Public health emergencies such as pandemic, natural disasters, bioterrorism emergencies, chemical emergencies, radiation emergencies and other threats or diseases can happen anytime, with the most recent COVID-19 pandemic which happened without a warning. Everyone is encouraged to prepare for the unforeseen disasters by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation no. 705, s. 1995 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos. He declared 6th of December as National Health Emergency Preparedness Day.
But how can we really prepare for something that we are not aware of? We have to understand that public health emergencies may cause potential lockdowns, healthcare system distress, and lack of safe food and water. We have to start from the basics. Here are some tips that may save your life:
- Create a plan. Nothing can beat you by planning ahead. List down possible temporary shelters or evacuation centers and emergency hotlines. Gather your family and orient them on possible actions that may be done in case a disaster or emergency happens.
- Prepare. Always have an emergency kit that contains basic necessities such as first aid kit, canned foods, drinking water, flashlights, whistles, extra batteries, face masks, toiletries, battery-powered radio and also your important documents.
- Save lives. It can be an advantage if you know how to perform basic CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Try to enroll in an accredited institution that offers CPR training.
Are you ready and prepared to manage and overcome a disaster? Start planning and preparing now!
Written by: NO I Jhanna Camela C. Torres
References:
Official Gazette (n.d.) Proclamation No. 705, s. 1995. Retrieved from: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1995/12/06/proclamation-no-705-s-1995/
