Essential Typhoon Preparedness Tips: Staying Safe and Ready in the Philippines

The Philippines is a typhoon-prone country, so it is no longer a surprise when landslides and flooding affect parts of the country during the monsoon season. Typhoons form when winds collect moisture in warm water (like the oceans), then rise while colder air moves underneath. This movement creates pressure, causing the winds to spin around a center called the eye. When the gathered water lands, strong winds carry it around, resulting in a powerful storm condition we call a typhoon.

How to Plan for a Typhoon:

While typhoons are a regular scene in the Philippines, we need to stay prepared always for its eventuality.  Here are some things to remember:

1. Stay Informed. Regularly monitor weather forecasts and updates from reliable sources like PAGASA or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Understanding color-coded warning helps in making timely decisions.

2. Create an Emergency Plan. Have a clear plan with your family for what to do if water levels start to rise in your area. Agree on a meeting place, decide on exit routes, and ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit. Your "Go Bag" should include bottled water, non-perishable food like canned goods, hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes), a flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, extra batteries, emergency tools, mosquito repellent, a first aid kit, any necessary medications, and a change of clothes and footwear.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Risks. Pay attention to NDRRMC’s advisories, and when a warning turns yellow, consider staying indoors or prepare to evacuate if water tends to rise in your area. Once warnings are orange, local authorities may activate evacuation procedures.

5. Secure Your Home. People living in flood-prone areas should secure loose objects outside, such as antennas and outdoor furniture, as they can become projectiles in strong winds.

6. Inspect After the Typhoon. Once it's safe, check for damage to your property. Document any damage with photos, and promptly report it to your insurance provider if your policy covers it.

7. Know Your Evacuation Zone. Whether at home or in a safe shelter, stay clear of areas prone to flooding or landslides. Avoid areas with flying debris or dangerous objects, and, if possible, cancel all travel and outdoor activities until conditions stabilize.

Typhoons are a reality we must prepare for, and a proactive approach can protect both lives and property. By staying informed, having an action plan, and equipping ourselves with the essentials, we increase our resilience against these natural events. Remember, preparedness today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Stay safe, stay prepared!