SUPER typhoon “Odette” is gone. One thing really stood out a day or two before it struck Western Visayas – local government units ordered the preemptive evacuation of people living I high-risk areas, and the people mostly obeyed. Thanks to the cooperation of everyone, in Panay Island the casualties were very negligible. Truly, disaster prevention starts long before a typhoon makes landfall.
We do not want to sound alarmist but we must remind citizens to prepare for typhoons all the time. Regularly monitor weather updates and advisories for evacuation. On the other hand, disaster preparedness and response agencies should be on alert for emergencies and concerned government departments must be ready to provide basic needs and relief items.
The Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook, a manual produced by the Committee on Climate Change in partnership with various government agencies, has outlined measures citizens must observe. 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.
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.
It is a must that citizens understand how they can contribute to making communities disaster-resilient and actually take part in such activities. And it basically starts at home. We won’t tire reminding everyone that most natural hazards turn into catastrophes because of lack of preparedness.
