Safety & Survival
Complete Earthquake Preparedness Guide
The Philippines experiences over 20 earthquakes daily. This guide covers everything you need to protect yourself and your family — before, during and after a quake.
Quakes per day
20+
across the Philippines
Lifesaving actions
3
Drop · Cover · Hold On
Kit categories
8
for a go-bag
Intensity scale
10 levels
Modified Mercalli
The 3 Lifesaving Actions
DROP • COVER • HOLD ON
The most important 3 actions during an earthquake. Practice these until they become automatic.
DROP
Get down on your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to still move if needed.
COVER
Take cover under a sturdy desk or table. Cover your head and neck with your arms. If no table is nearby, get against an interior wall and protect your head and neck.
HOLD ON
If under shelter, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it until the shaking stops. If not under shelter, cover your head and neck with both arms.
💡 Practice Tip
Conduct family earthquake drills every 3 months. Time how quickly everyone can Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Make it a game for children—the goal is to make this response automatic.
❌ Common Myths & Dangerous Mistakes
DO NOT run outside during shaking - falling debris is the biggest danger
DO NOT stand in doorways - this is a myth and doorways offer no special protection
DO NOT use elevators - you could be trapped if power fails
DO NOT light matches or candles - there could be gas leaks
DO NOT use the phone except for emergencies - keep lines clear for rescue
The "doorway myth" comes from old adobe buildings where doorframes were stronger than walls. Modern buildings have equally strong walls—doorways offer no special protection.
The Science
Understanding Earthquakes
Knowledge is your first line of defense
Why the Philippines Has So Many Earthquakes
The Philippines sits at the junction of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This location, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, makes it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The Philippine Mobile Belt is a complex zone where multiple microplates interact.
Tectonic Plates
Philippine Sea Plate
Moving westward • 6-8 cm/year
Eurasian Plate
Relatively stationary • 1-2 cm/year
Philippine Mobile Belt
Complex deformation • Variable
Major Seismic Zones
- •Manila Trench - Western Luzon subduction zone
- •Philippine Trench - Eastern Philippine subduction zone
- •Philippine Fault Zone - Major strike-slip fault
- •Cotabato Trench - Southern Mindanao subduction zone
📊 Magnitude (Energy Released)
Magnitude measures the ENERGY released at the earthquake's source (hypocenter)
📍 Intensity (Effects at Location)
Intensity measures the EFFECTS at a specific location
Scarcely Perceptible
Felt only by sensitive instruments
Slightly Felt
Felt by few people at rest indoors
Weak
Felt by many, hanging objects swing
Moderately Strong
Felt generally, many awakened
Strong
Generally felt, some run outdoors
Very Strong
Many frightened, heavy objects move
Destructive
Cracks in walls, chimneys damaged
Very Destructive
Serious damage to buildings
Devastating
Buildings collapse
Completely Devastating
Massive destruction
Earthquake Depth: Why It Matters
The depth of an earthquake significantly affects how strongly it's felt at the surface. Shallow earthquakes typically cause more damage than deep ones of the same magnitude.
Most destructive. Seismic waves travel short distance to surface.
Felt over wider area but less intense at any single point.
Rarely cause surface damage but felt over very large areas.
Before an Earthquake
Preparation done today saves lives tomorrow
🏠 Secure Your Home
- ✓Secure tall furniture and appliances to walls using L-brackets or straps
- ✓Use safety latches on cabinet doors
- ✓Hang heavy pictures away from beds and seating areas using closed hooks
- ✓Store heavy items on lower shelves
- ✓Replace glass near doors with tempered or safety glass
- ✓Know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water
- ✓Have emergency supplies easily accessible near exits
🛡️ Identify Safe Spots
✅ Safe Spots
- • Under a sturdy desk or table
- • Against an interior wall, away from windows
- • In a corner, away from heavy furniture that could fall
- • Under a strong doorframe ONLY if it's constructed with solid wood (rare in modern buildings)
❌ Avoid These Areas
- • Near windows, mirrors, or glass
- • Near heavy hanging objects or ceiling fixtures
- • Near tall furniture that could topple (bookcases, cabinets)
- • In doorways (modern frames are not stronger than walls)
Building Type Risk Assessment
Best earthquake resistance if properly designed. Look for buildings built after 1992 when Philippine building codes improved.
Generally good performance. Flexibility allows building to sway rather than crack.
Lightweight and flexible, performs reasonably well. Watch for poor connections and rot.
Common in Philippines. Very vulnerable to shaking. Look for cracks in walls.
Extremely vulnerable to earthquake damage. Prone to complete collapse.
Common in informal settlements. Inconsistent quality makes performance unpredictable.
👨👩👧👦 Family Earthquake Plan Template
Meeting Points
- 📍 Primary: [e.g., Front of house/building]
- 📍 Secondary: [e.g., Nearby park or open area]
- 📍 Out-of-area: [e.g., Relative's house in different city]
Emergency Contacts
- 👤 Out-of-area contact: [Name & number - someone outside the disaster zone]
- 🏥 Nearest hospital: [Name & address]
- 🏢 School contact: [If applicable]
💡 Pro Tip:Print this plan and put copies in each family member's bag, wallet, and emergency kit. Also save it as a photo on everyone's phone.
Be Ready
🎒 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist
This kit should sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours after a disaster
💧Water & Food
- ●Water1 gallon per person per day
- ●Non-perishable food3-day supply per person
- ●Manual can opener1
- ○Disposable plates/utensils1 set per person
- ○Water purification tablets1 pack
🏥First Aid & Medical
- ●First aid kit1 comprehensive kit
- ●Prescription medications7-day supply
- ●Dust masks (N95)2 per person
- ●Hand sanitizer2 bottles
- ●Prescription glasses/contactsExtra pair
- ○Over-the-counter medsPain relievers, antacids
- ○Sunscreen1 bottle
- ○Insect repellent1 bottle
🔧Tools & Safety
- ●Flashlight1 per person
- ●Extra batteriesMultiple sets
- ●Portable radio1 battery/crank powered
- ●Whistle1 per person
- ●Multi-tool or wrench1
- ●Local maps1 set
- ○Duct tape1 roll
- ○Plastic sheeting1 roll
- ○Fire extinguisher1 small
📱Communication
- ●Cell phone with charger1 per adult
- ●Portable power bank1-2
- ●Emergency contact listWritten copies
- ●Family meeting point planWritten document
- ●Out-of-area contactDesignated person
📄Important Documents
- ●ID copiesAll family members
- ●Insurance documentsCopies
- ●Bank informationAccount numbers
- ●Medical recordsCopies
- ○Property documentsCopies
- ●Cash₱5,000-10,000
🧥Clothing & Shelter
- ●Change of clothes1 per person
- ●Sturdy shoes1 pair per person
- ●Rain gear1 per person
- ●Blankets/sleeping bags1 per person
- ○Tent/tarp1
🧴Sanitation
- ●Toilet paper1 roll per person
- ●Garbage bags10-20 bags
- ●Personal hygiene itemsTravel sizes
- ●Disinfecting wipes2 containers
- ○Portable toilet suppliesBasic kit
👶Special Needs
- ●Baby formula/food1-week supply
- ●Diapers1-week supply
- ●Pet food/supplies1-week supply
- ●Special medical equipmentAs needed
- ○Games/activitiesFew items
During an Earthquake
Location-specific guidance
If You're INDOORS
DROP
Get down on your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and allows you to still move if needed.
COVER
Take cover under a sturdy desk or table. Cover your head and neck with your arms. If no table is nearby, get against an interior wall and protect your head and neck.
HOLD ON
If under shelter, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it until the shaking stops. If not under shelter, cover your head and neck with both arms.
Special Situations:
If You're OUTDOORS
MOVE TO OPEN AREA
If possible, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.
DROP AND COVER
Drop to the ground and cover your head and neck with your arms.
STAY AWAY FROM BUILDINGS
The danger zone is directly outside buildings where falling debris is most likely.
Never:
- • DO NOT run into buildings - they may collapse or have falling debris
- • DO NOT stand near buildings, walls, or fences
- • DO NOT touch downed power lines
If You're DRIVING
PULL OVER SAFELY
Slow down and pull to the side of the road, away from bridges, overpasses, buildings, trees, and power lines.
STAY IN VEHICLE
Your car will protect you from falling debris. Stay inside with your seatbelt on until shaking stops.
PROCEED CAREFULLY AFTER
After shaking stops, proceed carefully watching for road damage, fallen debris, and downed wires.
If You're NEAR THE COAST
PROTECT YOURSELF FIRST
Drop, cover, and hold on until shaking stops.
MOVE TO HIGH GROUND IMMEDIATELY
After shaking stops, if you're in a tsunami zone, move inland or to higher ground immediately.
STAY AWAY FROM BEACH
Do not return to the coast until authorities give the all-clear. Tsunamis can come in multiple waves.
⚠️ CRITICAL
If the shaking lasts MORE than 20 seconds, or you see the ocean receding unusually, MOVE TO HIGH GROUND IMMEDIATELY without waiting for official warning.
After an Earthquake
Stay safe and help others
Immediately After Shaking Stops
Check yourself for injuries
You can help others only if you're okay. Check for cuts, bruises, or trapped limbs.
Check others nearby
Help injured people if you can do so safely. Do not move seriously injured people unless they're in immediate danger.
Get out if building is damaged
If the building shows significant damage, evacuate carefully. Use stairs, never elevators.
Watch for hazards
Look out for broken glass, downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures.
Check for gas leaks
If you smell gas or hear hissing, open a window, leave immediately, and call the gas company from outside.
First Few Hours
Account for family members
Use your family meeting point plan. Send one text message then limit phone use.
Listen to emergency broadcasts
Use your battery-powered radio to get official information and instructions.
Document damage
Take photos of any damage for insurance purposes before cleaning up.
Expect aftershocks
Aftershocks can occur minutes to months after the main quake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, Hold On again.
Help neighbors if safe
Check on elderly, disabled, or trapped neighbors if you can do so safely.
Before Returning Home
Building exterior
⚠️ Cracks in walls, shifted foundation, broken chimney, sagging roof
Utilities
⚠️ Gas smell, sparks, frayed wires, broken pipes
Entry points
⚠️ Can doors/windows open? Is the structure sound?
Inside carefully
⚠️ Check ceilings for damage, look for fallen objects, check for glass
If you see significant structural damage, DO NOT ENTER. Contact local authorities or a structural engineer.
What Comes Next
Understanding Aftershocks
Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same general area after a larger earthquake (mainshock). They're caused by the crust adjusting to changes from the mainshock.
Båth's Law
The largest aftershock is typically about 1.2 magnitude units smaller than the mainshock.
After a M7.0 earthquake, expect the largest aftershock to be around M5.8.
Omori's Law
Aftershocks are most frequent immediately after the mainshock and become less frequent as time passes.
Aftershock Safety Tips
- ⚡Be prepared for aftershocks - they can collapse already-weakened structures
- ⚡Do not re-enter damaged buildings between aftershocks
- ⚡Keep your emergency kit accessible
- ⚡Stay away from damaged areas
- ⚡Each strong aftershock is a chance to practice Drop, Cover, Hold On
Coastal Hazard
🌊 Tsunami Safety for the Philippines
A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large-scale disturbances of the ocean floor, usually earthquakes. The Philippines is at risk from both local and distant tsunamis.
Natural Warning Signs
- ⚠️Strong earthquake shaking lasting more than 20 seconds near the coast
- ⚠️Unusual ocean behavior - rapid rise or fall of water level
- ⚠️Ocean receding far from shore (exposing sea floor)
- ⚠️Loud roaring sound from the ocean
Immediate Actions
- →If you experience strong shaking near the coast, move to high ground IMMEDIATELY
- →Do not wait for official warning - you may only have minutes
- →Go as high and as far inland as possible
- →If you cannot escape inland, go to the upper floor (3rd or higher) of a reinforced concrete building
- →Stay away from the coast until authorities give the all-clear
Philippines High-Risk Areas
Ground Failure
Understanding Liquefaction
Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses strength during earthquake shaking and behaves like a liquid. This can cause buildings to sink, tilt, or collapse.
Risk Factors
- • Loose, sandy soil
- • High water table (groundwater close to surface)
- • Reclaimed land or filled areas
- • Coastal and riverside areas
- • Areas with history of liquefaction
High-Risk Areas in Philippines
- • Manila Bay reclaimed areas (Pasay, Parañaque, Manila)
- • Coastal areas of Metro Manila
- • Areas near Pasig River
- • Laguna Lake shoreline
- • Coastal cities on loose alluvial soil
Lessons Learned
Major Philippine Earthquakes: Lessons Learned
History teaches us how to be better prepared
Luzon (Baguio City)
Over 3,000 buildings destroyed in Baguio. Hyatt Terraces Hotel collapsed.
1,621
casualties
💡 Lesson: Led to improved building codes in the Philippines. Highlighted liquefaction hazards.
Bohol
Historic churches destroyed. 73,000 structures damaged. ₱2.25 billion in damages.
222
casualties
💡 Lesson: Revealed previously unknown active faults. Heritage structures especially vulnerable.
Pampanga
Chuzon Supermarket in Porac collapsed. Significant damage in Central Luzon.
18
casualties
💡 Lesson: Building code compliance critical. Older structures remain at risk.
Cotabato
Part of Mindanao earthquake sequence. Several buildings collapsed.
13
casualties
💡 Lesson: Earthquake sequences can include multiple damaging events.
Negros Oriental
Massive landslides in Guihulngan. La Libertad town devastated.
113
casualties
💡 Lesson: Secondary hazards (landslides) can be more deadly than shaking.
In an Emergency
🚨 Emergency Hotlines (Philippines)
National Emergency Hotline
911
Philippine Red Cross
143
NDRRMC Operations Center
(02) 8911-5061
PHIVOLCS
(02) 8426-1468
More Emergency Contacts
PHIVOLCS 24/7
Round-the-clock seismic monitoring
Philippine Coast Guard
For maritime emergencies and tsunamis
Bureau of Fire Protection
Fire and rescue services
DOH Emergency
Department of Health emergency line
Stay Prepared, Stay Safe
Knowledge is your best defense. Share this guide with your family and practice earthquake drills regularly.