Typhoon Ondoy has been so devastating not only to those who were victims of flood in Pasig, Rizal and some parts of Metro Manila, but to all of us as a country. It really breaks my heart to see on tv and here in Malacañang, where some evacuees are presently being accomodated, how damaging Ondoy was to Filipinos.
A father and his son walking their way to a safer place during typhoon Ondoy (Photo Source)And now, another typhoon is expected to come into the country and is said to be a stronger one, being a super typhoon, than Ondoy. This super typhoon, Pepeng, has 175 to 21o kph of winds (Ondoy has only 85) and categorized in Hurricane 5 strength.
.
During times like this, we have to really be prepared. Here is a list of things of what we should have before, during and after calamities like this.
1. Food. Always make sure you have enough food supply in your storage during typhoons. Grocery and sari-sari stores might close if floods get in the way. Cooked, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat foods, like canned goods, noodles, oatmeal and biscuits, are must-haves.
2. Water. When electricity is cut and/or there is a flood already, authorities might also cut the supply of water. It is better to stock clean and potable water for the whole family's consumption until the supply resumes. Note that during times like this, people badly need food, water and other essentials, so better buy them ahead of time before they run out of stock.
3. Emergency Lights. Rechargeable lights and batteries, as well as candles, lighters and matches, are also essential. Prepare for brownout and blackout situations.
4. Medicines and First Aid Kit. Always keep a medicine box and first aid kit section at home. Sickness, disease and other emergencies might happen in the middle of a storm. It would be better if you have stocks of medical supplies in your house so you can treat yourself and other family members even without the presence of a doctor. However, you should be careful and responsible in giving medications. Make sure you know what you are doing. Making a list of the items and their prescriptions is highly recommended.
5. Emergency Hotlines. Yes, it is important to take note of emergency hotlines and mobile numbers of departments and individuals to call in case of emergency. Keep a copy of the contacts' list, including police, fire protection, coast guard, hospitals, some local officials in your area, and other forces who can help you in times of need.
6. Life Vests/Rubber Boats (if any)/other Life-Saving and Floating Devices. Expect heavy amount of rainfall and floods. Learn the lessons from Ondoy and get your life savers up for grab.
I hope that I were able to help you with these tips. This is just a short list of essentials during a storm. There are many other things that we need to think about and do to ensure our safety. Let us all be diligent, responsible, cautious and firm in making our decisions - for ourselves, for our families and for our kababayans.
~~~~~
If you think that I miss something here, feel free to comment on this post and add your tips, suggestions, advice and reactions regarding typhoon essentials. Thank you and let us all be safe.
2 comments: