How to Prepare for a Typhoon?

Before the Typhoon:

• Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare foods that need not be cooked.
• Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.
• Examine your house and repair its unstable parts.
• Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
• Harvest crops that can be yielded already.
• Secure domesticated animals in a safe place.
• For fisher folks, place boats in a safe area.
• Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, etc.

During the Typhoon:

• Stay inside the house.
• Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
• If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with cover.
• Keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps.
• Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted and contracting diseases.
• If there is a need to move to an evacuation center, follow these reminders:
  • Evacuate calmly.
  • Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
  • Put important appliances and belongings in a high ground.
  • Avoid the way leading to the river.

After the Typhoon:

• If your house was destroyed, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.
• Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house.
• Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water.
• Report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.
• Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding.

You can also do the following suggested tips:

Plan Ahead

1. Determine whether you can remain in your home during the typhoon. You may be able to ride out a weak typhoon with a small storm surge but will need to evacuate for stronger storms. Listen for warnings from your local officials or weather personnel in situations where evacuation is ordered. Note the evacuation routes and plan to leave early.

2. Make lists of television and radio stations where you can get storm information, phone numbers to call in case of emergencies and locations of storm shelters. Get directions for the emergency shelters.

3. Designate a location for you and your family members to meet if you get separated and the number of an out-of-state relative to call to say everyone is safe. That out-of-state person starts the phone tree to others on your list after learning you are okay.

4. Find a place to take your pets where they will be safe if you have to evacuate. Most storm shelters won’t allow pets.

5. Remember to shut off electricity, water and gas to your home before evacuating.

Assemble a Typhoon Kit:

6. Pack food that doesn’t have to be refrigerated or cooked along with disposable plates, bowls, forks, knives and spoons. Each person and pet in the home should have enough to eat for three days.

7. Store water. Each person needs three gallons of clean water to drink and to use for washing. Pets also need water.

8. Add flashlights, oil lamps, lanterns and candles, along with extra batteries, matches and fuel.

9. Include a first aid kit in your typhoon kit.

10. Remember to pack board games, card decks and a battery-operated radio.

11. Throw in a box of garbage bags and paper towels.

Pack Your Bags:

12. Pack a small bag or backpack for each person in the home. It should include clothes and toiletries for three days.

13. Bundle a blanket and pillow for each person and place them in garbage bags (to keep them dry) to take along if evacuating.

14. Include a small bag of photos and documents you can’t afford to have destroyed, such as wills and wedding albums.

15. Place everyone’s bag and bed bundle near the door so they can be quickly loaded into the car if you decide to evacuate. Fill the car with gas.

Tips & Warnings:

1. Consider using citronella candles or oil to help repel insects. Most typhoons occur during warm weather and you will want to open your windows or even spend evenings outdoors until electricity is restored.

2. If you can, store two weeks worth of food and water.

3. Make sure that everyone has something to wear in warm weather, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes that will protect their feet from debris.

4. Be careful when using lamps, lanterns and candles. Some lamp and lantern fuel isn’t safe to use indoors and candles can be knocked over, starting fires.

Sources: Cebu City PIO, www.ehow.com, www.allvoices.com