After summer comes the rainy season—and in the Philippines that means extra preparedness to keep you and your family safe!
Over the years, the Philippines has faced a handful of devastating typhoons. As an archipelago set in the midst of the Pacific, that doesn't come as a surprise; but it also doesn't help that our country is one of the most vulnerable when it comes to the effects of climate change. Supertyphoons are becoming more frequent and more intense, and with a vulnerable population, it's important to be prepared. Here's how you can stay safe as the annual (yet unpredictable) rainy season rolls on by this year.
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DO
- Prepare an emergency disaster kit beforehand. A basic kit usually includes drinkable water, a three-day supply or non-perishable food, battery-powered radio, flashlight with back-up batteries, a first-aid kit, face masks, matches or a lighter, moist towelettes or tissue, a whistle, and extra clothes.
- Tune in to local radio or TV stations during a typhoon. It is recommended to avail of a battery-powered radio in case there is a power interruption.
- If possible, buy a power bank and ensure that it is fully charged if there is an upcoming typhoon.
- Stay indoors. Avoid leaving the house when there is a typhoon.
- Evacuate if necessary. There are many flood prone areas around the Metro so for your safety, evacuate if officials deem it necessary to do so. For situations such as these, it's best to have an emergency disaster kit or a "go-bag" prepared so you can leave immediately.
- If possible, keep in touch with other loved ones and check in on one another.
- Keep emergency contact numbers in your phone book. The Philippines has its own 911 emergency hotline and the Philippine Red Cross can be reached at 143. The Philippine National Police Hotline is 117.
- Identify a place in your residence where you can safely store valuable items or important documents.
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DON'T
- Ignore typhoon warnings. If you live in a flood-prone area, treat a warning seriously and begin securing valuable items, preparing "go-bags", and establishing family communication plans.
- Waste cellphone battery power. Avoid using cellphones unless there is an emergency.
- Walk around, play in, or swim in flood waters. This can lead to leptospirosis or even electrocution if done near downed electric lines.
- Try to salvage electric items that have been flooded. Do not plug these into wire sockets anymore.
- Stay near glass windows or doors in the event of a typhoon.
- Leave your pets behind, tie them up, or cage them, especially in flood prone areas. Pet owners can prepare a pet emergency kit or "go-bag" with extra food, shampoo, toys, leashes, and necessary medication.
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