Legarda Reminds Public on Typhoon and Storm Surge Preparedness

Senator Loren Legarda today reminded citizens on ways to prepare for a typhoon as Typhoon Ruby starts to affect more areas in the country.

Legarda 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, in partnership with various government agencies.

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.

Legarda also cautioned communities of possible storm surges.

Storm surge is a sudden rise in sea level above normal, causing big waves as a tropical cyclone approaches the coast. A storm surge can sweep the coastline, and can extend several kilometers inland.

What to do when expecting a storm surge

• Make plans for evacuating members of your family and yourself to higher ground before a storm surge takes place.
• Stay off the beach when a weather disturbance is approaching or exists in your community.
• Listen to the PAGASA Public Forecast/Warnings that are aired regularly. The storm surge warning is incorporated in the Domestic Bulletins.
• As soon as possible, evacuate to higher ground and stay away from beaches when a typhoon approaches your community.