Everything You Need to Know About the #MMShakeDrill

On July 30, the first-ever and largest Earthquake Preparedness Drill will be held in entire Metro Manila, starting at 10:30 AM, spearheaded by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Due to the possible movement of the West Valley Fault that may cause a 7.2 magnitude earthquake to hit the metro dubbed as the “Big One”, the #MMShakeDrill is a way that MMDA hopes will foster a culture of preparedness in every Metro Manila resident.

In coordination with LGUs, barangays, schools, business establishments, and various corporations, MMDA aims for complete and responsible participation from all sectors.

Apart from the 10:30AM #MMShakeDrill, the Pasg City Central Business District will also have a nighttime drill from 8PM to 9:30PM. At 10:30AM, radio stations, barangay sirens, church bells, and more will start sounding off the earthquake alert which will last for 45 seconds. This is the estimated time of the predicted earthquake and as per the basic rules of earthquake safety, participants are expected to perform the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” position for a duration of 45 seconds. After which, participants are expected to evacuate their buildings and head to the nearest evacuation safety centers.

What if I’m home during the #MMShakeDrill?

Everyone at home is expected to participate by performing the Drop, Cover, and Hold position for 45 seconds, too. While there is no need to evacuate your house during the drill, you are expected to know where the nearest barangay evacuation center is, prepare a “Go Bag” for each family member, know which parts of your house structure are most prone to cracks and defects, and monitor the ongoing #MMShakeDrill.

What if I’m on the road?

Traffic lights will be flashing all throughout the 45-second drill. Various MMDA traffic constables will be around the major roads of the metro, holding Earthquake Drill signs and vehicles are expected to stop during the 45-second drill. Vehicles on or below flyovers and in tunnels are expected to keep moving to avoid possible structure failures during the predicted earthquake.

What’s a “Go Bag”?

A “Go Bag” is a emergency bag for each member of the family, which includes (but are not limited to) whistle, flashlight and batteries, identity cards, emergency contact numbers, first aid kit and medicines, utility knife and tools, food and water good for 3 days, and ropes or other supplies that can help you in cases of getting trapped underground.

Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlets

The MMDA also has a dedicated website where everyone can access answers to FAQs about the drill, and other relevant materials such as the following Guide Pamphlets:

Religious Sector Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

Commercial Establishments/Malls Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

Business Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

Schools Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

Barangays/Communities Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

BPO Firms Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

Hospitals Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

Government Offices Earthquake Preparedness Guide Pamphlet: click here

Safety Tips for Different Sectors During an Earthquake:

Apart from the informative guide pamphlet, MMDA also has the following safety tips literature available for sharing online to everyone.

For Schools –

For Hospitals –

For Offices –

For Commercial Establishments –

Read more about Earthquake Preparedness:

Apart from the Metro Manila Shake Drill website (http://www.metromanilashakedrill.com/), you can also visit the Be Prepared Metro Manila website (http://www.bepreparedmetromanila.com/) to learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.