Filipinos are known for being resilient in the face of storms.

It comes with living in a natural

disaster-prone country like the Philippines—we’re so used to dealing with it. Every time a typhoon hits
your area, you’ve got no other choice but to remain strong no matter how badly you’re affected.

Resilience is an admirable trait that helps us withstand tough situations. But have you ever
considered being steps ahead of any disaster?

Typhoon preparedness should be the Filipinos’ way of life to minimize the impact of disasters on
lives and properties. The Philippine Red Cross encourages Pinoys to always keep in mind the four Ps
of disaster management: predict, plan, prepare, and practice.

Protect yourself, your family, and your home against the adverse impact of an impending
typhoon in the Philippines. Keep in mind the following tips from the Red Cross, Office of Civil Defense,
Department of Health, and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on
what to do before, during, and after a typhoon.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE A TYPHOON?

1. Store an adequate supply of food and clean water
2. Prepare foods that need not be cooked.
3. Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.
4. Examine your house and repair its unstable parts.
5. Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
6. Harvest crops that can be yielded already.
7. Secure domesticated animals in a safe place.
8. For fisher folks, place boats in a safe area.
9. Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, etc.

WHAT TO DO DURING A TYPHOON?

1. Stay inside the house.
2. Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
3. If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with cover.
4. Keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps.
5. Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted and contracting diseases.
6. If there is a need to move to an evacuation centre, follow these reminders.
7. Evacuate calmly.
8. Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
9. Put important appliances and belongings in a high ground.
10. Avoid the way leading to the river.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TYPHOON?

1. If your house was destroyed, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.
2. Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house
3. Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water.
4. Report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.
5. Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding.
 An earthquake is a sudden and rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep
underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can happen without warning and result in injuries and
damage to property and roads. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, and landslides. If an earthquake
happens, protect yourself right away.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE?

 Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On with family and coworkers.

1. Drop: Drop wherever you are on to your hands and knees. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat,
make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover: Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for
shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach
better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital
organs.
3. Hold on: If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If you
can’t find a table or desk, cover your head and neck with both arms and hands. If seated and unable to drop
to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms, and hold on to your neck with both hands.
 Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, televisions, and objects that hang on walls. Store
heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
 Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get
separated.
 Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for at least three days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, and a
whistle. Consider each person’s specific needs, including medication. Have extra batteries and charging devices for
phones and other critical equipment. Do not forget the needs of pets and service animals.
 Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover
earthquake damage.
 Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse
during an earthquake.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?

1. Stay calm and stay put

2. Duck, cover and hold under somewhere stable (ex. desk or table)
3. Stay away from glass windows, shelves, and heavy and hanging objects
4. Exit the building only once shaking stops via stairs. Elevators are not to be used.
5. Evacuate to an open area away from trees, electric posts and landslide prone areas
6. If you’re in a moving vehicle, step out and move towards a safer area.
7. Avoid overpasses, slowly stop in an open area, and remain in your vehicle.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE?

1. Stay alert in the event of aftershocks

2. Check yourself and those in your surroundings are injuries and provide first aid. Prioritize
children, pregnant women, PWDs, and senior citizens*
3. For coastal locations, evacuate to higher ground immediately
4. Double check for toxic spills and flammable chemicals
5. Stay out of buildings until advised
6. Check for water, electrical, gas, or LPG leaks and damages
7. Stay updated through a battery-operated radio
8. If signal is not down, message loved ones of your state and where you are.