Typhoon Safety Tips You Must Do Now
When in Manila in the eve of a storm, nerves are high because many are trying to avoid getting battered by strong winds and heavy rains.
A few hours from now, super typhoon Yolanda will make her grand entrance to the country.
Image courtesy of Philstar.com
As hospitable as we Pinoys are, she’s one visitor we hope would never set foot in our shores because she’s probably worse than Ondoy or Sendong. The fact that she’s headed for the Visayas region–where many residents are still reeling from the effects of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake–doesn’t make things easier.
Since we can’t stop it from heading our way, the only thing we can do is prepare and minimize the damage. These typhoon safety tips should come handy.
Yolanda may not be felt as strongly in Luzon but it’s still important to take the necessary precautions.
Typhoon safety tips you must do now
Be updated with the news
Information is power. It’ll help us plan our course of action. So stay glued to the news–whether on TV, radio, or online. You’ll get a lot of typhoon safety tips from these shows.
Coordinate with local government units
LGUs and respective government agencies have been preparing for the typhoon since yesterday. Coordinate with your barangay chairman to ask where the evacuation centers are. Even those who live in relatively safe areas should reach out to LGU heads as a matter of precaution.
This way, you’ll know what to do when things go from bad to worse. The authorities are also among the best people to get typhoon safety tips from so get in touch.
Orient the entire household
Talk to everyone about the impending disaster and discuss your survival plans. Put someone in charge of the kids, elderly, food, first aid kits, etc. Always make sure that everyone knows what to do in case you all get separated. Charge your phones and have enough load.
We didn’t do these when we were younger because typhoons back then were enjoyable for kids–they meant no classes–and they really didn’t cause the kind of damage we see now. Don’t be scared of spooking the younger ones by going through worst case scenarios. Teach every one typhoon safety tips so they’ll know what to do.
Collect supplies and put them in a water-proof container
We all know the basics: food, clean water, medicine, and clothes. Easy-open canned goods, dried fruits, and biscuits are must-haves. Check the expiration date. It’s also okay to bring cup noodles if you know the evacuation centers have kettle pots.
Collect enough bottled water for the entire family. On second thought, get more so you can share it with others. Limit your clothes to the essentials. You should minimize the stuff you bring because you can only have so much space and weight to carry.
Put important documents, like birth certificates and school records, in plastic containers. Do the same with cellphones. Make sure you have spare batteries.
