Earthquake drill set July 17

Lingayen- - -An earthquake drill will be held on July 17, 9 o’clock in the morning at the St. Columban’s College (SCC) here as part of the simultaneous drill nationwide.
Engr. Ruben Aquino, PDCC representative, said that the drill is the main highlight of the National Disaster Consciousness Month with the theme, “Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro.”
In a conference conducted on July 7 among line agencies, Aquino briefed the participants such as the PNP, Fire Brigade, Phil. National Red Cross (Pangasinan Chapter), DepEd representatives, SCC officials and other representatives of different entities regarding the conduct of the actual drill slated one day after the powerful quake that occurred in 1990.
The group is divided into several team committees such as the scenario team, evaluators, first aid, security, fire safety, communication and evacuation.
The scenario team is composed of the actual drill participants who serves as the first responders during the onset of a specific disaster while the first aid is consists of medical and health workers like doctors and nurses who will take care of the injured responders.
The fire safety team takes charge when there is fire during the earthquake, communication team will require quick action on disseminating the occurrence of the disaster thru handheld radio, phones or other means of communication.
Meanwhile,PC 1 Hilario Toledo, Lingayen PNP Deputy Chief of Police said that the drill is beneficial because it will orient people on earthquake preparedness.
“The most important”, he cited, “during actual disaster is for everyone to remain calm and be alert.”
The earthquake drill is spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC). (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)