“Safe Ka Ba?”

In the face of successive disasters that hit the country, the City Government Olongapo is again asking the public: “Safe Ka Ba?”

“The Safe Ka Ba? Campaign was launched by the National Disaster Coordinating Council last 2005 to reiterate to the populace the things one ought to do and prepare in the face of calamities and disasters, and to ultimately have a citizenry armed with vital knowledge of disaster preparedness to protect and save themselves from the wrath of nature,” said ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr.

“Reviewing the Safe Ka Ba? guidelines can provide useful information on what to do’s and not to do’s in times of disasters,” Mayor Gordon advised.

According to NDCC’s Safe Ka Ba?” citizens should do the following in cases of typhoons:

• Stay calm and indoors

• Monitor the weather forecast on radio and television

• Cut off tree branches that may fall on your house

• If your house is situated on flood-prone areas, move to a safer place

• Be sure to have flashlights and radio with new batteries

• Store enough food, potable water, supplies and first-aid kits

• In cases of floods, turn-off the main electric, water and gasoline sources on your homes

• Place appliances and important equipment in areas on your homes that are safe from floods including chemicals, poisonous substances and household wastes.

• Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, canals, manholes and coastal areas. Also stay away from hills and mountainous areas because typhoons may cause landslides, rockslides and mudslides.

• Do not cross on floodwater and rampaging rivers

• Do not use electric or gasoline equipment and tools that were drenched in floodwater

• Keep the phone lines and communication open in case of emergencies

Accordingly, the NDCC recommends the following to do’s in case of earthquakes:

• Despite of being situated in a well-constructed building, it would still be a big help to hide under a sturdy table in times of earthquake. You could also cover your head with your arms as added protection.

• If you are in a moving vehicle, do not cross bridges, overpass or flyovers that can be destroyed by the earthquake

• If you live near seacoasts, an earthquake may cause a tsunami so evacuate in to a higher place

• If you are outside, move to a spacious area. Stay away from electric posts, concrete structures and other buildings that may collapse

• Stay away from mountainous areas where landslides can happen

• Stay calm. When the earthquake stops, evacuate a building in a systematic and organize way. Do not use elevators, use the stairs, instead.

• Check if you have injuries, apply first-aid and seek for medical help

• Do not enter buildings that were affected by the tremors, even though the damages to the buildings seem small or minimal because there could be after-shocks.

• Check if there are chemicals or poisonous substances that leaked or spilt to avoid fires and accidents.

• Check if the gas, electric and water lines are damaged. If you think they have been damaged, immediately turn it off.

• If you need to evacuate, leave a message where to find you in case relatives or friends will locate you.

In case of emergencies, residents can call the Disaster Management Office at 224-7846 or their respective barangay halls.

New Asinan 223-5708

Banicain 611-0832

Barretto 222-4925

East Bajac-Bajac 222-5035

East Tapinac 223-3444

Gordon Heights 223-5497

Kalaklan 224-6983

Mabayuan 224-5179

New Cabalan 224-5414

New Ilalim 223-9772

New Kababae 224-8458

New Kalalake 224-8264

Old Cabalan 223-1629

Pag-Asa 222-8037

Sta. Rita 222-4172

West Bajac-Bajac 222-5173

West Tapinac 223-3434

Pao/sara