PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology)

These are the things that I have learned in PHIVOLCS in La Carlota.

1. There are many active volcanoes here in the Philippines and there are about six active volcanoes here in Negros alone. 
2. Magma is stored in magma chambers. A volcano's eruption is independent of another eruption because of these chambers.
3. The seismic energy of the earthquake is measured through the Richter Scale based on numbers from 0.0 to 10.0. The intensity of the earthquake is measured through the Mercalli Intensity Scale based on roman numerals I to XII where I means no damage and XII means total destruction.

These are some signs that a volcano is about to erupt.

• The level and temperature of hot springs near the volcano change.
• Vegetation near the volcano may dry up and temperature may suddenly drop.
• Rock falls and landslides show the adjustment of the cone of the volcano due to magma.
• Steam emission darkens and increases in volume as the volcano is about to erupt.
• The crater shines or glows because of magma.
• Sulfur can be smelled.
• Fissuring of the ground may occur because of magma build-up.
• The number of felt earthquakes increases.
• Animals exhibit unusual behavior.

Earthquake Survival Kit:

1. Battery-powered radio
2. Flashlight
3. Extra batteries
4. First Aid kit
5. (Ready-to-eat) food and water
6. Whistle
7. Dust mask

What to do before an earthquake:

• Plan on what to do during the earthquake.
• Secure cabinets, etc. to the wall to prevent sliding.
• Breakable items and harmful chemicals should be kept and secured.
• Turn off gas tanks when not in use.

What to do during an earthquake:

• If you are inside a building, hide under a sturdy desk.
• When in a vehicle, get out and do not cross bridges.
• If you are on the beach, run away from the shore toward higher ground in order to avoid being affected by the tsunami.
• If you are outside, move to an open area and get away from power lines, posts, walls and other structures that might fall.

What to do after an earthquake:

• If you are inside a building, take the safest way out and do not use the elevator.
• Check for fire and clean up spills, flammable materials and broken glass.
• Check water and electrical lines. Turn off the valve or switch if there is any damage.
• Do not enter damaged buildings.
• Unless you need help, do not use your car and drive around since rescue vehicles need the roads.
• If you must evacuate your house, leave a note stating where you are going and take with you an earthquake survival kit.

The Earth's layers.

Fault lines

Graph showing an earthquake

Seismograph