Legarda Reminds Public on Disaster Preparedness: How to Prepare for Typhoons

Senator Loren Legarda today reminded citizens on ways to prepare for a typhoon as more areas have been placed under Public Storm Warning Signal No. 3 due to Typhoon Glenda, which is expected to make landfall within the day over Albay-Sorsogon area.

Legarda said that since the Philippines is regularly visited by typhoons, “we have to heighten our preparedness measures especially that we are now experiencing stronger typhoons due to the changing climate.”

She stressed that citizens, especially those in areas with public storm warning signals, should regularly monitor weather updates and advisories for evacuation; while disaster preparedness and response agencies should be on alert for emergencies and concerned government departments ready to provide basic needs and relief items for residents in temporary shelters and affected areas.

The Senator reminded citizens of measures to undertake based on the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, a manual produced by the Committee on Climate Change, which Legarda chairs, in partnership with various government agencies.

In areas under signal no. 3, winds of 101-185 kph are expected.

Residents in these areas are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas, and stay away from the coasts and riverbanks. The sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous to all sea crafts and travel is very risky, especially by sea and air.

People should watch out for the passage of the eye of the typhoon, indicated by a sudden occurrence of fair weather immediately after very bad weather. When the eye of the typhoon hits the community, people should not venture away from a safe shelter, because after one to two hours the worst weather will resume with very strong winds.

Classes in all levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong buildings, while disaster preparedness and response agencies are in action with appropriate response to actual emergency.

In areas under signal no. 2, winds of 61-100 kph are expected.

Residents in these areas are warned of coastal waters that are dangerous to small sea crafts. People, especially those travelling by sea and air, are cautioned to avoid unnecessary risks and outdoor activities should be postponed. Properties should be secured before the signal is upgraded.

In areas under signal no. 1, winds of 30-60 kph are expected.

Citizens in these areas, especially coastal communities, are warned of waves that may gradually develop and become bigger and higher. They are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA. Business may be carried on as usual except when floods occur.

What to do in case of typhoons

·      Stay indoors and keep calm.

·      Monitor TV and radio reports.

·      Secure your home.

·      Trim trees near dwellings.

·      Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

·      Go to the nearest designated evacuation center if your house is in a flood-prone area.

·      Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries.

·      Stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries, and first-aid supplies.

·      In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your home.

·      Stack furniture above the expected flood level. Keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances, and garbage beyond the reach of floodwaters.

·      Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs, and foothills. Rain can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides.

·      Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

·      Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood.

·      Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been flooded.