5 Things We Can Do to Help Typhoon Survivors

Ground Zero - Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, a category 5 tropical cyclone, just hit the country. Our countrymen in the Visayas region are struggling right now. Many have lost their homes, livelihood, and properties, many their entire families. Thousands of dead bodies are strewn along the country side while thousands more are still missing. But the most painful feeling for the survivors is guilt, the guilt of having survived.

Many are so devastated, coupled with hunger and hopelessness that they have decided to take desperate measures like looting. Anarchy and violence has spread throughout Tacloban. Even initial aid convoys from agencies like Red Cross have been attacked and ransacked.

Seeing the pictures of destruction and death you tell yourself, “This isn’t real! This only happens in apocalyptic Hollywood movies!” You close your eyes hoping that when you do open them up, all this was just a nightmare. But the truth remains, a truth we all have to face as a nation. 

Here are the 5 things we can do to help:

1. Let’s give what we can

These are the following things they desperately need:

a. Drinking water – dehydration is a constant threat to the survivors, that is why drinking water is a priority

For those who want to go the extra mile buy a device called LifeStraw. This device filters water from any source.

b. Clothes and underwear – our countrymen had all their clothing washed away. They need clothes and underwear. The Red Cross only gives clothes that are suitable for the Philippine climate. Do not give clothes that are too thick. Also, do not give clothes that are too intimate/revealing - something you cannot wear in an evacuation center. Also, do not give clothes that are too dilapidated and can't be used anymore.

This is the cold season, go the extra mile and send tons of blankets to help keep them warm.

c. Canned food and rice – food that won’t expire and won’t require water is a must. Biscuits and ready to eat food are highly favourable. Starvation drives honourable men to do dishonourable things for their family, for their children. High energy food will greatly help.

d. Medicine and antibacterial soap– people have been sick for days. Some need antibiotics for the gashes and wounds they sustained during the storm. People don’t need cosmetic soap! They need anti-bacterial soap!

e. Tents – with no suitable shelter, people are huddling under whatever they can. Nothing is shielding them from the elements.

f. Solar chargers, solar powered flashlights, candles, water proof matches – nights seem darker for the survivors.

2. Our 13th month – every amount counts. Maybe that new iPhone 5S you planned on buying can wait. That sacrifice can go a long way for people who are in need.

3. Christmas budget – maybe this Christmas season our relatives wouldn’t mind if all we can give are simple gifts/tokens of appreciation this year. I’m pretty sure Jesus wouldn’t mind if we used the money we have for helping our brethren, it is after all His birthday. Christmas isn’t about the gifts but the spirit of giving and being with the people you love.

4. Our time and strength – let’s go the extra mile to help. If we have given the things above, good for you, but if you haven’t, we can always help in the packing of the goods. Extra hands are always welcome in times like this because the time we give shortens the length of suffering for the survivors. We can also take our Vacation Leaves and go to these places and share our expertise. Currently Cebu Pacific and Air Asia Zest are giving out promo flights to assist volunteers and NGOs wanting to help.

We can also be creative in establishing businesses and fund raisers that will help generate the necessary funds to help. Hey even these two young girls are doing it, why can’t we?

5. Use social media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler, Youtube all these social media sites can help spread the news and information across the globe.

All these things will help the survivors not only physically but psychologically as well. The knowledge and realization that someone cares is enough for people to hope and be encouraged. This is just the beginning, the first step in a long road to recovery; yes, things will never be the same for the survivors and the country but hopefully for the better. May this calamity unite us all, set aside our selfishness and awaken our nationalism. We are a resilient people, we will recover and stand stronger than ever before. 

Mabuhay Pilipinas!

Engineering a President

For this week, we interrupt regular programming to discuss about this statement of our president. This statement clearly demonstrates lack of fundamental knowledge of how renewable energy works. We here at stain on paper found it queer that our president does not know the basics of energy engineering. This statement was said during an energy summit, and as such we would also believe that most of his cabinet members also lack the technical knowledge of an engineer.

On other side of the sea, our neighbor, CHINA on the other hand has 9/10 of their top officials as graduate of Engineering. Their expertise reflects on the fast growth of CHINA in the last 30 years.

We believe that engineers should step up as politicians. 

A.) It is in their nature to think systematically and logically which would help remove all the gray areas in decision making. 

B.) Engineers would also have a clear cut view of what is need to be done without being distracted by politics. 

C.) Best of all, they are very idealistic, not easily swayed by unneeded emotions or how they are perceived by the public.

This topic also would cover the very debate about who would make a better leader, an engineer or a politician. Each field has its pros and cons and we would demonstrate how each profession would handle a crisis. And to anchor it all in reality, all our actions are based on the differences in the views of the 2 countries. ( Philippines VS China) Let’s Begin..

1.) Renewable Energy – first in our list. Reason why this article came to being

a.) Politician ( POL ) – please a few big names a privatize Meralco, at the same time still reject renewable to keep the top dogs on top and electricity rates the highest in SouthEast Asia.

b.) Engineer ( ENGR ) – make the world’s biggest Hydro Electric Dam. ‘Nuff said. 

2.) PDAF Crisis

c.) Politician ( POL ) – proclaim that PDAF is cancelled but simply change it to another name. Delay the proceedings, then go to another country to escape trial.

d.) Engineer ( ENGR ) – make a simple cost benefit analysis of all the projects then allocate funds that would generate more benefits in the long term. Leave no gray area and put up feedback control systems. Criminals are shot.

"Stealing eh? Face the Firing Squad!"

3.) Bohol Earthquake

a. POL – ask for donations from the people and promise to alleviate sufferings. Oh! And don’t forget to call the media to take pictures after its all said and done.

b. ENGR – analyze earthquake zones all over the Philippines, so that the next earthquake would devastate no one.

4.) Traffic in EDSA

a. POL – “KOTONG COPS” to enforce the traffic and earn extra income.

b. ENGR – elevated train that doesn’t eat up extra space along the Highway. 

5.) War in West Philippine Sea

a. POL – bring the matter to international tribunal and just keep on waiting on the US for help.

b. ENGR – Start fishing the waters and building oil platforms and airstrips. That way, when international justice comes, you have gotten all the resources in the area already.

6.) Issue of Poverty

a. POL – use the poor people as scapegoats for various economic stimulus such as DAP and PDAF that are “released” and “intended” to benefit them.

b. ENGR – use the various funds as “seed money” and invest in various infrastructures, ports, and Special Economic Zones as well as much needed manufacturing bases.

So who would you rather have as your leader? 

ENGINEERS SPEAK UP AND ACT NOW!

References:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ieeeinsights/2012/03/28/engineers-our-government-needs-you/
http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/deans-office/dean/engineering-and-politics/
http://www.economist.com/node/13496638
http://bigpinekey.com/wp-content/uploads/firing-squad.gif
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/08/18/business/Bus/Bus-articleInline.jpg
http://hubei.chinadaily.com.cn/gov/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20111123/0023ae9897011036923806.jpg
http://spratlyforthephilippines.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/phvsch.jpg

Earthquake Survival: "Triangle of Life" vs. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On"

On October 15, 2013, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the Visayas, leaving more than 200 people dead, 800 people injured, 69,000 structures damaged, and over 3 million individuals affected. Prominent sites i.e. centuries-old churches and the Chocolate Hills got their share of the devastation, leaving locals in shock and despair. Considering the Philippines’ location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, events like this are no stranger to our history books. Therefore, we must know what to do before the next “big one” arrives.

With regards to earthquake survival, “Drop, Cover, and Hold on” has been the staple method. In the past years, emails have been circulating discouraging people from practicing the said method and promoting the “Triangle of Life”, leaving people in confusion. In this article, we will try to dissect the two and make recommendations.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

It is the national standard for earthquake safety in the US.

More specifically:
1. Drop under something sturdy and taller than you are.
2. Cover the back of your head and neck with one arm.
3. Hold on in case the thing you’re under moves.
4. Close your eyes. You’ll do better psychologically if you don’t watch, and you’ll protect your eyes.

Triangle of Life

Doug Copp, the Triangle of Life’s proponent, has circulated emails on how his new technique could save lives based on his experience in rescue missions in Turkey and in various places.

The following are excerpts from his email:

1. Most everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when building collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.

2. Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.

3. Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.

4. If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.

5. If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.

6. Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jamb falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!

7. Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency' (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.

8. Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.

9. People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.

10. I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.

Analysis

We can classify indoor structural earthquake hazards into three: falling fragments, collapsing ceilings, and toppling walls. For each hazard, we evaluate the danger it poses a person depending on the technique he/she uses: 1 – absolutely safe, 2 - safe, 3 - slightly dangerous, 4 - dangerous, 5 - very dangerous.

Falling Fragments

Collapsing Ceiling

Toppling Wall

A scientific journal on the various injuries caused by a catastrophic earthquake in Wenchuan, China on May 12, 2008 was published in 2010.

It can be observed that most injuries were caused by “blunt strikes” or body impacts due to falling things during the shaking of the ground with 2213 people affected. “Crushing/burying” came next with 608 cases. Other studies support that most injuries caused by earthquakes are due to falling debris. In addition, countries with good building codes have fewer tendencies to experience collapsing of entire structures.

Conclusion

The Philippine Building Code incorporates seismic loads up to magnitude 8.0. The Bohol incident, according to experts, was a testament to the poor implementation of the code. Therefore, in order to survive an earthquake, one must ensure that the Building Code is properly implemented and follow the Drop, Cover, and Hold On technique.




References:
http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/1108/UPD%20re%20SitRep%2030%20re%20Effects%20of%207.2%20EQ,%20Bohol%20%2829OCT2013%29.pdf
http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/piy_drop_cover_hold.pdf
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/41766-lessons-bohol-disaster-part-1
Journal: Analysis of injuries and treatment of 3 401 inpatients in 2008 Wenchuan earthquake—based on Chinese Trauma Databank
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1395252_622511177791024_1630347253_n.jpg
http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/philquake101613/s_p23_RTX14DES.jpg
http://reidh4.edublogs.org/files/2011/01/drop-cover-hold-on-20mmalu.jpg
http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/technology/41743-triangle-life-hoax
http://kitchen-pictures.bloginterior.com/files/2011/02/115854-magic-marker-icon-people-things-table-sc52.png
http://www.clker.com/cliparts/4/4/7/4/1197098505103048288addon_the_couch.svg.med.png
http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/uploaded_images/brick3-726715.JPG
http://www.iris.edu/hq/gallery/photo/4439