Since the Philippines is located along the Pacific typhoon belt and on the "Pacific Ring of Fire," this means that the country experiences different forms of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, typhoons, floods, and landslides. In the Philippines, experiencing natural calamities, especially typhoons, is not new to every Filipino. They've learned to be more prepared to face such events.
Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, Typhoon Rolly in 2020, and Typhoon Odette, which became the strongest storm of 2021, are considered one of the strongest and biggest typhoons that hit some areas in the Philippines and left severe damage. The rainy season in the country can be unforgiving, and all are affected; even those living in a condo in the Philippines are not exempted from the costly and stressful damages that a typhoon can bring.
Calamity Preparation: Typhoon Preparedness Tips and Reminders
To avoid these unfortunate circumstances, the best way to do this is to have proper management and learn how to prepare for a typhoon and other natural disasters. Preparing is the best way to lessen the damages, destruction, injuries, and loss of lives. First, here are some tips and reminders on how to prepare for a typhoon in the Philippines.
Before jumping into the tips and reminders, here's a checklist of important things you should prepare upon hearing the reports of an upcoming typhoon in the country or even other calamities mentioned above.
Food and Water
Store only non-perishable food. Easy open cans are highly recommended in times of calamities like a typhoon. Canned goods like tuna, beans, sausage, etc.; biscuits or power bars such as protein or granola bars; dried fruit, and crackers are some of the recommended non-perishable food. Hard sweet candies (not mint or gum-based) and canned juice are recommended in case of hypoglycemia. Disposable plates and utensils should also be included in the list of important things you have to prepare. Food for three days should be sufficient for the consumption of every family member. Prepare clean water in clean airtight containers for drinking water, washing, and cooking.
SOS Kit
The SOS Kit should consist of a solar or rechargeable flashlight and batteries and an AM radio transistor with extra batteries; you may need this to monitor the weather condition and possible threats continuously. The kit should also consist of rope, glow stick, lighter, matches, candles, can opener or multipurpose knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting or garbage bag, sleeping bag and heating blanket, map, or you may opt to use your digital phone, and lastly, pen and paper.
Personal Hygiene Kit
How to prepare for a typhoon? You should prepare your hygiene kit to make you still presentable; this includes bath and detergent soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary napkin, infant needs, clothing and undergarments, nail cutter, comb, and zip lock bags.
Special Needs
Typhoon preparedness or even in other calamities, to be able to have or prepare for medicines is important. For special needs, prepare medicine for all (children and elderly), and also prepare an emergency case. You also have to prepare spare eyeglasses, mosquito nets, and toys or books for children.
Copies of Important Documents
Under the important documents, you have to prepare a copy of your family members' passports and certificates, titles and contracts, directories and addresses of relatives and friends, a family disaster preparedness plan, and the emergency hotline.
Tips and Reminders: How to Prepare for a typhoon?
Before the typhoon
Be updated with the latest weather reports.
In times of a calamity such as a typhoon, it is essential to keep yourself updated most of the time with the latest weather reports. The best starting point to prepare you and your family during this time is by staying informed with the announcements and warnings.
Make communication plans.
Establish the whereabouts of all family members (always keep your mobile phones charged). Always keep in touch with your loved ones, but always have Plan B in communication in case the coverage of your mobile phones disappears during the storm. Prepare a list of national and local emergency hotlines to call too.
Prepare supplies and disaster gear.
In typhoon preparedness, preparing supplies and disaster gear should be on top of your list on how to prepare for a typhoon in the Philippines, or even if you're in another part of the world, you should keep this in your mind.
Protect property.
Trimming trees, covering windows, and securing your roofs are some of the ways to secure your property before the storm hits.
Obey evacuation orders
On preemptive evacuation, follow instructions from government officials. Prepare yourself to move away from unsafe areas for you and your family. As soon as possible, evacuate calmly. Do not wait to worsen the situation before you decide to evacuate.
During the typhoon
Secure yourselves and stay in a safe place.
After the typhoon
Stay alert
Always continue to be alert to the possible circumstances. Avoid contracting diseases and being electrocuted through a flood. Watch out for outlets and live wires that are immersed in water before you enter your house, even if it is destroyed or not. Make sure that this should be stable first, for your and your loved one's safety.
Ways on How to Prepare Your Condo for a Typhoon
As mentioned above, even those living in a condo in the Philippines are affected by the calamity. Here are some ways how to prepare your condo for a typhoon.
Check your electrical system.
Power outages and electrical problems are likely to occur during a typhoon. Ensure to check your condo's electrical wires and sockets that are vulnerable to water. Unplug electronic appliances and switch your line off to avoid overloading circuits and damage.
Ensure your unit is free of leakages
Around your condo unit, ensure for any plumbing problems. Unchecked leakages can worsen during a typhoon. Moreover, to have the damages repaired can cost you more money.
Save emergency hotlines on your mobile phones.
Despite being damage-proof, there may still be unforeseen circumstances in your condo that you can come across after the typhoon. Keep a list of important emergency contact, especially family members, to update them with your current situation and vice versa.
Know your exit
As a unit owner, the best that you can prepare to be safe in different calamities is to familiarize yourself with your condominium's emergency plans. This can help you to take the most efficient and safest way out. Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and evacuation plans of your condominium, which usually are installed on all floors.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
