Cagayan de Oro – October 10, 2023— With natural disasters steadily on the rise globally, residents of North Mindanao are recognizing that the importance of reducing disaster risk has never been more critical.

United Nations scientists predict the number of natural catastrophes around the world will increase from an average of 400 per year to 560 per year by 2030.

To raise awareness about the importance of reducing disaster exposure, the U.N. General Assembly designated Oct. 13 as the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

As the day approaches, many residents of North Mindanao are looking for ways to prepare for any potential threats to their community and family.

For Arnel Salape, a resident of Cagayan de Oro, the October 2017 edition of The Watchtower magazine “When Disaster Strikes: Steps That Can Save Lives” proved to be a valuable resource. The magazine cites Proverbs 27:12, highlighting the importance of preparation: “The shrewd person sees the danger and conceals himself, but the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.”

“Reviewing this magazine with my family made us realize that we were not adequately prepared for a disaster,” said Jun Devera of Malaybalay City. “Now that we have taken the time to discuss our escape plan and gather emergency supplies, we feel more peace of mind.”

To that end, the magazine provides families with a helpful three-step process to ensure emergency preparedness:

  • Before – Prepare!
  • During – Act Quickly.
  • After – Stay Safe!

In addition, the magazine features a list of emergency supplies to include in a “go bag” that families can use at home or take with them in the event of an evacuation.

“Being prepared for a disaster can drastically lessen the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact in the aftermath of these traumatic events,” said James Morales, national spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “This magazine was specifically created to help individuals and families feel less vulnerable in the face of disaster.”

A free digital copy of “When Disaster Strikes: Steps That Can Save Lives” can be downloaded from the Witnesses’ official website, jw.org, that features practical Bible-based content in over 1,070 languages.