BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan here directed all public and private institutions to conduct regular fire and earthquake drills to ensure that their employees and clients will be aware of the safety measures to be undertaken during natural calamities.
The local chief executive issued the directive following the magnitude 9 earthquake that jolted Japan last week which resulted in the death of over 5,000 people and inflicted heavy damages to properties, including a nuclear power plant that now poses a serious threat to humanity.
According to Domogan, the harrowing experiences of the people during the intensity 7.9 killer earthquake that jolted most parts of Northern Luzon, including Baguio City, flashed back to their memories during the Japan quake and have caused fear among them due to the predictions that another intensity 7.2 earthquake is likely to happen anytime.
To reduce the tension among local residents and visitors, the frequent conduct of fire and earthquake drills even in small batches will help instill awareness among them on the measures to be taken during such instances.
He emphasized the important thing to do during times of natural calamities is not to panic but instead try to look for safer grounds in order to spare them from being exposed to danger.
The city mayor ordered concerned city departments to assist the different and public institutions in the conduct of their respective fire and earthquake drills in order to ensure that the people will be given the right instructions to follow during emergency situations to prevent the occurrence of untoward incidents.
