SRBCL Participates In Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill
SRBCL participated in a nationwide earthquake preparedness drill last July 17 as part of the July activities, declared the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM). The drill was likewise scheduled to coincide with the commemoration of the July 16, 1990 earthquake that struck a large portion of Central and Northern Luzon and devastated the city of Dagupan.
The school’s drill involved the participation of the pupils, faculty, administration and staff and it simulated a response to an earthquake of similar magnitude to the July 1990 earthquake. The 1990 earthquake struck most of Central Luzon with a 7.9 magnitude.
At a prearranged signal, the school bell rang insistently for approximately two minutes, marking the time for the simulated earthquake. All the participants stopped whatever it was they were doing, went for cover, like ducking under a table or desk. Once the ringing stopped, marking the end of the “earth’s shaking “ the participants quickly moved towards the exits, covering their heads with their laced hands and once outside looked and stayed in a free space where they assembled and started a body count to make sure that everybody got out of the building safely.
Earthquake and fire drills are important since studies show that during real emergencies, “muscle memory” helps people respond quickly even if they cannot at that moment fully comprehend the gravity of their situation. Considering that the Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, it is a must that everybody is armed with the knowledge of how to react during times of emergencies.
