Wazzup Pilipinas!?
With the recent spate of earthquakes in various parts of the country, disaster experts are once again reminding us that preparedness saves lives. Having a well-equipped emergency “Go Bag” can make the crucial difference in surviving and recovering from disasters.
A well-curated 72-Hour Emergency Kit complete with essential items for communication, first aid, and basic survival should be part of every household’s disaster readiness plan.
Emergency kits are key to earthquake survival
The magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu zeroes in on the vulnerability of the Philippine population when disaster strikes.
Residents of areas located on higher ground may be spared from floods and heavy rains, but earthquakes do their damage anywhere. They are the most unpredictable disaster of all.
Earthquake victims suffer Injuries from falling debris, get trapped in rubble, are isolated in areas where there is no electricity or access to food or water. No electricity also means no light and no way to charge phones to reach loved ones. Homes and possessions may be destroyed so people are left to the mercy of the elements, unprotected even from dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Soon enough, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression will set in.
This is why LGUs and civic groups in various parts of the world, including the Philippines, are turning to emergency kits that are good for 72 hours to help people cope with and survive earthquakes.
Why 72 hours? Because that time span is crucial after a major disaster. It can take up to three days for emergency services to arrive. Self-sufficiency is necessary for survival and to lessen the strain on overwhelmed responders. During those 72 hours people need food, water, shelter, medical supplies and ways to communicate as best they can.
Californila.com, a Filipino-owned company based in California, USA, a place also always at the ready for The Big One, has produced 72-hour emergency kits for disaster-prone and disaster-threatened areas around the globe.
Ishka Villacisneros, Filipina founder and owner of Californila, who is also an expert in emergency and disaster response, has now introduced the world-class emergency kits to the Philippines. Tailor-made for both LGU and private home use, the emergency kits are specifically tailored for earthquake survival. They contain communication and lighting tools, a first aid and medical kit, non-perishable food and water supplies, personal hygiene and sanitation essentials, shelter and warmth provisions (tent, sleeping bags, emergency blankets and ponchos.
They also contain a multi-tool pocket knife, fire starters, rope, a 115-hour candle, dust mask, 3 liters of water per person, moist towelettes, a 2-way radio, a whistle, a GPS device and other communication and navigation tools.
“In the United States, emergency kits are a common household necessity. The recent tragedy in Cebu highlights the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness in the Philippines. Natural disasters, like earthquakes, can leave families without essential needs such as food, water, and shelter. ” said Ms. Villacisneros. “The experience of Cebu’s victims highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure safety and security when disaster strikes.”
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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