DOH: Your Health During Typhoons or Heavy Rains

The Department of Health issued advisories on how to maintain or take care of one’s health during typhoons or heavy rains.

Typhoons and heavy rains, DOH said, may cause flooding which, in turn, can potentially increase the transmission of communicable diseases.

These include water-borne diseases (e.g., typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A); and vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue). Climate change affects the increase in the intensity of typhoons.

Water

Make sure drinking water is from a safe source.

When in doubt, boil water for 2 minutes or longer, or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe.

Food

Food should be well-cooked.

Leftovers should be covered and kept away from household pests.

Food waste should be disposed of properly.

Clothing

Keep yourself dry and warm.

Others

Consult a doctor at once if you, or any household member, have any sign or symptom of infection. This will help prevent the spread of infection in the evacuation area.

Common infections or diseases that may spread in an evacuation area include coughs and colds; acute gastroenteritis; skin and eye infections; measles; dengue; leptospirosis; and hepatitis A.

Do not allow children to wade in floodwaters to avoid diseases, such as leptospirosis.

Dispose all waste properly.

Maintain personal hygiene. Always wash your hands before and after eating and using the toilet.

Put safety first. Stay away from hanging wires and unstable structures.

Typhoons

Typhoons (tropical cyclones), also known as bagyo, hit the country around 19 times in a typical year. Typhoons bring strong winds and heavy rains resulting in flooding, great damage to crops, houses and buildings, and death due to accidents. Climate change affects the increase in the intensity of typhoons.

Coping with Typhoons Preparations for Typhoon

Tune into the radio or TV, or log on to the Internet, for regular updates on the weather.

Have an emergency kit ready. Fill a watertight box/container with canned goods, soda crackers, bottled water, and other ready-to-eat, non-perishable food items. Include a flashlight with extra batteries, transmitter radio with battery, mobile phone, blanket, and clothing.

During Strong Winds and Heavy Rains

Watch out for falling debris (roof tiles, signs, GI sheets, tree branches, etc.)

When inside the house or building, do not stay near the windows and watch out for broken glass.

Unplug all electrical appliances.

Do not get close to the riverbank or seashore.

During Floods

Evacuate to a higher ground.

Secure children on a higher ground or on a flotation device.

Wear a protective head gear or helmet while evacuating.

Use a rope to secure yourself.

Carry the elderly or sick on your back.

Watch out for open manholes or side ditches. Use a stick to check the safety around your feet when walking on flooded areas.

Call for Help Emergency: 911 (DOH)