WHAT TO DO DURING AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
DURING

  • If you are inside a structurally sound building, stay there.  Protect your body from falling debris by bracing yourself in a doorway or by getting under a sturdy desk or table.
  • If you are outside, move to an open area.  Get away from power lines posts, walls and other structures that may fall or collapse.
  • Stay away from building with glass panes.
  • When driving a vehicle, pull to the side of the road and stop.  Do not attempt to cross bridges or over-passes which may have been damaged
  • If you are along a shore and you feel a very strong earthquake which makes standing difficult, it is always safe to assume that a tsunami or giant sea. waves has been triggered. Run away from the shore toward higher ground.
  • If you are on a mountain or near a steep hill slope, move away from steep escarpments which may be affected by landslides.

AFTER
  • If you are inside an old, weak structure, take the fastest and safest way out.  Do not rush to the exit, get out calmly in an orderly manner.  Do not use elevator, use the stairs.  Check yourself and others for injuries.
  • Check your surroundings.  Clean up chemical spills, toxic and  flammable materials to avoid any chain of unwanted events.   
  • Check your water and electrical lines for defects. If any damage is suspected,  turn the system off in the main valve or switch
  • Help reduce the number of casualties from the earthquake.  Don't enter partially damaged buildings, strong aftershocks may cause them to collapse.
  • If you must evacuate your residence, leave a message stating where you are going. If possible, take with you your earthquake survival kit which should contain all necessary items for your protection and comfort.


   

t's always good to be back! Couple of issues had lapsed since the last time you've seen this column in prints.  Yours truly have been receiving numerous bombardment of questions, comments and some, "violent reactions" on the exact reason why "Editorian" is occasionally not seen on the limelight.  Well, the reason is always modest and noble, as its nature is.  That exactly is the Publication life, specially if, you are the one steering the publication wheel.  It's not that you are running away from having your article printed...as it's meant to be, otherwise, what's the use of heeding the call?  It is seemingly not appealing taking a vocation in which you yourself, don't feel like doing, isn't it?  That's a very poor assessment of what an achievement and accomplishment has to be.  The reason is simple and practical... and sometimes technical. As a responsible head, you ought to give way, especially if there's no more space left and a more appropriate and timely article has to be disseminated to the reading Rotarians on a particular issue and date.  That's  where the sacrifice of a regular column comes to the picture.  Sounds fair enough?

Speaking of a "more appropriate and timely" this Rotary month of October, we are on the observance of this month of October, as VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH.  So, without further prelude, let me share you our basic Rotary insights for this particular Avenue of Service.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE is the second Avenue of Service.  No aspect of Rotary is more closely related to each member than a personal commitment to represent one's vocation or occupation to fellow Rotarians and to exemplify the characteristics  of high ethical standards and the dignity of work.  Programs of Vocational Service are those which seek to improve business relations while improving the quality of trades, industry, commerce and the professions.  Rotarians understand that each person makes a valuable contribution to a better society through daily activities in a business or profession.

Vocational Service is frequently demonstrated by offering young people career guidance, occupational information and assistance in making vocational choices.  Some Clubs sponsor high school career conferences.  Many recognizes the dignity of employment by honoring exemplary service of individuals working in their communities.  The 4 Way Test and other ethical laudable business philosophies are often promoted among young people entering the world of work.  Vocational talks and discussions of business issues are also typical vocational service programs at most clubs.

Regardless of the ways that Vocational Service is expressed, it is the banner by which Rotarians "recognize the worthiness of all useful occupations" and demonstrate a commitment to "high ethical standards in all business professions."  That's why the second Avenue of Service  is fundamental to every Rotary Club.