7 Things To Do To Prepare For a Typhoon

A typhoon is an extremely large, powerful, and destructive storm. It can take many lives if it pleases and does not pick its victims. Take typhoon Haiyan or ‘Yolanda’ for example that hit the Philippines and other countries in 2013. It is the deadliest typhoon on record killing at least 6,300 people in the Philippines alone. The aftermath was devastating enough they were still collecting bodies until January 2014. These left people traumatized whenever they hear the word ‘typhoon’ and made them hope that it will never happen again.

Typhoons happen whether we like it or not, in the event that it does come, are you ready?

Here are some things you must do to prepare for a typhoon

Plan ahead with your family. In case a typhoon hits your area, what should each family member do? Planning with the family and giving responsibility to able family members is important so that in the event that the typhoon comes, everyone is ready. In any case that the family needs to evacuate, pick a location for you and your family. And, have a unique call sound that your family member would recognize even if you are in a large crowd.

Prepare an emergency bag that can easily be carried. This emergency bag is just what you need to survive, it’s like your emergency kit. Make sure to put all of these items in one bag: Food and water good for three (3) days, extra clotehs, cellphone and charger for communication, important documents (i.e. birth certificates) in a protective plastic, flashlight, radio, extra money, batteries and first aid kit. These items could help you survive in any emergency situation.

Make sure your home is safe from any debris, and all electrical sockets are out of areas that may be reached by flood. If you know that your home is surrounded by branches of trees, wood or any debris, make sure to get rid of it. Keep all electrical sockets in a higher area at home where flood could not reach, or to be safer, remove extra electrical lines that are not usually used. Also use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire.

Be aware and be updated. Keep up with the latest via radio, TV, or internet. Know where the typhoon is and when it may hit your area. Be aware of your surroundings.

Evacuate your area if local authorities say EVACUATE. Do not take any chances. When the news would say evacuate, do not think twice. Run to the evacuation areas assigned in your community. Remember to bring your emergency bag.

Know all emergency numbers in your area. Be sure to make these numbers visible in your home where anyone in the house could have easy access to it like beside the house phone or better yet, save these numbers in your cellphone.

Emergency numbers in Baguio City are as follows:

Directory Assistance : 114

Fire department : 442-2222 or 160

City disasters coordinating center : 442-1900

Emergency medical Services : 442-1911

Cordillera Administrative Region (CDRRMC): (074) 304-2256, (074) 619-0986

City Mayor’s Office : 442-3939 or 442-8920 or 442-8921 or 442-7228

Emergency Number in Northern Luzon are as follows:

NDRRMC: (632) 911-1406; (632) 911-1873; (632) 911-1906; (632) 911-5061; (632) 912-0984; (632) 912-2665; (632) 912-3046; (632) 912-5296; (632) 912-5668;  0917-7334256

Help hotlines: (632) 734-2118; (632) 734-2120

Public safety text messages from telcos: 1456

Bureau of Fire Protection, NCR: (632) 729-5166; (632) 410-6254; (632) 407-1230

Bureau of Fire Protection, Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (045) 9634376

Know evacuation areas in your community. Each area in the city have an evacuation area where you and your family can run to in case of emergencies. By now, you must know the nearest evacuation area and how to get there the safest and the fastest way. Make sure each family member know where it is.

It always pays to be ready and alert. These things may save you and your family’s lives and may be the reasons why you may live long to see your children’s children. So, be ready, alert and aware!

WATCH: Gabay at MAPA para sa listong Pamilyang Pilipino via Local Government Academy 

‘Listong Pamilya’ in Baguio City is a joint initiative of the Department of Interior Local Government Agency (DILG) and the Clinical Counselling and Stress Management International (CCSM).

Read article on Launching of “Listong Pamilya” here.