Smart Communications, Inc., a PLDT wireless business, give life-saving advice on how to prepare for calamities and handle emergencies. The final run of the #SafePH Disaster Preparedness digital caravan through Metro Manila marked the end of National Disaster Resilience Month in July.
“We at PLDT and Smart are here to help the government achieve its urgent and development objective of building resilience into the country’s economic recovery, through digital connectivity. Together, let us learn from the experts so we can equip our communities, especially our students, with the tools they need to help build a pandemic- and disaster-resilient Philippines,” said Catherine Yap-Yang, Group Head and First Vice President of Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart.
Smart’s long-running advocacy effort, #SafePH, aims to assist communities to become more resilient. Residents in high-risk areas will benefit from the effort since it educates them on how to prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters.
Increasing one’s chances of survival in emergencies begins with being prepared. Louie Domingo, Director at Emergency Management Center, encouraged attendees to always carry tools and supplies that could, later on, prove to be lifesavers. He said these items should easily fit in our bags or in our pockets.
Being prepared is the first step toward increasing one’s chances of survival in an emergency. Attendees were reminded by Louie Domingo, Director of the Emergency Management Center, to always carry tools and supplies that could save their lives later. He stated that these goods should fit easily into our bags or pockets.
A flashlight is the first item on the list. According to Domingo, disasters can occur at any time of day or night, and being aware of our surroundings is critical to avoiding injury and determining what can be used. Cutting tools, such as a pair of scissors, are also useful. He pointed out that in most emergency circumstances, cutting something is required, whether it’s a rope, a string, or a piece of cloth. A whistle is another useful thing to have on hand to draw attention to yourself. Mobile phones are a must-have item. We can use it to phone our loved ones and inform them of our condition, and their Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities can also assist us in determining our whereabouts.
Sanitizers such as alcohol and other permitted disinfectants have become part of one’s everyday items in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. These can be used to protect us against infection by sanitizing our hands and other surfaces. Domingo advised attendees to always use a face mask due to the current threat of the coronavirus. He recommended wearing a face shield to offer another layer of protection because it reduces our desire to touch our faces.
Domingo encouraged the participants to prepare an “Emergency Balde” or “E-balde” at home to take with you in times of emergency. The ‘E-balde’ can also be stored in your car or your office.
“The ‘E-balde’ can be personalized for your own needs. The rule here is, if you think it’s important, put it in. But make sure that you will be able to carry your ‘E-balde’ with you when it’s time to evacuate,” reminded Domingo.
So, how do you make your ‘E-balde’? Domingo proposed including multi-purpose gadgets such as a battery-powered, solar-powered, or crank-powered portable radio. These gadgets can also function as a power bank and often include a light.
If your radio doesn’t have an illuminator, you’ll need a flashlight. Headlamps are preferred because they free up one’s hands, which is useful when transporting objects or people.
To cook or warm the food, boil water, or give heat and light, you’ll also need a lighter or fire steel. Fires might also assist rescuers in locating you.
The project is part of PLDT and Smart’s #SafeandSmart campaign, which promotes disaster preparedness and response through network resilience, continuous availability of communication services, mobile solutions and activities, and humanitarian aid to help communities manage catastrophe risks. The program also demonstrates PLDT and Smart’s commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
