How Twitter and Facebok Saved Lives -- from the Manila Bulletin

Source: Manila Bulletin

Posted: October 08, 2009

Some people call it as the different media by which Generation Me perpetuates their obsession with themselves.

During the days when the country was ravaged by Typhoon Ondoy and worried about the uncertain path of Typhoon Pepeng, these very same sites proved not to be about selfishness, but about the selflessness of every young Filipino.

While Typhoon Ondoy flooded various parts of Metro Manila, one thing that was unexpected was how electricity and an Internet connection were still available in most parts of the metropolis. While mobile phone networks struggled with the volume of message and calls being sent, Facebook and Twitter emerged as quick and efficient ways to send across information.

Rather than updates about popular applications like Mafia Wars and Pet Society, most Facebook home pages instead featured a running update on where missing individuals were located or last seen, as well as providing information as to where help and relief goods were urgently needed.

It was also on Facebook that dramatic video of vehicles sinking in the flooding that ravaged the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila first surfaced, bringing home the destruction brought by Ondoy to those safely in their homes.

Just like Facebook, Twitter became a bulletin board of information, providing updates on passable roads and links to sites detailing how to salvage submerged cars, how to make engines work again, and how to claim insurance.

At the height of the flooding, Twitter was awash with updates on which volunteer organizations needed more manpower as well as pleas for security in areas like Provident Village in Marikina.

Twitter became such an essential tool for information gathering that even Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council chair Gilbert Teodoro had to turn to his Twitter page to provide updates to the public.

The sites remain relevant even after the threat of Ondoy. Twitter and Facebook still find itself filled with information and updates on ongoing relief operations. The sites have also found themselves as a venue for expressing pride at how the people were able to pull themselves together and help each other out, when government proved to slow to respond. The image of “Where I’m from, everybody’s a hero” originated from blogging site Tumblr and quickly found itself disseminated among Facebook users.

If maturity is tested by the challenges one prevails over, then these sites – the instruments of Generation Me – have certainly come of age.

Thank You BSK HONGKONG CHAPTER

When I took a peek at my Facebook I was touched tonight. There was a note from the BSK (Balikatan sa Kaunlaran, HK Chapter) that they voluntary decided to send their "humble contribution" to help victims of Typhoons Ondoy.
These are the pictures that I am showing EVERYONE because I am so proud of these people:)
I am proud that though they're far away, they aren't apathetic... they KNOW and act as if they're HERE. Their hearts are filled with love and empathy towards those who are suffering HERE and they've decided to take action no matter how puny this all may seem. But what touches me most about BSK Hongkong is not the contribution or the package but their WANTING to be ONE with us even as we go through the angst of the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy. These are "ordinary people" -- yet, they are HEROES. They've done something good. If everyone were like these people, we'd have a better community and nation. Perhaps even a better world.

THANK YOU BSK HK!

What To Do DURING a POWER OUTRAGE (BROWNOUT)

Keep safe during a power outage

Here are some basic tips that will keep you, your family and your employees safe while the power is out:

* Assume all cables and wires are energized and stay away.
* Keep away from flooded and debris-laden areas because they may be hiding downed lines.
* Do not assume that just because there is no electricity, it is safe to wade in the flood waters. There may be "live" electrical cables that may harm you
* If you leave your home, turn off all appliances or turn off your main breaker.
* Avoid driving in damaged areas. You might interfere with rescue or restoration efforts, as well as jeopardize your own safety.
*If you can help it, please avoid candles. Use flashlights instead. Candles can cause fires
*Make sure that you lock your doors and make sure that you and your family are safe. Remember that there are bad people in the world who may try and take advantage of the power outrage.

Anatomy of a FIRST AID KIT -

A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies, keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car. Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one. Find out the location of first aid kits where you work. First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase one from the RedCross.org store or your local Red Cross chapter. Your local drug store may sell them.

You may also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need. Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly. Make sure the flashlight batteries work. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

* 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
* 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
* 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
* 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
* 5 antiseptic wipe packets
* 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
* 1 blanket (space blanket)
* 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
* 1 instant cold compress
* 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
* 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
* Scissors
* 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
* 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
* Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
* 2 triangular bandages
* Tweezers
* First aid instruction booklet

These are tips from the International Red Cross. b>

How To Handle Kids and Trauma After a Disaster

This is compliments of the International Red Cross. This teaches us parents how to handle our kids in case a disaster is happening or has happened. This video tells us that kids may be psychologically affected by disasters. Watch this video and learn :)

What To Do In Case of Disasters

Among the adversities in life we inevitably will meet are disasters. We've been through the last deluge and the latest weather report indicates that we soon may have to go through another storm. Remember that every storm passes -- do not fret. Pray instead, but these are a helpful tips which I can suggest :

1. Do not panic. Most people who panic cannot think objectively and are prone to act without thinking. Accept that there is NOTHING we can do with natural disasters but pray. THINK and plan ahead.

2. Gather all your important things - ID's,family albums, credentials, and ANYTHING dear to you and put them in a waterproof bag. Also, remember to put in an extra flashlight, a couple of candies, important medicines if you are suffering from any disease. If you have allergies, for instance, put your anti-allergy medicines in the bag.

3.Make sure that you have your small AM radio (your Ipod FM radio is not useful) so that you know what is happening. Try purchase some extra batteries BEFORE the disaster (or always have them anyway) so that you can use them anytime you need them. Keep flashlights where it is easy to reach so you don't have to look for it in the dark.

4.If you live in low lying areas, please try and evacuate BEFORE the rain happens. KNOW where is the nearest evacuation center and bring your emergency bag.

5.Try and buy amoxcillin (broad range spectrum antibiotics) or doxycycline(respiratory ) so that should you end up at an evacuation center and feel sick with sudden fever an dflu you can take doxycycline if you have fever and no medical help is available right away. Amoxcycillin is a broad range antibiotic which can be handy if you are suddenly infected because of a wound or if you get any infection. Please note that pregnant mothers and kids below 12 SHOULD NOT TAKE THESE antibiotics. I have included this suggestion only because there may be times when even doctors and hospitals may be out of reach when you need them.

6.Try and get a hand sanitizer and include it in your emergency bag.Remember that if you cannot wash your hands a hand sanitizer would do.

7. Charge cellphones and all means of communications BEFORE the emergency. Get a back up battery if possible. Remember that you can also use your cellphone for emails to get in touch with your relatives abroad. If you are a SMART CELLPHONE user for instance, you do NOT need to BUY a wifi phone. All you do is type in the email address/space/ message and send to 200. Yes, it's that simple to send an email. GLOBE allows you to log in your yahoo messenger for your relatives abroad.

8.It is a good idea to bring in a couple of re hydration salts if you have kids. Rehydration salts are cheap and can help sustain your kids should you happen to run out of drinking water.

10, Make sure that you have reliable RUBBER slippers so that in case you have to run or climb out of the house, you can simply carry your emergency bag and safely go to the evacuation center without having to worry about your "tsinelas" not being sturdy enough.

About Friendship...

One who looks for a friend without faults will have none. -- Hasidic Saying

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.-- Walter Winchell

Friends are needed both for joy and for sorrow. -- Samuel Paterson

Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.-- John Evelyn

Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.-- Swedish proverb

A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.-- Anonymous

Count your age with friends but not with years - Anonymous

Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness. -- Lois L. Kaufman

"I keep my friends as misers do their treasure, because, of all the things granted us by wisdom, none is greater or better than friendship."
-- Pietro Aretino (1537)

"There is nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends."
-- Hillaire Belloc

"The rain may be falling hard outside,
But your smile makes it all alright.
I'm so glad that you're my friend.
I know our friendship will never end."
-- Robert Alan

"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit."
-- Aristotle (4th century B.C.)

"Friendship is essentially a partnership."
-- Aristotle (4th century B.C.)

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe unto him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."
-- The Bible: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

"A friend loves at all times."
-- The Bible: Proverbs 17, 17.

"A companion loves some agreeable qualities which a man may possess, but a friend loves the man himself."
-- James Boswell (1763)

"Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of one another."
-- Eustace Budgell (1711)


"Friendship is Love without his wings!"
-- Lord Byron (1806)

"Friendship makes prosperity more brilliant, and lightens adversity by dividing and sharing it."
-- Cicero (44 B.C.)

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost"
-- Charles Caleb Colton (1825)

"Every man passes his life in the search after friendship."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"We do not so much need the help of our friends as the confidence of their help in need."
-- Epicurus (3rd century B.C.)

"Friends show their love in times of trouble..."
-- Euripides (408 B.C.)

"One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives."
-- Euripides (408 B.C.)

"A good friend is my nearest relation."
-- Thomas Fuller (1732)

"My friend is he who will tell me my faults in private."
-- Solomon Ibn Gabirol

"Your friend is your needs answered."
-- Kahil Gibran

"Let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit."
-- Kahil Gibran.

"Let your best be for your friend..."
-- Kahil Gibran

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures."
-- Kahil Gibran

"A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother."
-- Homer (9th century B.C.)

"We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over."
-- Samuel Johnson

"However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship."
-- La Rochefoucauld (1665)

"A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care to acquire."
-- La Rochefoucauld (1665)

"I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in its flight.


I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, who has sight so keen and strong
That it can follow the flight of song?


Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend."
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people, than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
-- Bernard Meltzer