The country's state weather bureau declared the onset of the rainy season in June. But another weather phenomenon, La Niña, is expected to trigger more heavy rains, which can lead to floods and landslides.
 |
PAGASA satellite image of Typhoon Carina |
Emergency tips, hotlines to call
Just this week, numerous areas across the country, particularly in Metro Manila, have experienced strong winds and devastating rains due to Typhoon Carina and enhanced habitat, causing waist-deep floods as well as disrupting power and water supplies.
As climate change leads to stronger storms, we at GIZGUIDE prepared some emergency tips our readers can practice before, during, and after a typhoon.
Before the typhoon
1. Ready an emergency bag - It's best to be prepared in case you need to evacuate to safer places immediately. What should you include in the bag? Fill it with extra clothes, medicine, food, important documents, and keys.
2. Stock up on supplies - Some establishments may get flooded or opt not to open, so it is better to secure food and drinking water for every family member, enough for a few days.
3. Safety plan for your pets - No one should be left behind, even your pets. Make sure you have your contact details on your pet’s collar. Bring them inside your home if you reside in a less flood-prone area.
4. Make sure you have cash - Although it is convenient to use online banking, telco services may get disrupted due to heavy rains.
5. Charge your devices - Expect power outages during strong signal warnings. Make sure your smartphones, power banks, portable fans, and lights are fully charged.
During the typhoon
1. Remain calm - Staying calm will help you make good decisions, and act quickly and decisively.
2. Keep flashlights, candles, and battery-powered radios near you - Just like what we mentioned, electricity may be cut during calamities.
3. Secure pets in a safe place - Again, not only members of your household must be kept warm and safe. Ensure your pets are in a safe area.
4. Stay home if your area is not flooded, or go to the nearest evacuation center identified by your local government. Don’t ignore warnings and mandatory evacuation issued by authorities as they could save your life.
5. Don't forget to drink water. If you don’t have access to clean drinking water, boil water for at least 20 minutes.
6. Don't walk or drive through flooded areas, especially flowing water - Not only you are vulnerable to electrocution and water-borne diseases, but the water may be deeper which can lead to drowning.
After the typhoon
- Make sure that your house or building is stable.
- Watch out for live wires. Report fallen electric posts.
- Listen and read the news to stay updated.
Here are some hotlines you can contact during emergency situations:
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
911-1406 / 912-2665 / 912-5668
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council- Local
(02) 8-355-1142 / (02) 8-355-1143 / (02) 8-355-1144 / (02) 8-355-1145 / (02) 8-355-1146
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
(02) 8426-0246 / (02) 8426-0219
Department of Health (DOH)
(02) 711-1001 / (02) 711-1002
Philippine National Police (PNP)
117 / (2) 8722-0650
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
(877) 624-7707
Philippine Red Cross
143
Hopeline
1553(Luzon-wide) / +63966-351-4518 / +63917-899-8727
National Poison Management and Control Center
(02) 8727-0000
Philippine Coast Guard Action Center
(02) 8-465-5555
Stay safe and dry this rainy season!
Post a Comment