are you ready?

I was sitting in front of my computer when I saw my cork board shaking a little, then it stopped then I felt a little dizzy. First I thought maybe this is caused by my last night's lack of sleep due to the usual work overtime. After a few minutes, it shakes again, stronger this time. I can now feel our office building shuddering. I think it lasted for a few seconds. This strange, wild thrilling motion and rumbling, I could not be mistaken, we experienced an earthquake, and now we're on panic mode.

The first thing that came to our mind is to call our loved ones at home, to check if they're ok. Although we're not sure if it occurred in the entire Luzon, we still checked the online news. Thanks to GMAnews.tv, they kept us updated. Phivolcs recorded at 11:04am, Sep 27, a magnitude 5 quake with epicenter at 72 km southwest of Batangas, 73 km west of Calapan in Mindoro, or 146 km south-southwest of Manila.

No matter where you are, know how to protect yourself and your family during an earthquake. Here are some simple tips that will help us during earthquakes:

1. Practice taking cover as if there were an earthquake and learn the safest places in your home and work.

2. Practice getting out of your home and check to see if the planned exits are clear and if they can become blocked in an earthquake.

3. Practice turning off your electricity and water.

4. When in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, move against an interior wall if you are not near a desk or table. Protect your head and neck with your arms. Do not use the elevators.

5. When OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, or downed electrical wires and poles.

6. When on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster and other debris.

7. When DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses and power lines. Stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops.

8. When in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall. Do not rush for the exit.

9. When in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat, get below the level of the back seat and cover your head and neck with your arms.

A little knowledge and a few precautionary measures can enormously increase your chances of surviving an earthquake - or any other type of hazard. The keys are education and preparing in advance. These earthquake safety tips will not make you an expert. However, they could make a life-saving difference if you find yourself in an earthquake situation.