After an earthquake, don’t just rush in the house or building! Remain alert for aftershocks! Immediately survey the home or building for structural or physical damages.
If there are signs of damage, have a licensed city engineer investigate for its safety or structural integrity.
After inspecting the home, check water pipes and electricity lines for leaks or dangling wires. If there are broken pipes, do not flush the toilet or open faucets. If there are dangling electrical wires, don’t turn on the light switches and electrical appliances.
If you suspect a gas leak, switch off the LPG tank immediately then open all the windows for circulation. Don’t switch on the stove, lights and appliances to avoid a spark until the smell is completely gone.
When it is determined that it is safe to enter the property, immediately clean debris like broken glass to prevent any secondary injuries.
If one resides near a beach, be alert for tsunami warnings or advisories. Stay glued to the news for other earthquake-related information.
Always remember that during calamities like earthquakes, the wellbeing and safety of one’s family should be the priority. Always stay in contact with them, and sources of information.
To prepare for emergencies, it helps to have emergency plans in place. Aside from have an emergency kit, Go bags, emergency evacuation plans, it makes sense to protect one’s properties — like home and cars— with insurance to ensure ease of recovery.
Malayan Insurance can help in emergencies like the July 27 earthquake that affected most of Luzon, not to mention the recent floods in Ifugao and Davao. Visit its e-commerce site at www.malayan.com.
