Get a portable radio
This will come very handy in the event of a power outtage. Don’t forget to have extra batteries.
Check your house for weak areas
Does your roof have leaks? Will it get ripped off your heads by very strong winds? Are your windows secure? For those who live in houses made mostly of wood, are the foundations of your home strong enough to withstand the storm?
If you have enough time, do the necessary repairs. Don’t worry if you have to spend more because it’s going to keep you safe and dry.
Flashlights, candles?Â
Don’t forget candles, matches, and spare batteries for your flashlight. You don’t want to be groping your way in the dark during a stormy night.
Super typhoons can cut off power supplies so make sure you have these
Put your appliances somewhere they can remain dry
As much as you’d like to take the 3-month old flat screen you have in your living room, you can’t. So the next best thing is to store them in a high spot where they can’t get submerged in case it floods. Cabinets are great places to store them. That way, your appliances are also safe from rodents.
Have a backup plan
Make sure to have a Plan B. It’s safe to assume the worst in any situation. In case your house gets battered, what will you do? Do you know the nearest evacuation center? Do you know who to call or how to contact them? What about your supplies? Do you have relatives in other places that you can stay with in case the shelters are cramped?
What about after the typhoon?
The problems won’t disappear after Yolanda leaves the country by the weekend. In fact, this is the time when many of us are going to realize the level of damage in different areas. Â Here are few more typhoon safety tips.
Don’t go back to your house just yet
Image courtesy of newsinfo.inquirer.net
There are many reasons to want to go back to your house ASAP: the evacuation center’s not very comfortable, you’ve no more supplies, you’re worried about stuff you’ve left behind, and The Amazing Race airs on Monday. But don’t go home just yet. You need to make sure first that it’s safe from:
- Snakes and other harmful animals that may have gotten inside
- Live wires
- Unstable foundations, walls, windows, etc.
- Flood waters
Have someone check your home first. Better yet, wait for instructions from your local government that it’s safe to go back.
Allocate your supplies well
The aftermath is tough to face especially when businesses are closed and you have no way to buy food. Ration your supplies well. What if relief operations don’t come quickly? Being wise about your supplies will keep you from starving. Go watch a few episodes of Survivor for tips in rationing meager supplies.
Call the electrician
If your roof was blown away or the house got flooded, everything inside will surely be wet. Call an electrician to ensure electrical wirings are safe and won’t short-circuit. Don’t use electrical appliances just yet.Â
Check water lines
See if any pipe is broken or damaged. Contaminated water is the last thing you want to deal with during this time.
When in Manila and another super typhoon comes along, you’ll be better prepared with these typhoon safety tips.
