Last October 23, our office held an Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Seminar in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross. The resource speaker was Ms. Sarrah Louise Amando, EMT, MSAST, a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and Meteorologist. She currently serves as an Officer for Disaster Operations and Head of Anticipatory Action at the Philippine Red Cross. With her background and expertise in disaster preparedness and response, she guided us through an informative and eye-opening session on earthquake safety.
Understanding Earthquake Risks and Local Impact
During the seminar, Ms. Amando explained how earthquakes happen, what occurs during one, and why they strike. One detail that particularly caught our attention was learning that our office is located approximately five kilometers away from the West Valley Fault, the same fault line expected to generate the “Big One.” That realization alone reminded us how important it is to stay prepared.
Safety Practices and Common Myths
She also shared essential steps on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, and even debunked several myths surrounding disaster response. One of these was the popular “Triangle of Life” method that circulates online, which, as it turns out, is a myth. The correct and most effective safety practice remains Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
The Urgency of Preparedness
Earthquakes are a matter of when, not if. It is alarming to think about when the next one might occur, especially with the increasing number of earthquakes happening recently. In Cebu alone, there have been more than 7,000 aftershocks as of this writing. That is why it is truly reassuring to have seminars like this. We never know when an earthquake will strike, so the best time to prepare is now.
A Speaker Who Inspired Action
The session was not only informative but also inspiring. Ms. Amando was an excellent speaker—knowledgeable, clear, and effective in educating us about disaster readiness. Her message reminded us that preparedness is not just about knowing what to do; it is about cultivating the discipline to act before it is too late.
Turning Knowledge into Workplace Safety Measures
As part of the company’s Safety Committee, we wanted to turn what we learned into action. We became more proactive in ensuring the safety of our colleagues. Each employee now has a hard hat placed at their workstation and a safety whistle that can be used to call for help in emergencies. At first glance, these might seem like small and simple additions, but they carry a big message that our company values the safety and well-being of its people.
Gratitude for Leadership Support
While I continue to pray that we never have to use these safety tools, I am deeply thankful to our upper management for approving and supporting the implementation of these protective measures. Their commitment shows that safety is not just an afterthought; it is an investment in people’s lives.
Staying Vigilant Every Day
Now, it is all about regular reminders and staying vigilant. We cannot control when an earthquake will happen, but we can control how we respond when it strikes, and even how we prepare before it happens. More than the deliverables our employees can accomplish, we also value their safety. After all, we want our employees to gain more than just their salaries from this company, but also a sense of safety. It would all be for nothing if they did not feel safe in the first place.
Safety as a Shared Responsibility
To conclude, safety is one of the areas every company must be willing to invest in. Preparedness does not stop at knowing what to do. It is about fostering a culture where everyone feels protected, cared for, and ready. After all, a safe workplace is a strong workplace. At the end of the day, no goal, project, or achievement is more valuable than the lives behind them. When people feel safe, they perform better, think more clearly, and work with peace of mind. And when a company chooses to invest in safety, it invests not only in protection but in trust, productivity, and the people who make its success possible.
Build a Safer, Stronger and More Prepared Workplace
Safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about care. At John Clements Consultants, we believe that true success begins with protecting the people who make it possible. From leadership training to workforce management solutions, we help organizations foster a culture of workplace safety and preparedness where employees feel secure, valued, and ready for anything.
Let’s work together to build a workplace that’s not only productive but resilient. Contact us today to learn how John Clements can help strengthen your organization’s safety and employee well-being.
