It’s the month of July now, the Rainy Season has begun in the Philippines. The country is already shifting from the dry to the wet season....
It’s the month of July now, the Rainy Season has begun in the Philippines. The country is already shifting from the dry to the wet season.
In compliance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (July), Senator Loren Legarda today renewed her call to heighten disaster preparedness especially in local communities.
Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience, said that proactive strategies and the involvement of citizens are needed in strengthening the country’s defenses against natural hazards and climate change.
“Disaster prevention starts long before a typhoon makes landfall, before an earthquake happens or before a volcano erupts. Early warning and early action should be at the very heart of our efforts. Everyone should understand the risks we face and equip ourselves with preventive measures to lessen the impact of natural hazards,” she stressed.
Before a typhoon hits
To prepare for a Typhoon, you should take the following measures:
To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Know your surroundings.
Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecast.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn community Typhoon evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
Make plans to secure your property:
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
In a strong typhoon, A LOOSE OBJECT IS A MISSILE!
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
During a Typhoon
If a Typhoon is likely in your area, you should:
Listen to the radio or TV for information.
Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities (electricity) if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off LPG tanks
Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.
Because your family may not be together when a disaster strikes it is important to create a plan in advance. It is also essential to have a disaster supplies kit that includes basic items from your home that you may need in case of emergency.
In compliance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (July), Senator Loren Legarda today renewed her call to heighten disaster preparedness especially in local communities.
Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience, said that proactive strategies and the involvement of citizens are needed in strengthening the country’s defenses against natural hazards and climate change.
“Disaster prevention starts long before a typhoon makes landfall, before an earthquake happens or before a volcano erupts. Early warning and early action should be at the very heart of our efforts. Everyone should understand the risks we face and equip ourselves with preventive measures to lessen the impact of natural hazards,” she stressed.
Before a typhoon hits
To prepare for a Typhoon, you should take the following measures:
To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Know your surroundings.
Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecast.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn community Typhoon evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
Make plans to secure your property:
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
In a strong typhoon, A LOOSE OBJECT IS A MISSILE!
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
During a Typhoon
If a Typhoon is likely in your area, you should:
Listen to the radio or TV for information.
Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities (electricity) if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off LPG tanks
Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.
Because your family may not be together when a disaster strikes it is important to create a plan in advance. It is also essential to have a disaster supplies kit that includes basic items from your home that you may need in case of emergency.
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