MANDALUYONG CITY -- It is typhoon season once again and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is reminding the public of the importance of staying safe before, during, and after a typhoon.
"We should always be prepared to act immediately for any untoward incident, and to always keep in mind the 4 P’s that are vital steps towards safety and disaster resilience: predict, plan, prepare, and practice," PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard J. Gordon said.
Before the typhoon
•Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare food that need not be cooked.
•Keep flashlights, candles, and battery-powered radios within easy reach.
•Examine your house and make necessary repairs.
•Keep updated with the latest weather report.
•Harvest crops that can be yielded already.
•Secure domesticated animals in a safe place.
•For fisherfolk, place boats in a safe area.
•Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, a first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, etc.
During the typhoon
•Stay inside the house.
•Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
•If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with a cover.
•Keep an eye on lit candles or gas lamps.
•Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted and contracting diseases.
•If there is a need to move to an evacuation center, follow these reminders.
•Evacuate calmly.
•Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
•Put important appliances and belongings on high ground.
•Avoid the way leading to the river.
After the typhoon
•If your house was destroyed, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.
•Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house
•Watch out for live wires or outlets immersed in water.
•Report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.
•Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans, or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding.
"The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will continue to be at the forefront of rescue, relief, and recovery efforts when these natural and man-made events occur. Our 143 volunteers nationwide are placed on alert 24 hours a day to monitor their respective areas," Gordon adds. (Philippine Red Cross)
