The Top Ten Do’s And Don’ts During A Disaster

Still reeling from Ondoy, we still stayed with a topic that was relevant at the time, expanding it to all disasters, not just floods.  In my lifetime, I remember 3 main disasters – the Pinatubo eruption, the 1991 earthquake, and now Ondoy.  It never hurts to be prepared. It’s scary to even think that we need to be prepared, but better prepared than caught unaware when it finally strikes.

October 1, 2009 → The Top Ten Do’s And Don’ts During A Disaster

1. PrpleMilk – One should never post insensitive comments on Facebook or other social networking sites.

2. Gracia – My friend from Provident was on the rooftop for 12 hrs. I was touched because he was able to save his 3 dogs.

3. Mnemonic – You can make a floater by tying the top part of your pants tightly then blowing air into the leg part then also knotting both the leg parts together.

4. Ang Manunusok – Whenever indoors, always locate the nearest exits.

5. PitchBlack03 – Before your cellphone loses its batteries, text at least 3 people your exact location so they know where to find you.

6. Maldita 1112 – Don’t trust anyone even during disasters. My friend from Cainta were stuck on the roof of their house. When a boat came, the people on it didn’t help my friend, they went inside the house to rob whatever was left.

7. Yukkitoph – Be wary of donating cash to people. Verify the bank account you’re depositing to. Make sure it’s a respected group.

8. RVincent – When in an evacuation center, wag gumawa ng bunso.

9. Smiles-a-Lot – When caught in the middle of fire, do crawl to safety. Smoke goes up,so it is safer to crawl.

10. Capilarts – Keep snugly fit clothes on. You don’t wanna run around and be rescued butt naked.

11. Rabid Thought – During a disaster don’t mistake your adrenaline rush as superpowers, yes you could lift a fridge by yourself but you’ll feel the damage afterward.

12. Starbuko – When your car gets submerged in flood water, never try to start your car. Call a mechanic and have your car checked out immediately.

13. No name – If you are a student stranded in your school, the best thing to do is just stay inside. Because you are their responsibility.

14. Greendial – Know where the main switches and breakers are. And don’t get into an area where there’s no escape route.

15. Abernathy – Keep your sense of humor. No use complaining about things we have no control over.

16. SPY Shadow – During all kinds of disaster, if you can’t save your pets, at least let them loose and let them save themselves instead.

17. No name – A simple way to use a fire extinguisher. Remember the w0rd P.A.S.S. – Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle. Squeeze the trigger. Sweep the nozzle.

18. Homer Singson – After being flooded, check the stability of your house to ensure safety. Walls, and especially ceilings, can be weakened by flood waters.

19. Luisa d Vet – Get a whistle. To get attention.

20. ODelaHo – Have important numbers memorized. You’ll never know if you need to borrow somebody else’s mobile phone to call for help.

21. Loipogi – During relief operations, wag mag-flirt with American soldiers na tumutulong sa relief drive. Nakakaabala ka, ate. Besides, baka married na sila.

22. Loipogi – Don’t venture out if the weather suddenly clears during a storm. This happens wen the eye of the storm passes over your area. Strong winds will return!

23. Loipogi – In any disaster, wag hysterical. Kung gusto mong umeksena at sumikat, hintaying dumating ang TV crew.

24. Loipogi – Kung ikaw ay nasa bubungan dahil sa baha, don’t expect Richard Gutierrez to rescue you. Hindi ka si Cristine Reyes!

25. No name – In the event that your clothes catch on fire, (1) STOP immediately, (2) DROP to the ground, (3) ROLL over and over, back and forth while covering your face/mouth.

26. YñaKì – Wag matigas ang ulo. When the government asks you to evacuate, comply immediately.

27. Soulsifter – Use the baseboard of the walls as a guide while crawling in case of fire. Its the dark painted part at the base of the wall.

28. No name – During floods, don’t go wading in waters near a crocodile farm.

29. Mr. Miser – During an earthquake, if you are driving, avoid stopping ON or UNDER bridges and overpasses, power lines, trees and large signs. Just stay in your car.

30. No name – When soaking wet, don’t get on an aircon bus. I was stuck on a 4-hour freezing bus ride.

31. Mu_langot – Always keep extra underwear in your car.

32. Agnes Rudio – Don’t be too selfish, if you are alone at home, save some things of your bro’s or sister’s stuff too, especially their documents and some of their clothes.

33. JarodKelanen – When driving through a lightning storm, the safest place to be is inside your car. Do NOT get out.

34. Moshou – Show each family member how and when to turn off the supply of water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.

35. Stephensoul – Don’t attend an EB pag bumabagyo na.

36. Soulsifter – If you have to walk in the water, do not remove your shoes even if it gets wet because your feet has protection.

37. Suplada MD – If you’re contemplating on volunteering, make sure you are physically, medically & mentally fit. Di po biro ang mga gawain dun.