- •Children: Age-appropriate instructions and comfort items
- •Seniors: Mobility aids and extra medications
- •Pets: Food, carriers, and identification
- •Medical conditions: Extra supplies and documentation
- •Disabilities: Special equipment and assistance plans
Meeting Places
- ✓Primary meeting place near home
- ✓Secondary meeting place outside neighborhood
- ✓Emergency shelter locations
- ✓Workplace meeting procedures
- ✓School pickup procedures
Practice Drills
- ✓Monthly family earthquake drills
- ✓Evacuation route practice
- ✓Emergency kit usage training
- ✓Communication plan testing
- ✓First aid and CPR training
Workplace Preparation
Office Safety
- ✓Secure computer monitors and equipment
- ✓Keep emergency supplies at desk
- ✓Know building evacuation routes
- ✓Participate in workplace drills
- ✓Keep important documents accessible
Emergency Procedures
- •Drop, cover, and hold under desk
- •Stay away from windows and glass
- •Wait for shaking to stop before evacuating
- •Use stairs, not elevators
- •Follow designated evacuation routes
Workplace Emergency Kit
- ✓Water and non-perishable snacks
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓Flashlight and batteries
- ✓Emergency contact information
- ✓Personal medications
Communication Plan
- •Notify family of your safety status
- •Follow company emergency procedures
- •Stay informed through official channels
- •Coordinate with colleagues
- •Update family on return plans
School Preparation
School Safety Priorities
Schools should have comprehensive earthquake preparedness plans. Parents should be familiar with school procedures and ensure children understand safety protocols.
For Parents
- ✓Review school emergency procedures
- ✓Ensure emergency contact information is current
- ✓Discuss safety procedures with children
- ✓Prepare emergency supplies for children
- ✓Coordinate with other parents
For Students
- •Practice drop, cover, and hold drills
- •Know evacuation routes and assembly areas
- •Keep emergency contact information handy
- •Follow teacher instructions during drills
- •Stay calm and help younger students
School Emergency Kit
- ✓Water and snacks in backpack
- ✓Comfort items for younger children
- ✓Emergency contact information
- ✓Personal medications if needed
- ✓Small flashlight or glow stick
Pickup Procedures
- •Designated pickup locations
- •Authorized pickup persons list
- •Communication with school officials
- •Emergency contact verification
- •Student release procedures
Community Preparation
Neighborhood Coordination
- ✓Know your neighbors and their needs
- ✓Share emergency contact information
- ✓Coordinate neighborhood drills
- ✓Identify community resources
- ✓Plan mutual assistance
Community Resources
- •Emergency shelters and evacuation centers
- •Medical facilities and first aid stations
- •Communication centers and information hubs
- •Supply distribution points
- •Transportation and evacuation routes
Volunteer Opportunities
- ✓Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- ✓Red Cross volunteer programs
- ✓Neighborhood watch programs
- ✓Emergency communication networks
- ✓Disaster preparedness training
Information Sources
- •Local government emergency services
- •Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
- •National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
- •Local radio and television stations
- •Emergency alert systems
Maintenance Checklist
Regular Maintenance Schedule
Earthquake preparedness requires ongoing maintenance. Regular checks ensure your supplies and plans remain effective when needed.
Monthly Checks
- ✓ Check expiration dates
- ✓ Test flashlights and radios
- ✓ Verify contact information
- ✓ Practice family drills
- ✓ Check structural security
- ✓ Review evacuation routes
Quarterly Checks
- ✓ Rotate food and water
- ✓ Update emergency contacts
- ✓ Check medical supplies
- ✓ Test communication plans
- ✓ Review insurance policies
- ✓ Update important documents
Semi-Annual Checks
- ✓ Complete kit inventory
- ✓ Update family plan
- ✓ Check home security
- ✓ Review workplace plans
- ✓ Update school procedures
- ✓ Community coordination
Annual Checks
- ✓ Complete preparedness review
- ✓ Update all supplies
- ✓ Renew certifications
- ✓ Major home improvements
- ✓ Community involvement
- ✓ Plan comprehensive update
Emergency Kit Maintenance
Food and Water
- • Check expiration dates monthly
- • Rotate water every 6 months
- • Replace food annually
- • Store in cool, dry place
- • Use before expiration
Equipment and Supplies
- • Test batteries monthly
- • Check flashlight bulbs
- • Test radio functionality
- • Inspect first aid supplies
- • Verify tool condition
Start Preparing Today
Earthquake preparation is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment to your family's safety. Start with the basics and gradually build your preparedness level. Remember, even basic preparation is better than no preparation at all.
Next Steps
- • Create your family emergency plan
- • Build your emergency kit
- • Practice earthquake drills
- • Secure your home
- • Stay informed and prepared