The rainy Season is back again. The heavy downpour has already caused floods in several areas and it is just getting started. We can expect more rains to come, more floods to swamp us and winds that can send us flying. Despite the fact that it is a yearly occurrence, the punishing heat of summer makes us forget the storms that inevitably come and the preparations that we, Filipinos, should do.
Keep Up to Date with the News
Don't be stupid. We live in a time when humans send satellites above the sky in order to look down at the clouds. When we need news about the weather right now, then the best place to go is the Philippines official weather source PAG-ASA . The agency now also monitors several water reservoirs in order to predict floods more accurately. If there is any reason to be scared about the weather then PAG-ASA will warn us about it.
Home Preparations
Preparing your home will protect tou and your family from the worst of the dangers of storms and floods. Filipinos living in Nipa Huts will reinforce their homes with wood in order to prevent it from being blown away. Urban dwellers with their concrete apartments needn't worry about that but the danger of leaks are the same for both homes. Make sure the roof will keep you dry. It's also a good idea to check and clear storm drains and gutters to lessen the possibility of flood. Keep anything you need to repair your home handy, like waterproofing, plastic sheeting, lumber, etc. Don't forget the hammer, nails, (duct) tape, etc.
Store Emergency Supplies
Now that your primary protection from the storm should be okay, make sure that you and your family can live through it. Store emergency rations of food and water. Remember to buy extra batteries and candles. You may not get the chance to leave during a storm.
Create a First Aid Kit
During a storm anything can happen. A strong gust of wind can smash your window and cut your family. Flood waters can bring diseases if it doesn't ruin your houses. For this kind of emergencies remember to stock up on supplies for giving first aid like:
first-aid manual
sterile gauze pads of different sizes
adhesive tape
adhesive bandages in several sizes
elastic bandage
a splint
antiseptic wipes
soap
antibiotic ointment
antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
hydrocortisone cream (1%)
paracetamol
extra prescription medications
tweezers
sharp scissors
safety pins
calamine lotion
alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
thermometer
flashlight and extra batteries
a blanket
Keep a list of emergency numbers
Do you know the emergency numbers that you can call? If you do, can you remember it when an emergency does arise? Most people couldn't due to panic. Write those numbers down and keep it near the device where you call. Keep it by your landline phone or add it to your celphone's address book. Here is a list of some important ones:
Emergency Services 117 (911 or 112 redirects to 117)
National Development Coordinating Committee- 911-1873, 912-5296, 912-2665
Red Cross- 143, 527-0000
Metro Manlia Development Authority- 136
Coast Guard- 527-6136
Bureau of Fire Protection, National Capital Region 729-5166, 410-6254, 413-8859, 407-1230
Bureau of Fire Protection, Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline (045) 9634376
MERALCO, Manila Electric Company (632) 631-1111
Be Prepared to Move
Bad things happen. And if the worst should come, you and your family should be ready to leave immediately. Prepare a bag with clothes, food, water and other necessities. Valuable belongings should be kept in a secure box inside the home or left at the safety deposit box in the bank beforehand. Avoid bringing baggage that takes that replaces space that could be used for things that are essential to survival. But remember to bring cash. If you have car, keep it fueled for easy evacuation. Prepare an inner tube or life preserver for the inevitable flood.
Keep safe this rainy season.
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