Saturday, March 19, 2011

WD Elements External Hard Drive

One of the greatest inconveniences that can occur is the sudden crash of our personal computers or laptop. Computers, aside from the functionalities that it offers, serve as the repository of our memories. Computers store the papers that you made in college, the photos of your last birthday celebration or the videos that you made for your report in science. So, when your computer crashes those files that constitute your memories are gone. That is one of my fears when all of my photos are still stored in my home computer. That is why I decided to purchase WD Elements external hard drive to serve as storage for my photos and other important files.

I chose WD Elements external hard drive because it is being used by my American friends in storing valuable data. I believed then that since they trust WD Elements to store valuable data, then it is reliable enough to serve as back-up storage for my files. At least I am correct with that assumption because my WD Elements external hard drive has no malfunction after more than one year of use.
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WD Elements External Hard Drive

What I like with my WD Elements external hard drive is its reliability. For back-up storage, reliability is very important. It is bad if the back-up storage is the one that crashed.

So, if you want to prevent inconvenience and keep your files safe, then I suggest that you back your files up. If you are looking for an external hard drive, I recommend WD Elements.

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Visit Before the Eastern Sunset and read about my first taste of shark wantan dim sum.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Information on Fault Lines and Earthquakes from PHIVOLCS Fault Finder Map

The calamity that occurred in Japan last Friday sparked the attention about the safety of the Philippines about earthquakes and tsunamis. PHIVOLCS and the government assured that the new high-rise buildings around Metro Manila are sound enough to withstand earthquakes. However, many people are still concerned, especially because of the many fault lines around our country.

For those who are looking for a map issued by PHIVOLCS that shows the major fault lines, I suggest that you visit the PHIVOLCS Fault Finder map. The Fault Finder map shows the distribution of active faults and trenches in the Philippines as delineated by PHIVOLCS. The picture below shows the general location of fault lines and trenches. The Fault Finder map of PHIVOLCS is much clearer and interactive so I suggest that you should look at it.
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PHIVOLCS Philippine Fault Line Map
PHIVOLCS Philippine Fault Line Map


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To see the regional distribution of fault lines in the Philippines, I suggest that you also look at the Fault Finder map of PHIVOLCS.

Be prepared for earthquakes and the best preparation is to gain knowledge.

Visit my posts about PHIVOLCS Tips on what to do before, during and after an earthquake, PHIVOLCS Map of Tsunami Prone Areas, and PHIVOLCS Maps of areas affected by Marikina Fault.

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Do you need information about PHIVOLCS? Do you have questions regarding earthquakes and fault line maps? Please tell us by leaving a comment.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

PHIVOLCS Tips on Being Prepared for Earthquakes and Tsunami

People around the world are shocked with what happened to Japan last Friday as an 8.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the sea from the northeast part of Japan. The earthquake did not cause much damage. It is the tsunami that occurred after the earthquake that caused the damage to property, injuries and deaths. As of this moment, Japanese authorities are still assessing the actual damage and the death toll caused by the tsunami.

Minutes after the earthquake at Japan, PHIVOLCS or the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued Tsunami Bulletins to alert people living in the coastal areas of the north and eastern part of the Philippines of the possible waves of tsunami hitting their area. PHIVOLCS issued the warning based on the information given by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), located on Hawaii. Because of the PHIVOLCS tsunami bulletin, people living in the affected communities were easily mobilized and evacuated. Thankfully, big tsunami waves did not reach the Philippines. PHIVOLCS already removed the tsunami alert for the Philippines and the affected people returned to their communities.

For a long time now, PHIVOLCS had been warning us of the dangers of earthquakes and tsunamis. PHIVOLCS already made many studies regarding the major fault lines, especially the Marikina Fault Line. However, information regarding earthquakes and tsunami is that broadcasted widely. Aside from that, information regarding preparedness to earthquakes and tsunamis are not that widespread. With this in mind, here are the tips on how to prepare for earthquakes as written in the posters issued by PHIVOLCS.

PHIVOLCS Tips: What to Do Before an Earthquake

PHIVOLCS tips before an earthquake


1. The key to effective disaster prevention is planning.

- Know the earthquakes hazards in your area.

-Follow structural design and engineering practices when constructing your house or your buildings.

- Check the soundness of your house. Strengthen or retrofit if necessary.

2. Prepare your homes, workplace and schools.

- Strap or bolt heavy furniture, like cabinets and large appliances, to the wall to prevent it from falling down during an earthquake.

- Check if hanging objects inside your home, like ceiling fans and chandeliers, are stable.

- Store fragile items, harmful chemicals and flammable materials in a secured place.

3. Familiar yourself with the exit routes in your home, workplace and school. Also, know the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits in your area.

4. Prepare a handy emergency kit that contains canned goods, bottled water, medicines, flashlight, extra batteries and battery-operated radios.

5. Conduct and participate in regular earthquake drills.

In addition to the tips mentioned by PHIVOLCS, other useful tips that I can add are these:

6. Plan with your family about the evacuation place that family members can go to during emergency situations. Planning the evacuation areas will help in locating family members during emergency situations. This will avoid family member getting lost because they can’t be located.

7. Secure vital documents (like birth certificates, land titles, etc.) in one easy-to-carry bag so that it could easily be carried during emergency situations.

PHIVOLCS Tips: What to Do During an Earthquake

PHIVOLCS tips during an earthquake


1. Be calm, be alert and don’t panic.

2. If you are inside a structurally sound building:

- Quickly open the door, if possible.

- Duck under a sturdy table or desk and hold on to it or protect your head.

- Stay away from glass windows and heavy furniture or appliances that may fall down.

3. If you are inside, move to open area.

- Stay away from trees, posts, power lines and structures.

- Stay away from steep slopes and landslide prone areas.

- Move away from the shoreline and move to higher grounds because tsunami may occur after an earthquake.

4. If you are in a moving vehicle, stop and get out. Don’t attempt to cross bridges, underpass, tunnels and flyovers.

PHIVOLCS Tips: What to Do After an Earthquake

PHIVOLCS tips after an earthquake


1. Be prepared of aftershocks. Once the shaking stops, take the fastest and safest way out of the building. Don’t use elevators nor enter damaged buildings.

2. Check yourself and others for injuries.

3. Check for damaged electrical and water lines.

4. Check for spills of chemical, toxic or flammable materials.

5. Extinguish fires in the area to prevent it from spreading.

6. If you need to evacuate your residence, leave a message stating the place where you are going. Also, bring your emergency kit.

7. Keep yourself updated through your battery operated radios.

So, those are the tips written on PHIVOLCS “Earthquake Preparedness Guide.” You can download this guide from PHIVOLCS here (PDF file). Visit PHIVOLCS website for more information about earthquakes and tsunamis.

Visit my other post about PHIVOLCS' list  of fault lines, PHIVOLCS Map of Tsunami Prone Areas and PHIVOLCS map of areas affected by Marikina Fault.