COUNCILOR George S. Goking, chair of the City Council's committee on trade and commerce, on Friday called on business sectors to be conscious about the situation of their workers as the city started to experience rainy weather condition.

“Business owners should know how their businesses are adjusting their work arrangements and policies to provide support to their employees during calamities,” said Goking.

He said that because the country is geographically located in the planet where areas are vulnerable and exposed to natural hazards.

“Floods can be serious catastrophes and they are one of the most common hazards in the city, like what happened during typhoon Sendong,” said Goking.

Floods can be caused by a variety of factors, including a sudden accumulation of rain, rising rivers, and tidal surges.

“Preparedness is necessary for immediate response during emergencies and calamities,” said Goking.

Goking lauded the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) for continually updating the public of the weather condition.

“CDRRMC is really laudable at this kind of weather condition,” Goking said adding that working together on a public education effort aimed at improving the way people prepare for and respond to severe weather.

He said the city government usually help businesses and their workers prepare for floods, and to provide information about hazards that workers may face during and after a flood event.

“Workers who have to respond to flooded areas face the greatest risks from floods,” said Goking.

But all workers according to him can help protect themselves by preparing evacuation plans and learning about the hazards commonly associated with floods.

“We should help institutionalize a culture of safety in the business sector so that they ensure continuous delivery of their services even during emergencies and disasters,” Goking said.

He said like on the education sector, the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2011 created its disaster risk reduction and management office.

DepEd also integrated disaster risk reduction and management in its basic education framework, according to Goking.

“I am urging the public to be alert especially that the city is prone to flooding,” said Goking. (Ben Balce)