Phivolcs launches self-check app for earthquake safety of houses ByRaheema Velasco 423 '); Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs – DOST) launched a mobile application that can assess the vulnerability of houses to strong earthquakes. “Earthquakes per se do not kill people, building collapses do,” DOST Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. said. Called “How Safe Is My House?,” this application provides a simple and easy-to-use tool for owners and occupants of residential houses and other one to two storey concrete hollow block houses. Users will have to answer 12 questions on the app and these are: Who built or designed my house? How old is my house?