MANDALUYONG CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard "Dick" Gordon is alerting the people to stay vigilant and prepare for the coming storm as Typhoon Odette (Rai) enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week.

According to PAGASA forecasts, "Odette" may reach a maximum strength of 155 kilometers per hour. With this in mind, the PRC shares reminders on how we can stay safe before, during, and after a typhoon.

"I want to remind everyone to keep your guard up. Protect and save your families. It is best to always predict, plan, prepare, and practice. These are vital steps towards safety and disaster resilience,” said Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon.

Before the typhoon
-Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare foods that need not be cooked
-Keep flashlights, candles, and battery-powered radios within easy reach

-Examine your house and repair its unstable parts
-Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report
-Harvest crops that can be yielded already
-Secure domesticated animals in a safe place
-For fisher folks, 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 lighted 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

Further, the PRC is also prepared to respond as they have geared its local chapters.  According to the PRC Disaster Management Services, all rescue vehicles, logistic hubs, and emergency response units are ready for situations like this.

As the country's premier humanitarian organization, the PRC is committed to providing quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.

"We will continue to be at the forefront of rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as our 143 volunteers nationwide are placed on alert 24 hours a day to monitor their respective areas," Gordon added. ( Philippine Red Cross)