In a proactive move to bolster community safety, employees of San Fernando City Hall recently participated in an extensive earthquake preparedness drill, demonstrating their commitment to disaster readiness.
The comprehensive training session saw municipal workers from various departments practicing crucial survival techniques and emergency protocols. Organized as part of the city's ongoing disaster risk reduction initiatives, the drill focused on equipping staff with practical skills to respond effectively during seismic events.
Life-Saving Protocols in Action
Participants engaged in the "Duck, Cover, and Hold" maneuver, the fundamental response action during earthquake shaking. This essential technique teaches individuals to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking subsides.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Raymond Del Rosario emphasized the importance of muscle memory in emergency situations. "When an actual earthquake strikes, there's no time to think—only to react. Through repeated drills, we're building instinctive responses that could save lives," he explained.
Building a Culture of Preparedness
The earthquake drill represents more than just a routine exercise; it's part of a broader strategy to create a disaster-resilient community. City Hall employees, as public servants, play a crucial role in modeling preparedness behavior for residents.
"Our employees need to be equipped not only to protect themselves but also to assist citizens during emergencies," stated a city official. "When disaster strikes, these trained individuals become invaluable assets in coordinating response efforts."
Key Training Components Included:
- Proper evacuation procedures from municipal buildings
- Identification of safe zones and potential hazards
- Basic first aid and emergency communication protocols
- Coordination with local disaster response teams
The initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance earthquake preparedness across the Philippines, a country located within the Pacific Ring of Fire where seismic activity is frequent.
Regular disaster drills have become increasingly important as urban centers like San Fernando continue to develop, with taller buildings and denser populations requiring sophisticated emergency response strategies.
