Public Service Advisory | Earthquake and Tsunami Guidelines – University of the Philippines Tacloban College

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ADVISORY

Public Service Advisory | Earthquake and Tsunami Guidelines

10 October 2025

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

1. Know where you can take cover, the designated exit routes, and evacuation assembly areas.

2. If you occupy a room, secure furniture and objects that can cause injury during an earthquake. Place heavy objects on lower shelves and store hazardous materials properly.

3. Participate in the earthquake drills regularly conducted by the university.

4. Prepare a go bag of essential items, such as drinking water, non-perishable food (crackers, nutrient bars), medications, a flashlight, a phone charger, personal hygiene kit, important documents, and a change of clothes.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

If you are indoors:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold. Drop down onto your hands and knees; cover your head and neck, and go under a sturdy desk or table; and hold your position until the shaking stops.

2. Stay away from glass windows, hanging fixtures, tall unsecured furniture, and equipment with hazardous chemicals.

If you are outside:

1. Keep away from buildings, trees, electrical wires, or anything that can fall.

2. Protect your head and crouch low until shaking ceases.

If you are in a vehicle:

1. Stop in a clear area away from bridges, trees, and power lines.

2. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

1. Calmly move to the designated evacuation area following the nearest safe route with your emergency supplies and valuables. Do not use elevators.

2. If possible on your way out, turn off burners, gas valves, and electrical equipment.

3. Report injuries, trapped individuals, and unsafe conditions to designated personnel at your evacuation assembly area.

4. Do not re-enter buildings until given clearance to return. Wait for instructions, be patient, and help others.

5. Be prepared for aftershocks, which may occur seconds, minutes, hours, or days after the initial shock.

6. Stay on campus until you have been accounted for and instructed that it is safe to leave. Roads may have been damaged or blocked by debris, so travel may be dangerous.

If you are trapped in a building:

1. Remain calm and composed.

2. If a window is nearby, hang a piece of clothing (such as a shirt) outside to serve as a signal to rescuers.

3. If there is no window, make tapping sounds on a pipe or wall to help rescuers locate you. If you have a flashlight or whistle, use it to indicate your position. Activate the manual fire alarm if it is accessible. Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dust and to conserve your energy and voice.

4. Cover your nose and mouth with any available cloth or material for protection. Minimize movement to prevent stirring up dust.

If a tsunami warning is issued:

1. Leave the campus/your residence and move inland towards higher ground or to designated tsunami evacuation zones. Stay away from coastal areas, rivers, and bridges.

2. Dormitory residents and others on campus who are unable to leave immediately should evacuate to the third floor of the Library Building.

3. Wait for the official “All Clear” from PHIVOLCS or NDRRMC before returning to coastal areas.

For further information:

1. Listen for official announcements from PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, university authorities, and/or the college’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee via radio, megaphone, or text alerts.

2. Avoid spreading unverified information.