1. Disaster
Preparedness
MonthPhilippines are considered as one of the most active
countries around the globe in terms of geologic activities.
Due to its position on the globe, Philippines is highly
vulnerable to sudden natural disasters such as earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions. The Philippines had also its fair
share in history of most destructive earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions for the last years such as the eruption
of Mt. Mayon last 2017 and the earthquake that hit Cebu
with a 7.2 magnitude. These natural disasters cost us
millions due to destroyed infrastructures and agricultural
fields and it also gets us a very priceless possession from
us, life. These kinds of disasters are inevitable. What we
must do is to be knowledgeable of the things to do in these
kinds of situation in order to minimize the loss and
eventually save our lives.
As part of their lesson in science, the students watched a film
entitled “San Andreas” which gives the audience a view of what could happen
if the San Andreas Fault in California moves. The movie helps the students
to see the situation that might happen during earthquake or tsunami which is
very hard to visualize from just a simple classroom discussion. They will also
feel they are one of the main characters in the movie and they will think of
ways on how to survive such catastrophic event. Once they occurred the
same event in real life that occurs in the movie, they now had an idea on
what should be done and what shouldn’t.
2. After learning the things they needed to
do as an earthquake occur, they are tasked then
to present a short skit which would show the
different precautionary measures they must do in
different situations like for example riding car
when an earthquake occurs. The class was divided
into three groups. This activity is also part of
their science subject. Each group presented their
task diligently.
The students were also exposed to an earthquake and fire drill. The drill started as the school
bell rings which signal that a simulated earthquake or fire occurs which hits the school. The students
first did the duck, cover, and hold strategy which is very essential to do during an earthquake. They
hide under a hard table or desk to prevent themselves from falling debris or objects that might hit
their head. After securing that the earthquake is done, each student exits the room calmly one by
one. All the students proceed at the open field located in front of the school. Once the students
were in the field, the class adviser did a head count in their respective advisory class to check if
there is any student left inside. The earthquake and fire drill is a good exercise for the students so
that once a real disaster occurred, they will know what they must do in order to save themselves and
even save other people from eminent danger.
3. One devastating characteristic of natural
disasters is that they always come unannounced.
No one can tell specifically when those disasters
will hit our place. One of the best ways to do
about this is to be always prepared and one way
to show preparedness is by preparing their own
emergency kit and first aid kit. Emergency and
first aid kit are a must have not just for every
home but also for every room inside the classroom
since ailments and injuries choose no place for
occurrence. It can happen anytime and anywhere.
When we have an emergency kit and first aid kit
within easy access of wherever you are you will
ensure the safety of everyone inside the
classroom. Each student from grade 10 was
assigned to bring one material that they think
would help them once a disaster occurs. Bonel
Elias Castillo, class vice president, was assigned to
take the lead in discussing the benefit of having
an emergency kit to his classmate. He also
explained how each material inside the emergency
kit can help them. After the short discussion, the
students prepare their emergency kit. The
emergency kit of grade 10 includes the following:
Sterile gauze pads in different sizes
Adhesive tape
Splint
Elastic bandage
Antiseptic wipes
Soap
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrogen peroxide
Different medicines
Scissors
Safety pins
Band aids
Ethyl alcohol
Thermometer
Flashlight with batteries
Whistle