#PlanAhead: What to do during typhoons?

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

29 Sept 201701:37

Summary

TLDRThe Philippines, a tropical country, faces 20 typhoons annually, particularly from June to October. To prepare for storms, ensure you have a go-bag for evacuation, sufficient supplies for power and water outages, and a family communication plan. Keep your phone charged, minimize refrigerator openings to preserve food, and avoid flying glass by staying away from windows. Stay informed through media for weather updates and emergency instructions. Be aware of your evacuation route and know the numbers to contact in case of emergencies.

Takeaways

☔️ The rainy season in the Philippines typically spans from June to October.
🌀 As a tropical country, the Philippines experiences about 20 typhoons annually.
🏠 Prepare a go-bag for evacuation purposes, including essential supplies.
🔋 Ensure you have sufficient power and water supplies for several days in case of loss.
📱 Always keep your cell phone charged for emergency communication.
❄️ Set your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting to preserve food in case of power outage.
🚫 Stay away from windows to avoid injury from flying glass during storms.
📺 Monitor media for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
🚶‍♂️ Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters due to the risk of being knocked down or the water being electrically charged.
🗺️ Know your evacuation route and have a family emergency plan in place.

Q & A

When does the rainy season occur in the Philippines?
-The rainy season in the Philippines occurs from June to October.
How many typhoons does the Philippines typically experience each year?
-The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons every year.
What is the importance of having a go-bag prepared for evacuation in the Philippines?
-A go-bag is important for evacuation because it ensures you have enough supplies in case of loss of power and water for several days, and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
Why is it crucial to have a family emergency communication plan during storms in the Philippines?
-A family emergency communication plan is crucial to designate a meeting spot in case of an emergency and to ensure everyone knows how to contact each other.
How should you prepare your cell phone for potential power loss during a storm?
-You should always charge your cell phone to have a full battery in case you lose electricity.
What should you do with your refrigerator or freezer before a storm to preserve food?
-Turn the refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary to make food last longer if power is lost.
Why is it advised to stay away from windows during a storm?
-It is advised to stay away from windows because flying glass from broken windows could cause injury.
How can you stay informed about the latest weather updates and emergency instructions during a storm?
-Monitor the media to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
What dangers are associated with walking or driving through floodwaters?
-Walking or driving through floodwaters can be dangerous as the water may knock you down, sweep your vehicle away, or be electrically charged, and it may hide dangers to breathe.
Why is it important to know your evacuation route during a storm?
-Knowing your evacuation route is important so you can safely leave the area if necessary, and a map can be handy for this.
What should you do to be prepared for emergencies during a storm in the Philippines?
-To be prepared for emergencies, make a family emergency plan, know the numbers you should contact for emergencies, and ensure you have a go-bag with supplies.

Outlines

00:00

🌀 Preparing for Typhoons in the Philippines

The rainy season in the Philippines, which occurs from June to October, is a period when the country experiences around 20 typhoons annually. To prepare for such storms, it is crucial to have a go-bag ready for evacuation, sufficient supplies for potential power and water outages, and a family emergency communication plan. It is also advised to keep cell phones charged, set refrigerators to the coldest setting to prolong food storage in case of power loss, and avoid opening them unnecessarily. Staying away from windows to prevent injuries from flying glass and monitoring media for weather updates and emergency instructions are also essential. Additionally, it is important to know your evacuation route and have a plan in place for contacting emergency services.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Rainy Season

The rainy season, also known as the monsoon season, is a period characterized by frequent and heavy rainfall. In the context of the video, the rainy season in the Philippines occurs from June to October, which is a critical time for residents to prepare for potential storms and typhoons. The video emphasizes the importance of being prepared during this period by having a go-bag and emergency supplies ready.

💡Typhoons

Typhoons are tropical cyclones that occur in the western Pacific Ocean. The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons annually, making it crucial for residents to be prepared for the potential devastation these storms can cause. The video script highlights the need for preparation and safety measures during typhoon season.

💡Go-Bag

A go-bag, or emergency preparedness kit, is a portable collection of essential items one may need in the event of an emergency. The video script advises preparing a go-bag in case of an evacuation, emphasizing the importance of having supplies readily available for unexpected situations.

💡Power Outages

Power outages refer to the loss of electrical power, which can occur during severe weather events like typhoons. The video script mentions the need to prepare for power outages by ensuring that there are enough supplies and that cell phones are charged, as these can be critical during and after a storm.

💡Flooding

Flooding is the overflow of water that submerges land which is usually dry. The video script warns about the dangers of flooding during the rainy season and advises residents to prepare for the possibility of being unable to leave their homes or navigate blocked roads due to floodwaters.

💡Emergency Communication Plan

An emergency communication plan is a strategy that outlines how individuals or families will communicate with each other during an emergency. The video script stresses the importance of having a family emergency communication plan and designating a meeting spot in case of an emergency, ensuring that everyone knows how to reach each other.

💡Cell Phone

A cell phone is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio link while the user is within range of a cell tower. The video script advises keeping cell phones charged to ensure that they are available for communication in case of an emergency when the power may be out.

💡Refrigerator and Freezer

Refrigerators and freezers are appliances used to store food at low temperatures to prevent spoilage. The video script suggests setting them to the coldest setting to prolong the life of food in case of a power outage, as opening them less frequently helps maintain the cold temperature inside.

💡Storm Cellars

A storm cellar is a reinforced below-ground shelter designed to protect occupants from severe weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. The video script advises closing storm cellars during a storm and staying away from windows to avoid injury from flying glass, which is a common hazard during severe weather.

💡Media Monitoring

Media monitoring involves keeping track of news and updates from various media sources. The video script encourages monitoring the media for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions, which is crucial for staying informed and safe during a storm.

💡Evacuation Route

An evacuation route is a planned path or direction for people to follow when they need to leave an area due to an emergency. The video script emphasizes the importance of knowing one's evacuation route and having a map handy, which can be a lifesaver during a storm when quick and safe departure is necessary.

Highlights

Rainy season in the Philippines occurs from June to October.

The Philippines experiences around 20 typhoons annually.

Prepare a go-bag in case of evacuation.

Ensure sufficient supplies for several days without power and water.

Establish a family emergency communication plan.

Designate a meeting spot for family in emergencies.

Keep cell phones charged for emergency communication.

Set refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to preserve food in a power outage.

Minimize opening the refrigerator or freezer to extend food preservation.

Close storm cellars and avoid windows to prevent injury from flying glass.

Monitor media for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters due to risks of being knocked down or swept away.

Be aware that floodwaters may be electrically charged or hide dangers.

Know your evacuation route and have a map ready.

Create a family emergency plan and keep emergency contact numbers handy.

Disasters don't plan ahead; be prepared to act quickly.