MANILA, July 1 (PNA) — With the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s declaration of the onset of the rainy season last June, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has undertaken measures to ensure preparedness for any disaster that could occur anywhere in the country.
PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon said on Wednesday the preparations include pre-positioning of equipment and vehicles in the different Red Cross warehouses and logistics centers nationwide to facilitate dispatch during emergencies or disasters.
“The rainy season is here again and with its onset, we also have to be prepared for disasters that may strike, such as typhoons, super typhoons, floods, landslides, and others,” said Gordon.
“Remember the 4Ps – Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice. We have also reinvented the Red Cross so we can respond, not only through relief operations, but also to provide assistance in all kinds of disasters. I have a program – Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology equals a Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, Always There,” he added.
He said the PRC equipment and vehicles have been pre-positioned in their different warehouses and logistics centers nationwide to ensure prompt dispatch during emergencies.
“We see to it that they are well-maintained and running properly,” he added.
The fleet includes ambulances, rescue boats, fire trucks, forklifts, pay loaders, amphibians, rescue trucks, military trucks, military Humvees, service vehicles, water tankers, and mobile kitchens.
The PRC also continuously trains more volunteers on first aid and basic life support, water search and rescue, disaster management, health and welfare, including psychosocial support and tracing/restoring family links, camp management, relief, assessment and reporting, and management of emergency field hospitals.
PAGASA’s declaration on the onset of the rainy season came a week before the month of July, which has been declared by Executive Order No. 127 as the National Disaster Consciousness Month. (PNA)