In line with its disaster preparedness program, the city government through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in collaboration with other concerned agencies will spearhead the conduct of the 4th Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday, November 9 at 9am.
The sound of the siren in City Hall will signal the start of the exercise.
The NSED advocates the Duck-Cover-Hold technique as part of the continuing effort to strengthen earthquake preparedness.
Various stakeholders such as academic institutions, business establishments, government offices, and all households are enjoined to participate in the drill and conduct earthquake and evacuation drills in their respective areas.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office in Pettit Barracks and the Philhealth in Veterans Avenue will be the pilot agencies for the NSED but evaluators will also be posted at the Police Regional Office-9 in Mercedes, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) as well as City Hall and other city government offices.
The 4th NSED coincides with the observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day and is intended to reduce casualties should a major earthquake strikes in the country.
The NSED activity is a joint undertaking of the city government and the Office of Civil Defense, Phivolcs and other concerned agencies.
The public is urged to observe the following steps or protocols when an earthquake occurs:
— When inside a building, stay calm and do the “Duck, Cover and Hold”;
— Duck (or Drop) under a strong table and hold on to it. Stay alert for potential threats; — Stay away from glass windows, shelves, and heavy objects;
— After the shaking stops, exit the building and go to the designated evacuation area;
— When you are outside, move to an open area, stay away from buildings, trees, electric posts, and landslide-prone areas; and
— If you are in a moving vehicle, stop and exit the vehicle. (Sheila Covarrubias/ source: CDRRMO/OCD)