The recent earthquake in Morocco underlines the fact that disasters can strike anytime and anywhere, and that preparedness may spell the difference between life and death. It is the nature of disasters, they are almost always unpredictable and they are more common than we think. It’s precisely why preparation for any type of disaster—be it flooding, earthquake, fire, and so on—is very important. Every person and every household must be ready at all times for the unexpected. It also reduces the burden on rescuers, especially if the community’s resources are limited.
One of the things we can do on this very day—if we haven’t done so already—is to prepare a go-bag. Experts suggest the following inclusions for every go-bag (one for each person in a household): food that doesn’t spoil, drinking water for at least three days, a first aid kit, and specific items depending on one’s location or circumstances. For example, maintenance medicines, supplies for pets and children, personal documents, some cash, etc.
When the go-bag has been prepared, experts also suggest the preparation of an emergency plan. Let everyone in your household know what to do in case of emergencies. Have critical phone numbers ready, tell them where to meet in case people get lost, and who to call for help. Aside from this, make sure you have photocopies and digital copies of important documents. Keep them safe in waterproof and fireproof containers, if possible. Examples would be land titles, birth/marriage/death certificates, passports and identification cards, bank documents and bank cards, insurance policies, and so on.
We offer our prayers for the victims of the earthquake in Morocco, as well as to their loved ones, the caregivers and rescuers, and the whole nation as they start the long and arduous work of rebuilding what was destroyed.
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September is book fair season in the Philippines with the annual run of the biggest book event in the country, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF). It’s happening on September 14-17, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
There will be more than a hundred exhibitors this year, ranging from mainstream and independent publishers to international and academic publishers, bookstores, and distributors. Workshops, author visits and book signings, talks, and demos will be happening, as well. MIBF is also bringing School World to the attendees this year. It’s a one-stop shop for teachers, students, parents, school administrators, young professionals, and working adults providing a wide selection of products and services to all as we transition into the “new normal” mode of learning.
The MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. , Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and Overseas Publishers Representatives’ Association of the Philippines. For details, call +63 917 899 3463 or e-mail info@manilabookfair.com or follow @ManilaBookFair on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
