How To Get Ready: Keys To Personal Safety, Protecting Your Family, Securing Your Home And Property

The Philippines, being in the Circum-Pacific belt of fire and typhoon, is constantly subjected to disasters and calamities. In the 2000 report of a Brussels-based research center, the Philippines was declared as "the most disaster-prone country on earth." It mentioned typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides and military actions against Muslim rebels as the reasons.

Recent studies also indicate that active phases of the West Valley Faults (formerly Marikina Valley Faults) are approaching with an estimated intensity of 7 or higher. Others even raised the possible intensity range from 7 to 9, which could be most devastating.

Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), a Japan-funded study that began in August 2002, identified the West Valley Fault, which lies just northeast of Manila, as "the fault expected to cause the largest impact in the metropolis." The West Valley Fault traverses Marikina town, Pasig going to Muntinlupa up to the south.

The Fault already caused at least two major earthquakes within the last 1,400 years. No earthquake is known to have taken place along the West Valley Fault after the 16th century. But based on the estimated return period of less than 500 years, the Fault is due to exhibit dangers this century - or even within the next few years, based on the estimates of an official of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Aware of the glaring realities, the government took a conscious effort of educating the public by declaring the month of July as the National Disaster Consciousness Month to prepare the country from impending disasters and emergencies.

Disasters are classified into two: natural and manmade. Natural calamities ¾ (what’s does ¾ mean?) tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, storm surges (tidal waves), tornadoes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic hazards and earthquakes; ¾ are physical forces that my cause disaster when they occur in populated areas. On the other hand, manmade disasters include natural resource degradation, pollution, displacement due to militarization, development aggression and nuclear radiation.

In support of the government's continuing efforts to make the people aware and be prepared in the event of emergencies and disasters, Generali Pilipinas embarked on a community based information advocacy campaign. The firm urges support and participation of the general public in risk reduction efforts.

Generali Pilipinas will conduct a series of educational workshops and fun activities for homeowners, security associations, students and motor vehicle drivers in its pilot areas. The activities will offer a proactive response in unexpected crisis; establish connection and close collaboration between communities and response agencies; enhance the capacity of community members in responding to crisis situations; and conduct drills and practical tests for the participants.

"Generali Pilipinas believes that being secure and prepared not just physically, emotionally, mentally, but more so economically and financially already overcome losses from natural calamities," Generali Pilipinas President and CEO, Dan Daly said. "Being prepared closes the window for impossible restoration."

Generali Pilipinas discloses the keys to disaster preparedness and how to lessen its impact on you and your family:

1. Know the hazards and risks you are exposed to in your community;
2. Make plans to reduce those hazards and risks with your family and neighbors;
3. Do what you plan on doing to avoid vulnerability;
4. (same as No. 3)
5. Assess your available resources in the event of disasters;
6. Identify all your emergency help-lines;
7. Have an emergency kit at your home.

In this disaster preparedness campaign, Generali Pilipinas is joined by Homeowners such as Ayala Alabang Village, NGO’s such as the Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) and Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR), the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), and the Muntinlupa Local Government Office through the Muntinlupa Disaster Coordinating Council and Councilor Atty. Raul Corro’s Office. This collaboration looks at the formation of a League of Safety Association of the Philippines, which will be open to all stakeholders whose intention is to prepare the country for emergencies.