Separate ‘earthquake bell’ eyed

Capitol employees cover their heads with their hands as they head to their designated evacuation areas during yesterday’s earthquake drill. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

A CEBU provincial government official has recommended that a separate siren or emergency alarm bell for earthquakes be installed at the Capitol after the conduct of yesterday’s surprise earthquake drill.

Rafael Luche, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDDRMO) training officer, said yesterday that the drill went on smoothly — the first time responders made sure that all 625 employees were evacuated and they followed the protocols for the earthquake drill.

“Even it was unannounced, considering nga naka-evacuate ang mga employees within 5 minutes, that was already acceptable,” he said.

“The ideal type to evacuate the building is 3 minutes, but considering that it was unannounced . . . they were confused when the alarm sounded at 8 a.m. and again 45 minutes later. They thought that was a joke,” he said in Cebuano.

The alarm, which was more like a school bell to inform employees that it was time to start work after breaks, was used in yesterday’s earthquake drill.

“We will use another siren. Dili na kanang regular siren kay ma-confused man gud sila, time in ug time out siguro mi. Katong siren nga mas urgent nga sound kanang emergency gyud. At least maka-identify na sila ba,” Luche told CDN.

When the second alarm bell sounded, government employees immediately evacuated and others went out of their offices with their hands over their heads and headed to their respective evacuation areas.

Luche said several doctors and nurses were present and acted as first responders, who will report to lawyer Ramil Abeng, incident commander.

The drill was terminated after the place was searched and announced to be safe at 9:27 a.m.