The Philippines is one of the top nations with the highest annual risk of natural catastrophes.
As an archipelago with more than 7000 islands, Philippines is known for being vulnerable to
typhoons, one of the most frequent natural disasters in the world. As the Philippines is
situated in the typhoon belt and is close to the Pacific Ocean, it is subject to typhoons, floods,
and other natural disasters in addition to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other
recognized risks.
There are, on average, 20 typhoons every year, with five of them having the potential to be
devastating. In the Philippines, typhoons strike on the average of approximately 15 times
every year. That is why it is crucial to constantly be ready and prepared in case we face such
emergencies.
So, what is it that we need to do to prepare for an incoming Typhoon?
Here are 15 tips on what to do before, during and after a typhoon:
Before:
1. Planning before a disaster- Preparing ahead of a crisis is preferable. It is better to have
supplies packed and ready just in case. This will lessen the worry about what to do in the
event of a calamity.
2. Prepare and store up for your home/Prepare an emergency go bag in case of
emergencies- Prepare and stock your house as well as an emergency go bag in case of
crises. While putting together an emergency go bag, be sure to include crucial items like
the following on your checklist:
Food supplies that don’t need to be cooked and can last for a long period of time
and is easy to pop open.
First aid kit
Umbrella, raincoat, boots
Whistle
Radio and batteries
Clothes
Mask
map
Power bank
List of emergency hotlines
Water
Money
House keys
Cellphone/ mobile devices that is easy to carry.
Pocket tool set
Plastic bag
Flashlight/ portable lamps
Protective footwear
Blankets
Lighter
Toothbrush
Bible
Important documents
It is generally recommended to take up to 11 liters of water for each person, along with
enough food to sustain for a few days until relief arrives. Have these things on hand in your
houses as well. Lastly, confirm that the things that are stored are current.
3. create an evacuation plan-Make a note of the closest evacuation centers to
you and make sure you know how to get there using the safest path available. Be
prepared. It would be wise to practice those routes in advance to ensure your
safety.
4. create a list of emergency hotlines - Create a list of emergency phone numbers
and hotlines; it is preferable to write this list by hand rather than on a mobile
device. To prevent getting it wet, it is preferable if it is laminated. Be careful to
regularly update your list.
5. patch up unnecessary damage- Update your house equipment. Inspect your
properties to see if anything needs to be fixed.
6. stay updated- routinely monitor the news or other reliable sources for
impending typhoons or other catastrophic risks.
7. Fill up your tank- Make sure that your car or vehicles gas tank is full at all
times.
8. Evacuate and go to shelter - If the government or the press advises you to
evacuate, don't hesitate to take action. Don’t wait for the typhoon to strike
before you act.
9. apply what you’ve learn- Don't be scared to ask for guidance from
acquaintances or professionals. if there are seminars or videos about what to do
before, during and after a typhoon, make sure to apply it immediately.
During a typhoon.
10.Secure your home- Check to see that everything has been unplugged before
you leave and unhook all the electricity. Moreover, be careful to verify that
your stove is fastened and your windows secured. Make sure to lock the door
before you leave your house.
11.Stay calm- Although feeling uneasy is common, panicking won't solve your
problems, thus we must suppress our feelings and concentrate on what
needs to be done. This is the most crucial thing to do during a disaster.
After a typhoon:
12. Be vigilant and alert- Once a typhoon strikes, there might still be aftershocks.
It is advised to stay indoors until the government or PAGASA issues the all-
clear.
13. Avoid unsafe places- Following a typhoon, there may be dangerous things
around, like downed power lines, trees, contaminated waterways, and more.
Being cautious and avoiding certain areas is a good idea.
14.Don’t rush- when help arrives make sure to follow proper safety protocols.
15.Attend counseling/therapy- If you have had a traumatic occurrence, it is
advisable to get assistance right away to prevent things from getting worse.
It is hard to recover from a disaster especially if the damage done is severe, but it is not
impossible. So, to reduce the damage we must make early precautions and implement the
action in order for us to handle it properly.
