Taking preventive measures may cost money and time, but it will for sure prepare us for the

upcoming disastrous event such as the 'Big One,' lessening the impacts it may bring to our
community and our personal lives.

The 'Big One' is a presumed earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or higher. The quake is
anticipated to bring devastation and damage to humans. In the Philippines alone, which is a
seismically active region, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the earthquake is estimated to
have a magnitude of 7.2 based on the West Valley Fault's length, which is around 100
kilometers long according to PHIVOLCS, which is lower than the Luzon earthquake.
Nonetheless, it is still intense and very destructive if ever it may occur someday.

It is expected for the government to be the first ones to take action, whether it may be the Big
One or the zombie apocalypse. Presenting the public with a concrete plan and preparation plan
is the least they can do to ensure the community's safety. Meanwhile, giving free earthquake
lessons and providing the community with basic knowledge about disaster risks and what to do
are simple ways to spread awareness and hopefully reduce its impacts.

Preparing a survival kit containing food (canned foods, water, and many more) and medical
supplies (first aid kit) is the most common reminder to people every time there is an expected
natural disaster. However, most people forget to secure their important files such as ID,
certificates, and documents. Another thing that is a must is to practice survival skills because
those skills may come in handy when things do not go as planned. Moreover, listening to the
news is a must to be updated at all times, about the happenings in ones surrounding also about
the upcoming disaster. Lastly, making oneself familiar with the plan and evacuation route is
essential to lessen the possibility of getting lost on the way out.

Almost everything is inevitable. Although preparing may not entirely stop an event from
happening, but it may lessen its impacts. Learning about disaster preparedness can give
oneself the knowledge and skills they may use later on in life.