When an Earthquake Happens

This still comes from the Disaster Risk Reduction Resource Manual of the Department of Education.

An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by sudden slippage of rock masses below or at the surface of the earth. It is a wavelike movement of the earth’s surface. An earthquake may be classified as either tectonic or volcanic. In certain cases, earthquakes can result from man-made activities such as detonation of
explosives, deep mining activities, etc. However, these earthquakes are mild and may be felt only as tremors. 


A very severe earthquake is usually associated with shocks called foreshocks and aftershocks. Foreshocks are a series of tremors that occur before the main earthquake. Aftershocks are weaker earthquakes that follow the main shocks and can cause further damage to weakened buildings. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a stronger earthquake might occur.


Preparedness and Mitigation (What to do before):
• Recommend to appropriate authorities the evaluation of structural soundness of school buildings and important infrastructures.
• Request appropriate authorities to determine whether the school site is along an active fault and/or in liquefaction or landslide prone areas which may cause school buildings to fall.
• Make sure that school building design complies with the National Building Code Standard.
• On existing school buildings with one door, request proper authorities to provide two
exit doors for every classroom, both with swing-out direction.
Check for the presence of other potential sources of hazard due to secondary effect of earthquakes like steep hill slopes, hanging heavy objects, dams, storage tanks, falling debris, and fire.

• Strap heavy furniture/cabinets inside the classrooms to the wall to prevent sliding or toppling;
• Store breakable items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials inside the classrooms in the lowermost shelves and secure firmly.
• Install latches on drawers and cabinets.
• Check classrooms for hanging or unstable objects that may fall on the pupils/students during the earthquake.
• Familiarize pupils/students as well as school personnel with the easiest exit or evacuation route to take. Develop a School Earthquake Evacuation Plan and hang/post this in the corridor of each building.

• Teach the school children how to use fire extinguishers, first aid kits, alarms and emergency exits. These should also be accessible, conveniently located, and prominently marked in familiar places to the
pupils/students for assembly and possible evacuation.
• Advise pupils/students not to use the elevator during and after an earthquake. Structure or power failure may lead you to get stranded in the elevator.
• Identify strong parts of the building like door jambs, near elevator shafts, sturdy tables where the pupils/students can take refuge during an earthquake.
• Prepare and maintain an earthquake survival kit consisting of a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first aid kit, potable water, candies, ready to eat food, whistle, and dust mask.
• Conduct a contingency planning on earthquake.
• Conduct an orientation and earthquake drill.
• Evaluate the school. Have the following data available yearly:
• Total number of students occupying each floor;
• Total number of students occupying each building; and
• Identify students or teachers with special needs (sick, old, disabled) and their location.
• Study the most recent school grounds layout or planning to identify open spaces and determine the total area of available space that can be utilized as “areas of temporary refuge” that will be designated for the occupants of each school building. Determine how many persons can occupy this open space.

• Obtain a building layout/fl oor plan for each building that shows the rooms, corridors, staircases and exit points.

Response (What to do during):
• Direct pupils/students to stay inside a structurally sound building.
• Advise pupils/students to protect their body from falling debris by bracing themselves in a doorway or by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
• When inside a vehicle, pull to the side of the road and stop. Do not attempt to cross bridges or overpasses which may have been damaged.
• Direct pupils/students to move to an open area when they are outside a building or any structure.
• Stay away from power lines, posts, walls, and other structures that may fall or collapse. Stay away from buildings with large glass panes.

• Move away from steep escarpments which may be affected by landslides particularly if they are on a mountain or near steep hill slopes.


Rehabilitation (What to do after):
• Advise pupils/students to take the fastest and safest way out if caught in an old or weak classroom building. They should be advised to :
• Get out calmly and in an orderly manner. Not to rush or push one another.
• Not to use elevators, but instead use the stairs;
• Check themselves for cuts and for injuries and approach the nearest teacher for assistance.
• Check the surroundings of the schools
• Call the authority to clean up chemical spills, toxic and flammable materials since this is hazardous to untrained people.
• Check for fire and if any, have it controlled.

• Check the water and electrical lines for defects. If any damage is suspected, turn the system off in the main valve or switch.
• Help reduce the number of casualties from the earthquake:
• Do not enter partially damaged school buildings, as strong aftershocks may cause these to collapse.
• Gather information and disaster prevention instructions from battery-operated radios.
• The School Head/Principal shall provide safety precautions. He/She shall not allow any student to go out of the school unless they are with their parents/relatives. Identify/List pupils/students fetched by parents/relatives and those left behind.
• Do not use the telephone to call relatives and friends. Disaster prevention authorities may need the lines for emergency calls and communications.
• Do not drive into damaged areas. Rescue and relief operations need the roads for mobility.
• If there is a need to evacuate, apply the buddy buddy system and follow orders from the Principal/School Head. Wait for your parents to fetch you from the evacuation area and inform the Principal/School Head if you will leave the area.
• Take with you your Earthquake Survival Kit, which contains all the necessary items for your protection and comfort.