The Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. (TDF) conducted its annual Fire Safety and Earthquake Awareness Seminar and Drill last November 23, 2018. It was participated by 29 employees. The activity was meant to impart to its employees the proper search and rescue procedures in addition to the correct use of fire extinguishers, orderly evacuation and use of the emergency kits. The scenario for this year focused on search and rescue of an injured victim due to a high intensity earthquake that later caused a fire at the Laboratory Department.

 The whole day activity started with a lecture in the morning by Sr. Inspector Algie Mullanida from the Bureau of Fire. A rescue demonstration by Barangay Pio del Pilar’s Bantay Bayan Team followed in the afternoon. When the earthquake signal sounded off, TDF employees, equipped with their hard hats and Go Bags, proceeded to TDF’s designated evacuation area. The Search and Rescue Team together with the Bantay Bayan Team assisted in the rescue operation.

 Upon returning to the building, TDF employees listened to a post-activity observation report from representatives from the Bureau of Fire and the Bantay Bayan. These comments and suggestions were noted to improve the next crisis management activity.