INTRODUCTION:

ALTHEUS: Good morning everyone. Our group will report about Earthquake Preparedness. What are we going
to do if the “BIG ONE” happens?
SLIDE #3 To begin with, let me ask you this question: “Are you ready when things start to shake?” If you say YES,
how prepared are you? And if you say NO, what will you do when this happened?
Disasters can strike at any moment, with little notice. No one knows when and where an earthquake will
strike and how strong it will be. There is no way to predict an impending earthquake and the best
action that we can do is to be ready for it. As we live in an area where earthquakes are a frequent
occurrence, we have to include earthquake preparedness in our overall emergency plan. Prevention is better
than cure. In order to protect your home and family, it is important to be prepared.

SLIDE #4 As we all know; emergencies and disasters are still happening. Earthquake Preparedness is very useful
and important thing. Planning for emergencies such as earthquakes allow us to understand the steps
necessary to prepare for the potential impacts. The more prepared you are before an earthquake,
the more resilient you will be after an earthquake. Some precautionary measures are needed before,
during and after earthquake. We should know the risks and be prepared.
Here is Cleantha, to give you the highlight on few common earthquake preparedness practices and
what to do before, during and after earthquake.
CLEANTHA:
SLIDE #5 The following are some important precautionary measures on what we are going to do before, during
and after earthquake.
BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE:
SLIDE #6
1. The key to effective disaster prevention is Planning: Proper planning would determine what you should do
in case the Big One happens.
- Know the earthquake hazards in your area
Know your risk. Research and determine whether the site in your area is along an active fault line or
prone to landslide which may cause damage to your house or building. Check whether the ground
around you is more susceptible to the effects of an earthquake.
- Follow structural design when constructing a house or building
Be sure that your structural design and engineering practice is followed.
- Retrofit and reinforce your house
Evaluate the structural soundness of the buildings and houses. If you're in a high-risk area, take steps to
retrofit, reinforce or strengthen your house if necessary.

SLIDE #7
2. Prepare your homes, workplace or schools:
- Strap heavy furniture to the wall
Bolt your house to the foundation and reinforce support beams as needed. Secure furniture such as
bookshelves and cabinets to the walls. This will decrease the risk of furniture moving or falling and
injuring someone. Heavy objects should be kept in lower shelves.
 - Check the stability of hanging objects
We must check the stability of hanging objects which may break loose and fall during earthquake. Affix
mirrors, paintings and other hanging objects like ceiling fans and chandeliers securely, so they won’t fall
off hooks.
- Store breakable items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials properly
We must properly keep flammable/hazardous materials or chemicals inside cabinets or on shelves and
keep them away from heat and store them where they are less likely to spill. Also. make it a habit to
turn of gas tanks when not in use.

SLIDE #8
3. Familiarize yourself with your place of work and residence
- Know the exit routes of the area and other possible parts of the building
Identify relatively strong parts of the building where you can take refuge during an earthquake like door
jambs, elevator shafts and sturdy tables
- Know where fire extinguishers, alarm and other communication facilities are located
Learn to use them beforehand. They should be accessible and conveniently located and properly
marked.
- Prepare a “Grab-and-Go Bag” or a handy supply emergency kit
Prepare and maintain an earthquake survival kit consisting of a battery powered radio, flashlight, first
aid kit, potable water, ready-to-eat food, whistle, clothing, blankets etc.

CLEANTHA:
DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:

SLIDE #9
1. Stay Calm.
- WHEN YOU ARE INSIDE a structurally sound building or house
Stay there. Protect your body from falling debris by bracing yourself in a doorway or by getting under
sturdy desk or table.
- Do the “DUCK, COVER AND HOLD”
DROP – under heavy furniture such as a table, desk, bed, or any solid furniture. Stay away from glass
windows, shelves, cabinets and other heavy objects.
COVER – your head and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects. Be alert and keep your eyes open.
HOLD – on to the object that you are under so that you remain covered. If possible, quickly open the
door for exit.
- WHEN YOU ARE OUTSIDE, move to an open area
Stay away from power lines, posts and other structures that may fall or collapse.
Stay away from buildings with glass panes.

SLIDE #10
- WHEN YOU ARE IN A MOVING VEHICLE
When driving a vehicle, pull to the side of the road and stop.
Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses which may have been damaged.
Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslildes.
 - IF YOU ARE NEAR THE SHORE
If the earthquake is too strong and you are near the shore, move quickly to higher grounds. Tsunamis
might follow.

CLEANTHA:
AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:

SLIDE #11
1. HERE ARE THE THINGS THAT WE SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
- DON’T PANIC. BE PREPARED FOR AFTERSHOCKS.
Take the fastest and safest way out of the building.
Do not rush to the exit, get out calmly and in orderly manner.
Don’t use your car and drive around.
Don’t use elevators.
Don’t use telephone unless necessary, disaster prevention authorities may need the lines of
communication.
Don’t enter partially damaged buildings, strong aftershocks may cause these to collapse.
SLIDE #12
- CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Check yourself and others for injuries.
Check water and electrical lines for damages and defects.
Check and clean for spills of chemicals, toxic and flammable materials to avoid any chain of unwanted
events.
If there’s any, check for fire and have it controlled.
- IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE
Inform your family and relatives and leave a message stating where you are going and bring your
earthquake survival kit for your protection and comfort.
- KEEP UPDATED
Gather information and disaster prevention instruction from battery-operated radios.
SLIDE #13
ALTHEUS: CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Earthquake Preparedness is a Universal Global need. We all need to be prepared when
the “Big One” happens. Proper planning of preventive measures ahead of time can reduce deaths and
damage significantly. It is really important to know about earthquake preparedness practices.

“Preparation is the key for surviving disasters but being proactive is a mark of resilience”.

This sums up our group report. We hope that you have learned something about Earthquake
Preparedness. Be alert and be prepared. Thank you for listening.