SAFETY AND RESPONSE GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL PNP UNITS

1. Security and safety of personnel must always be considered in the

conduct of disaster response operations.

2. All PNP Units/Offices shall train their men on disaster incident management using
their available resources.

3. All responding units shall operate on their existing logistical and financial
allocation. On the other hand, the NHQ PNP shall provide additional logistics and
financial support on a case to case basis.

4. Timely reports on disaster operations to include report on the extent, nature and
location of damages should be immediately relayed to higher headquarters and local
NDRRMC.

5. PNP personnel shall wear the standard PNP Search and Rescue attire while
performing disaster response operations.
6. Coordination between echelons of the civil organization and military units is encouraged.

7. Level of response of all task group shall be done as much as possible at the lowest level
and only seek assistance to the next level when resources (manpower and material) are not
enough to manage the disaster incident.

8. The adjacent PNP units or stations which are not affected by the disaster shall immediately
respond and assist the severely affected area.

9. Only the designated Public Information Officer of the PNP unit concerned is authorized
to release information to the media. However, Unit Commanders may issue relevant
statement and information to the media as the situation may require.

10. PNP Units/Offices and personnel must have reliable alternate communication
equipment to ensure 24-hour connectivity.

11. PNP offices/units are encouraged to acquire additional Search and Rescue Equipment
(Team and Individual) as may deemed suitable in their peculiar requirement.
 FLOODING INCIDENT RESPONSE CHECKLIST

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause
floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground.
Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying
area

1. Preparations Upon Receipt of Flood Warning (flooding will occur soon in the
area):
 Coordinate with the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
(DRRMC) and PAG-ASA;

 Alert residents thru previously established warning system;

- Patrol car sirens
- Ringing of church bells
- Use of megaphones

 Pre-emptive Evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas in coordination with

concerned agencies;
 Institute police visibility in vacated areas;
 Provide security at designated Evacuation Centers;
 As the situation may require, activate Disaster Incident Management Task Group
(as per LOI 35/10 Saklolo Revised );

 Ensure readiness of the SAR equipment and supplies ex. rubber boat, utility rope,
floating device, multi-tool items, flashlights with extra battery, communications
equipment, first aid kit, sugar-high food, etc..).
2. Actions During Flooding Incidents:
 Assist in the imposition of forced relocation of remaining residents to evacuation
centers in coordination with the local DRRMC;

 Deploy SAR assets for timely and rapid disaster response;

 Maintain contact with lower, adjacent and higher units;

 Conduct Search and Rescue operations;
 Assist concerned agencies in the conduct of medical assistance; and

 Adjacent PNP units/offices to assist severely affected areas until such time that
the local police units affected have recovered from the disaster and are ready to
handle the incident.
3. After the Flooding Incident:
 Assist in the conduct of relief operations in coordination with concerned
agencies;

 Assist concerned agencies in the conduct of medical assistance;

 Ensure continued presence of security personnel in evacuation centers;

 Assist in the clearing of major routes from debris and obstacles;

 Provide traffic assistance along critical routes; and

 low residents to return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
 EARTHQUAKE SAFETY & RESPONSE
CHECKLIST
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting
of rock beneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and
they can occur at any time of the year, day or night.

The geographical location of the Philippines, being situated between the Pacific and
Eurasian Plates, makes it a constant target of highly destructive natural disasters and
calamities such as earthquakes.

A Reminder:

Doorways are no stronger than any other part of the structure. During an earthquake, get
under a solid piece of furniture and hold on. This will provide some protection from
falling objects that can injure you during an earthquake.
As earthquakes occur without warning, preparations are very critical to lessen its
impact.

1. Preparations that a PNP member or unit should do:

 Establishment of primary and secondary evacuation centers in coordination

with concerned agencies and LGUs;

 Capability and capacity enhancement;

- earthquake drills/simulation exercises
- inventory of SAR equipment
 Meetings and coordination with concerned agencies and LGUs;

 Public Information Effort on earthquake preparations thru community visits;

 Identify safe places in your home or workplace. Practice drop, cover and
hold. (under a piece of furniture, against an interior wall away from windows,
bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you); and

 Ensure readiness of the SAR equipment and supplies.

2. Actions During Earthquake Incidents:

 If you are inside a building;

- Drop, cover and hold.
- Move as little as possible.

- Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.

- If you must leave the building after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an
elevator in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage.

 If you are outdoor when the earthquake occurs;

- Find a clear spot (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights) and
drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops.
 - If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges,
overpasses and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened
until the shaking stops. Then, drive carefully, avoiding bridges and ramps that may
have been damaged

- If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.

- If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for
falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

 Mobilize SAR assets for disaster response and Search & Rescue operations;

 Assist concerned agencies in the conduct of medical assistance;

 Maintain contact with lower, adjacent and higher units;

 Adjacent PNP units/offices to assist severely affected areas;

 Employment of Alarm system (police sirens, ringing of church bells, megaphones,
whistles) for pre-emptive evacuation especially in beach front areas as tsunami may
occur;

 All PNP units in affected area shall be on full disaster response status until the
situation normalizes;

 Activation of respective DIMTGs following the level of activation as per LOI

35/10 “SAKLOLO REVISED”;

 Establishment of Command Post by Task Groups whose area is hit by the

earthquake.

 Provide security at Evacuation Centers; and

 Provide traffic advisory to prevent motorists from entering the danger

zone/restricted areas.
3. After the Earthquake Incident:

 Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks, landslides or even a tsunami.

Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover and hold on. Aftershocks frequently
occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake;

 Assist in the conduct of relief operations in coordination with concerned

agencies;

 Assist concerned agencies in the conduct of medical assistance;

 Ensure continued presence of security personnel in evacuation centers;

 Assist in the clearing of major routes from debris and obstacles;

 Provide traffic assistance along critical routes; and

 Allow residents to return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
 VOLCANIC ERUPTION RESPONSE CHECKLIST

Explosive volcanoes blast hot solid and molten rock fragments and gases into the air. As
a result, ash flows can occur on all sides of a volcano and ash can fall hundreds of miles
downwind. Dangerous mudflows and floods can occur in valleys leading away from
volcanoes. Other hazards that accompany volcanic eruptions include mudflows,
flashfloods, earthquakes, ash fall, acid rain and tsunamis.

Mudflows are powerful “rivers” of mud that can move 32 to 63 kph. Hot ash or lava
from a volcanic eruption can rapidly melt snow and ice at the summit of a volcano.
The melt water quickly mixes with falling ash, with soil cover on lower slopes, and
with debris in its path. This turbulent mixture is dangerous in stream channels and can
travel more than 80 kilometers away from a volcano. Also intense rainfall can erode
fresh volcanic deposits to form large mudflows. If you see the water level of a stream
begin to rise, quickly move to high ground. If a mud-flow is approaching or passes a
bridge, stay away from the bridge.
If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, be prepared to follow instructions
from your local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC)
officials.

1. Preparations for an Impending Volcanic Eruption:

 Coordinate with the local DRRMC and PHIVOLCS;

 Alert residents thru previously established warning system;

- Patrol car sirens
- Ringing of church bells
- Use of megaphones

 Pre-emptive evacuation of residents in danger zones/areas;

 Institute police visibility in vacated areas;

 Provide security at designated evacuation centers;

 As the situation may require, activate Disaster Incident Management Task

Group (as per LOI 35/10 Saklolo Revised );
  Ensure readiness of the disaster supplies (ex. pair of goggles, throw-away
breathing mask, dust mask, utility rope, multi-tool items, flashlights with extra
battery, communications equipment, first aid kit, sugar-high food, etc..); and

 Provide traffic advisory to prevent motorists from entering the danger

zone/restricted areas.

2. Actions During Volcanic Eruptions:

 Assist other government agencies in the forced evacuation of residents in areas

affected by the volcanic eruption;

 Mobilize PNP SAR assets for the conduct of timely and rapid disaster response;

 Declaration of full disaster response status of PNP units in affected area until
the situation normalizes;

 Activation of respective DIMTGs following the level of activation as per LOI

35/10 “SAKLOLO REVISED”;
 Establishment of Command Post by Task Groups whose area is hit by the
volcanic eruption;

 Provide security at evacuation centers;

 Adjacent PNP units/offices to assist severely affected areas; and

 As a personal protection, observe the following;

If caught indoors:
 Close all windows, doors, and dampers.

 Put all machinery inside a garage or barn

If trapped outdoors:

 Seek shelter indoors.

 If caught near a stream, be aware of mudflows.

 Move up the slope and avoid river valleys and low lying areas.

Protect yourself during ashfall:

 Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

 Use goggles to protect your eyes.

 Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help
breathing.

 Keep car or truck engines off.

3. Actions After Volcanic Eruptions:
 For personal protection, observe the following;
- Cover your mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory
system.
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes.

- Keep skin covered to avoid irritation from contact with ash.

 Assist in the conduct of relief operations and medical assistance;

 Ensure continued presence of security personnel in evacuation centers;

 Assist in the clearing of major routes from debris and obstacles;

 Provide traffic assistance along critical routes; and

 Allow residents to return home only when officials have declared the area safe.
 TYPHOON SAFETY AND RESPONSE CHECKLIST

With an average of twenty (20) tropical storms traversing the Philippines every year, the
devastating effects caused by this natural disaster have resulted in the dislocation of
thousands of families, loss of many lives, massive destruction to properties and
agricultural products and have tremendously affected the country’s economy.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

(PAGASA) releases tropical cyclone warnings in the form of Public Storm Warning
Signals (PSWS), classified as follows:

Signal # 1 - Tropical cyclone winds of 30 km/h to 60 km/h are expected within

the next 36 hours. (Note: If a tropical cyclone forms very close to the area, then
a shorter lead time is seen on the warning bulletin.).
Signal # 2 - Tropical cyclone winds of 60 km/h to 100 km/h are expected w/in
the next 24 hrs.

Signal # 3 - Tropical cyclone winds of 100 km/h to 185 km/h are expected
within the next 18 hours

Signal # 4
- Tropical cyclone winds of greater than 185 km/h are expected
within 12 hours.
1. Preparations for an Impending Typhoon/Tropical Storm:

 Coordinate with PAG-ASA, NDRRMC and other government agencies;

 Activation of Disaster Incident Management Task Groups in areas expected to be

hit by the serious weather disturbance prior to the expected landfall;

 Declaration of full disaster response status of PNP units in affected area until the
situation normalizes;

 Employ alarm and warning systems as stipulated under DILG MC 2009-165:

- Patrol car sirens

- Ringing of church bells

- Use of megaphones
 Coordinate with local DRRMC for advisory and to support its disaster response;

 Activation of Command Post by Task Groups whose area is hit by the disaster;

 Assist in forced relocation/pre-emptive evacuation of residents in flood-prone

areas in coordination with corresponding LDRRMC

 Institute police visibility in vacated areas;

 Provide security at designated Evacuation Centers;

 Ensure readiness of the SAR equipment and supplies (ex. Rubber boat, utility
rope, floating device, multi-tool items, flashlights with extra battery,
communications equipment, first aid kit, sugar-high food, etc..)
2. Actions During a Tropical Storm:
 Assist in the imposition of forced relocation in coordination with the local
DRRMC of remaining residents to evacuation centers;

 Deploy SAR assets for timely and rapid disaster response according to needs in the
area;

 Maintain contact with lower, adjacent and higher units;

 Conduct Search and Rescue operations;

 Provide medical assistance; and

 Adjacent PNP units/offices to assist severely affected areas.

3. Actions After a Tropical Storm:

 Assist in the conduct of relief operations in coordination with concerned agencies;

 Assist concerned agencies in the conduct of medical assistance;

 Ensure continued presence of security personnel in evacuation centers;

 Assist in the clearing of major routes from debris and obstacles;

 Provide traffic assistance along critical routes; and

 Allow residents to return home only when officials have declared the area safe.