Typhoon season is here, and we're all in for a wild ride. The weather can change drastically from one day to the next, making it crucial that you're prepared for anything that comes your way. This guide will help you prepare your home so that you are prepared in the event of a calamity or ease any worry!
Monitor weather reports.
Monitor the weather reports. It's important to know when to evacuate and when it's safe for you to stay at home, so monitoring the weather is essential.
It is also crucial to know your area's evacuation routes. If you're told to evacuate, make sure you know where the nearest shelter or emergency shelter is located--and don't forget about taking your pets.
Prepare for power outages ahead of time by stocking up on batteries and flashlights (and making sure they work).
Have a go bag ready.
A go bag is a container that contains important documents, cash, and first aid supplies. It should be large enough to hold all the items you need and kept in a place where everyone can find them. Also, consider having a waterproof one so the contents won't quickly be drenched by the rain.
You should have one for each member of your family. Put them all in the same place so it's easier to grab them when disaster strikes.
Here are ideas on what to place in a go bag:
Ready-to-eat food (chocolate, biscuits, canned goods)
Bottled water (1 gallon per person)
Extra clothes, rain gear, and blankets
Cellphones and power banks
Battery-operated radio
Flashlight and whistle
First-aid kit (for injuries and maintenance medicines)
Face masks
Alcohol
Important documents
Extra cash
Secure your home and loved ones.
If a weather update is up and your area is affected, secure your home by making sure windows and doors are closed tightly before impact and after it passes through the area. Store valuables in safe locations where they won't be damaged by wind or rain. Tie-down outdoor objects like patio furniture that could blow away with strong winds. Tape or board up any openings around pipes or vents, and make sure roof shingles are secure. Secure loose items on the roof of your home so they don't blow away during high winds. When it's safe to go outside after the storm, check for damage. Check your insurance policy and make sure you have enough coverage to cover repairs or replacement of damaged items.
Aside from securing the structure of your property, you must also prepare enough food and water supply as well as maintenance medicine.
It would help if you had a plan for your family. Designate a task for each family member if there is a need to evacuate. Make sure to stay in touch and designate a location where you will gather. Be prepared to evacuate if necessary, especially if you live in an area prone to flood or landslides. Your family's safety is more important than anything else, so don't let them stay home if they are in danger of being hurt by the typhoon!
If you reside in a low-lying neighborhood, park your vehicle in a higher location beforehand (such as a parking space at a mall).
Stay at home or prepare an evacuation plan.
If you live in a flood-free area or a safe community, please stay at home. But if you are advised to evacuate, remember to bring your pets with you! They will be safer with their owners than without them during an evacuation. If a pet is left behind and cannot be rescued before the typhoon hits land, it could die or be injured due to debris flying around outside and flooding inside your home.
If possible, consider getting an elderly relative or friend who lives alone on higher ground so they don't have to worry about being alone during this time of crisis and distress.
Learn emergency and survival skills.
Some criticalskills you can learn are cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound care, and cooking. Use these abilities in every scenario, including unconventional ones. When repairing things at home after a typhoon, basic carpentry, automobile repair, and electrical repair, as well as fundamental gardening, can be used.
Although this is one of the most common minor mishaps that we might experience everywhere, many people have no knowledge of how to properly clean and treat a wound. Although some wounds can be treated at home, remember to visit a doctor if the bleeding does not stop with direct pressure and lasts more than 20 minutes.
For other first-aid skills, the time when you had to hope that ancient herbal remedies would truly work is long gone. When we need assistance, we now have technology at our disposal. So make full use of your Google search! But still, be cautious about using a reliable source.
Keep a list of emergency hotlines.
It's essential to have a list of emergency hotlines for different emergency agencies. If you need to find out where your loved ones are and can't reach them, this is a good place to start looking.
If you're in danger, these numbers will help get you out of harm's way:
National Emergency Hotline: 911
Red Cross: 143 / (02) 790-2300
PNP: 117 / (02) 723-0401
NDRRMC: (02) 911-5061 to 65
You should also keep the numbers of your local fire station, police station, and disaster management.
Get an insurance plan.
If you have a home, business, or car that's important to you, get insurance. It's the best way to protect yourself against the unexpected and make sure that if disaster strikes your property, it will be repaired. Having insurance protection can provide you comfort during difficult times. Car insurance, life, and health insurance are a few essentials.
We hope you're ready for the next typhoon season! Remember to stay safe and be prepared. We've covered everything from stocking up on food and water to protecting your home against strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, and power outages. If there's anything else we missed, let us know in the comments below!
