Earthquake Prep: Securing Your Elevated Home (Condo and Townhome Edition)

The possibility of “The Big One” creates genuine concern. Preparing your Earthquake Prep plan becomes critical. Condo and townhome residents face unique challenges. Elevation and shared walls demand specific precautions. You must secure your personal space first. Consequently, you also learn building-wide safety protocols. Proactive preparation saves lives and property. Do not delay your planning.

Pre-Quake Structural Awareness

Understand your building’s seismic design. Modern high-rise structures use special engineering. They incorporate shear walls and deep foundations generally. These features help tall buildings resist strong forces. Ask your building administrator for inspection records. Ensure the developer followed national building codes strictly. Confidence in the structure helps reduce panic later. However, proper construction is only half the battle.

Securing the Interior Space

Heavy furniture poses the greatest threat indoors. Earthquakes turn bookshelves and cabinets into hazards. You must anchor tall, heavy items to the walls. Use sturdy straps or metal brackets for this task. Secure televisions and large appliances to the floor or wall. Cabinets need childproof or earthquake latches. These latches prevent contents from spilling out. Move heavy items from high shelves immediately. Falling debris causes most earthquake injuries easily. A secured unit protects residents during shaking.

Preparing Your Emergency Kit

Every resident needs a comprehensive emergency kit. Store this “Go Bag” in an easily accessible location. Keep it near your designated cover spot or the exit. The kit should contain a three-day supply of essentials. Include water, non-perishable food, and necessary medications. You must pack a first-aid kit and a flashlight too. A whistle helps rescuers locate you easily. Important documents and cash are also vital inclusions. Finally, remember a battery-powered radio for updates.

Links to QC, Pasig City, Taguig City and Makati City “Go Bags”.
RESQC Go Bag – Quezon City Government, PASIG CITY EMERGENCY GO BAG, Manila City’s emergency go bag,  Makati City’s yellow go bag, Taguig City

The Crucial Family Action Plan

Develop a clear family action plan today. Discuss potential crisis scenarios openly with your household. Everyone should know the safest spot in each room. The best location is typically under a sturdy table or desk. Agree on a specific meeting place outside your building. This location is necessary if separation occurs during evacuation. Practice the entire plan regularly. Frequent drills make the response automatic.

What to Do During the Shaking

Immediately follow the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol. Drop onto your hands and knees quickly. Crawl under a heavy, sturdy piece of furniture for cover. Hold onto the leg of your shelter firmly. Stay away from windows, glass, and outside walls. Do not run for the door or the fire exit stairwell. Running increases your risk of falling drastically. High-rise buildings are designed to sway, not instantly collapse. Wait until the shaking stops completely.

If you are in bed, stay there. Cover your head and neck with a pillow. Getting up puts you at risk from broken glass on the floor. If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels. Cover your head and neck immediately. Remember, the goal is always to protect your head.

Post-Quake Response and Evacuation

Wait a few moments after the shaking ceases. Assess yourself and your family for injuries quickly. Put on sturdy shoes to avoid broken glass. Do not immediately rush for the exit. Check your unit for potential hazards first. Look for fires, gas leaks, and structural damage visibly. If you smell gas, turn off the main utility valve.

Use the stairs for evacuation always. Never use the elevator under any circumstances. Elevators can easily fail and trap occupants inside. Move calmly and avoid stampedes in the stairwell. Carry your Go Bag with you. Proceed to your agreed-upon external meeting point. Only return to the building when officials declare it safe. Be ready for strong aftershocks that will follow. Your calm, prepared actions protect yourself and others.

Building Management Coordination

Condo and townhome residents share certain responsibilities. Familiarize yourself with the building’s emergency plan. Know where the fire exits and assembly points are located. Property management teams must conduct regular drills. Participate actively in these exercises. Communicate any internal unit hazards to the management. Collective preparedness strengthens the entire community’s resilience. Work together to secure your shared home.

Emergency Evacuation Centers in Metro Manila

In a densely populated region like Metro Manila, knowing your nearest evacuation center is critical for safety during a disaster. These designated sites serve as safe zones for displaced residents and hubs for rescue and relief operations.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has divided the National Capital Region into four quadrants, each with a primary evacuation center:

NDRRMC and Emergency Hotlines

911 (National Emergency Hotline)
(02) 8911-5061 to 65 local 100 (NDRRMC Trunk Lines)
(02) 8911-1406 (NDRRMC Operations Center)
(02) 8912-2665 (NDRRMC Operations Center)
(02) 8912-5668 (NDRRMC Operations Center)
(02) 8911-1873 (NDRRMC Operations Center)
143 or (02) 8790-2300 (Philippine Red Cross)
117 (PNP Emergency)
(02) 8426-0219 (Bureau of Fire Protection)
(02) 8421-1918 / (02) 8913-2786 (OCD-NCR)
(049) 834-4344 / (049) 531-7266 (OCD Region IV-A)
(032) 416-5025 / +63917-947-5666 (Globe) / +63949-471-0009 (Smart) (OCD Region VII)
(074) 304-2256 / (074) 619-0986 (OCD-CAR)

Region I: (072) 607-6528, (072) 700-4747
Region II: (078) 304-1630, (078) 304-1631
Region III: (045) 455-1526, (045) 455-0033
Region IV-A (CALABARZON): (049) 531-7266, (049) 834-4344, TF (049)531-7279
Region IV-B (MIMAROPA): (043) 723-4248, (043) 702-9361
Region V: (052) 742-1176, +63917-574-7880 (Globe), +63928-505-3861 (Smart)
Region VI: (033) 336-9353, (033) 337-6671, (033) 509-7319
Region VII: (032) 416-5025, (032) 253-6162, (032) 253-8730, +63917-947-5666 (Globe), +63949-471-0009 (Smart)
Region VIII: +63917-700-1121 (Globe), +63915-762-2368 (Globe), +6306-402-7737 (Globe) – **TEXT FIRST BEFORE CALLING**
Region IX: (062) 911-1631, (062) 925-0458, (062) 991-3450
Region X: (088) 857-3907, (088) 857-3988 (Telefax)
Region XI: (082) 233-0295, (082) 233-0611 (Telefax)
Region XII: (083) 552-9759, (083) 553-2994, (083) 301-2994, +63917-628-3720 (Globe), +63920-976-4001 (Smart)
CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region): (074) 304-2256, (074) 619-0986, (074) 444-5298
CARAGA: (085) 342-8753